Qarib Qarib Single (2017) User Reviews

Irrfan Khan steals the thunder in this light-heart-ed comedy !!!

[ketgup83 · 8/10 · 11 November 2017]

Odd couples sometimes makes it an even watch. Audience loved pairing of Amitabh-Tabu in Cheeni Kum, Rahul Bose-Mallika Sherawat in Pyaar Ke Side Effects or Ranbir Kapoor - Konkana Sen Sharma in Wake Up Sid. More than the good-looks, I guess the chemistry between these pairing lit up the silver screen and so were the audience. Will the unusual pairing of Irrfan Khan and Parvathy Menon shine in Qarib Qarib Singlle ? Let us find out ..

Qarib Qarib Singlle tells the story of a divorcée Jaya (Malayalam film actress Parvathy Menon) who befriends the full-of-life, Yogi (Irrfan Khan), and agrees to accompany him on a road trip. Through the journey of fun ride, Jaya and Yogi realizes the true meaning of love.

Qarib Qarib Singlle marks a good comeback for Tanuja Chandra who made pretty popular dark and gritty 90's Dushman (Kajol and Sanjay Dutt) and Sangharsh (Preity Zinta and Akshay Kumar). Like her previous films, Tanuja Chandra chose the female character to be the protagonist. Though the film is narrated from the Jaya's point of view, it is the bindaas character of Irrfan Khan which electrifies the screen the moment he enters the scene. The immensely talented actor just pours in some superb witty one-liners that will bring down the house. The film is one hell of a ride in the first half while the second half scores well on melodrama. Despite some good hilarious scenes, the film does have its share of flaws and loses the track towards the end, especially the ordinary climax.

Tanuja Chandra does succeed in creating real-life characters that connects well with audience. The chemistry between Parvathy Menon and Irrfan Khan is simply superb and will engage you till the end. The romantic drama had add-on with tuneful songs, amazing cinematography which captures some exotic location of India right from Hrishikesh till Sikkim. Despite being her Bollywood debut, Parvathy Menon shows the confidence with her dialogues and expressions. Irrfan Khan is simply mind-blowing. This is second film this year after Hindi Medium where the actor does a fine job in comic scenes.

Overall, Qarib Qarib Singlle is a memorable trip that you should take. Good 3/5

Qarib Qarib Singlle Review

[AnishMisra · 8/10 · 16 February 2018]

Qarib Qarib Singlle is a film co-written and directed by Tanuja Chandra. The trailers looked promising and I was looking forward for this. Finally, when this film was a Tata Sky exclusive, I grabbed the chance of watching this film. And I can say, I am satisfied.

Plot: Jaya meets Yogi using a dating app and they both decide to go on a trip yo meet the ex-girlfriends of Yogi.

Story and direction; The film just focusses on 2 characters for most of the run-time: Jaya And Yogi. While Jaya is shown as a person who is quite hard on the outside but broken and lonely on the inside; Yogi is a person who is very much joyous no matter what the situation is. Normally when you have very limited characters in your story it becomes very difficult as you have to concentrate on those few characters and just make them so impressive that it leaves an impression in the audience's minds. This film is a perfect example of great character work. You seem to just get invested in our lead characters. Also the characters that appear throughout as supporting never feel out of place. Never for a second do you feel disinterested for the leading people of the story. The film is shot in various locations and it looks very much awesome on screen. Also a technique of breaking the fourth wall is used in this film (maybe a first for a hindi film), which was great. The jokes were so natural, it never felt forced like any other rom-com film. But the film has flaws. After a great first half, the film just meanders in the second half and there was a sudden shift in the tone of the film which distracted me quite a lot. Also the film has very few wide angle shots. I know that this is not an action film where there is a necessity of that. But still. This film is being made to be seen on the big screen. It feels kind of irritating to see the close up on the actors faces every time.

Performances: Irrfan time and again proves that why he is regarded as the best actor of this country. The ease with which he carries his roles is impressive to watch. Parvathy does an impressive job for a first timer. She gave quite tough competition to the seasoned Irrfan. Neha Dhupia was also good in the role she got. Rest others were impressive too.

Music: This film again uses the multiple music direction technique. But in the rarest of rare cases, this film has quite great songs that add to the narrative of the film. 'Jaane De' was my favorite track of the film.

Favorite Scene: It would be the first meeting between Jaya and Yogi. The quirky-ness is what made this scene stand out for me.

Verdict: Even with the flaws, the film is a decent watch. I had a great time with this film. Its quite sad that these films don't get the recognition they deserve.Please huys do support films like these.

I am going with an 8/10.

A gem of a movie!

[nikitabatta · 8/10 · 13 November 2017]

Seldom do you see such an incredible piece of cinema which takes your breath away right from the first moment. Qarib Qarib single is one such piece.

The movie starts with the female protagonist Jaya,a widow, battling with her loneliness of not having someone in her life and finally signing up on a online dating platform. The apprehension and confusion makes us realize how much of a taboo online dating is. After the initial struggle of cheesy, perverted responses, she finally receives a decent response from the male protagonist, Yogi. Enter Irrfan Khan, the free spirited Yogi with his "live your life to the fullest" attitude, incessant rants about his love life and of course life in general:). The movie takes us through their journey of meeting Khan's exes through Jaipur, Delhi and Gangtok.

The movie is beautifully shot through these locations capturing the essence of the journey. What saves this movie from becoming another cliché Rom-Com is the well nuanced characters of Jaya and Yogi, the effortless ease with which the actors portray them and the realistic direction.

What truly is inspirational after seeing this movie is the fact that it makes you subtly realize that everyone needs a companion to share their life with, to maybe share your deepest fears, insecurities and throw tantrums with. And the more important fact is one can find that someone anywhere and anytime. It is just about two people clicking together and discovering each other, finally "LIVING" life on your own terms and having a great journey.

Go to the theater for a fun filled and realistically emotional ride!

A Young Widow And A Poet

[ParomitaBardoloi · 7/10 · 7 June 2019]

Jaya a young window meets Yogi on a dating site. Both are polar opposites yet end up taking a trip together, to meet Yogi's ex- GFs. This is a beautiful movie. Vulnerable, comic and real. It will make you laugh and reflect. Irrfan Khan shines. So does Jaya.

Go for you. It will leave a smile on your face.

Wow Wow Wow, It's full of feelings

[faisalfaves · 9/10 · 29 August 2018]

You will love it if you are nostalgia lover. This movie is an example that without nudity and bad language, you can make a perfect movie that people like. Irrfan is amazing as always, the girl in the movie is also amazing. Your are going to love this movie, Watch it Right Now!

Quite an engaging romantic comedy

[Gordon-11 · 21 January 2020]

The story is quite engaging. Initially Yogi is very annoying, but in the middle Jaya becomes annoying. This switch keeps the film interesting.

A Light, Feel-Good Romance with Strong Performances

[nandidot · 7/10 · 11 November 2017]

A film I really enjoyed earlier this year was 'Hindi Medium.' Hilarious, moving, and boasting of strong performances it left a lasting impression. Watching the trailer of 'Qarib Qarib Singlle' reminded me of that in a way. Perhaps because seeing Irrfan in a comic avatar again brought back pleasant memories. So I ventured into the theatre hoping for a similar experience. Though I wasn't as impressed with Qarib Qarib Singlle as I was with Hindi Medium, this movie still managed to make me laugh and leave the theatre smiling.

Jaya is a 35 year old (she will tell you she's 33) widow who has a successful career, a loving family, and an otherwise boring life. On a whim she decides to try online dating and after a few obnoxious messages she connects with Yogi. Yogi, who is in all respects her complete opposite, annoys, surprises, and in his own unique way charms her enough that she continues to put up with him. A spontaneous decision leads them to travel the country in search of past loves. It's a very interesting premise. The characters travel in planes, trains, and taxis to different cities while discovering each other. Specific places aren't given much importance but the journey is still enjoyable.

The tone of the movie is consistently kept light and the dialogues, especially those delivered by Irrfan, are rib tickling. Director Tanuja Chandra strikes a balance between various themes including finding yourself, romance, and letting go of the past. For the most part, she does it successfully. Yogi's backstory seemed a tad weak…perhaps because Jaya's was so heavy. Nevertheless, some connect there would've helped the screenplay. Thankfully, Irrfan more than makes up for Yogi's deficits. His style of humor is one of a kind and doesn't leave any room for boredom. He's in fine form this time around as well. Parvathy, a South Indian actor making her debut in Hindi cinema, is compelling and takes to the character remarkably well. The leads' performances and the couple's banter make this an easy watch.

There wasn't much hype around Qarib Qarib Singlle. It released with little fuss relying on word of mouth to do the trick. So here's my mouth saying the words that this is a pleasant and feel good movie that finds its way into your heart. Give it a shot- and perhaps you'll figure out why 'Singlle' is spelled with 2 l's.

https://stuffiwatchblog.wordpress.com/

Qarib Qarib perfect!

[abhisainani-1 · 9/10 · 18 November 2017]

My mother really enjoyed this film and urged me to watch it. My high school friend is an assistant director of this film. Irrfan Khan is playing the lead in this film. Those were my reasons to watch the movie. But the movie pleasantly surprised me beyond my expectations! The sentiments and the comic timing is so wonderfully written in the screenplay. And though there isn't chemistry between the lead pair, the jodi of Jaya and Yogi feels real and kept me engrossed throughout the movie regarding the fate of the jodi. Most amazing thing about this film: Jaya looking into the camera and speaking her dialogues. It looks juvenile in the beginning but when the reason is revealed as to why she does it, I was deeply impressed! Overall a fun and emotional journey about moving on in life. Now that I think about it, "qarib qarib single" is a brilliantly chosen title for this movie. :)

Capsule Review: Qarib Qarib Singlle

[nairtejas · 6/10 · 18 November 2017]

If you are like me and are wondering if director Tanuja Chandra is really into superstitious nonsense for adding an extra "L" in "Single" in the title then let me calm you down by saying that it's a valid reference to the primary theme of the film. Other than being a honest yet dry attempt at mimicking the wildly popular Hollywood hit franchise, the "Before series" by Richard Linklater, Qarib Qarib Singlle is a surprisingly pleasant drama to watch. There is a lot of conversation going on here, which keeps you hooked, not because of the activity itself, but because of the nature of the conversation. You instantly connect with the protagonist, played slightly vigorously by Parvathy. Irrfan's effortless comedy is actually funny that even a tight-nosed Parvathy is not able to ignore in this film that talks about desolation, life adventures, and relationships that happen by chance. There is a lot going on here, some of which are way too explosive and heavy for the humorous plot. Neha Dhupia adds to the roughness in the second half but if you look at what the message the film tries to convey, it can be easily ignored. Just don't get bored during the second half and the lady who wrote Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) will make you feel good about life and will teach you to dread a life lived in suppression. There's an awkward try at creating the forth wall in Qarib Qarib Singlle, which albeit amateurish, is one more good reason to try the film out. TN.

Irfan Khan is just an absolute gem in cinema...

[indranujthakur · 10/10 · 27 September 2018]

Movie was just great and fun to watch. it is a light hearted movie with its sweet romantic comedy movie moments

A Pleasant Surprise!

[namashi_1 · 7/10 · 12 November 2017]

Tanuja Chandra returns to fine form with 'Qarib Qarib Singlle', her latest directorial effort. A charming & delightful Romantic-Comedy, that works on the idea of "opposites attract". Made with honesty & humor, the film also benefits from its leading-actors, of whom both, deliver wonderfully.

'Qarib Qarib Singlle' Synopsis: Yogi and Parvathy (Irrfan & Parvathy), who have polar opposite personalities and sensibilities, meet via a online dating app. This encounter turns into much more and the both end up going on a journey around India, where Yogi decides to reconnect with his ex-girlfriends.

'Qarib Qarib Singlle' is about exploring the person you like, whom you hope to end up in love with. Tanuja Chandra brings in much humor in the romance, with Irrfan's Yogi being a complete hoot. Parvarthy, on the other-hand, a widow, is subdued & restrained, a complete contrast to the easy-going, food-loving Yogi. The contrasting personalities of its leading-characters is what makes 'Qarib Qarib Singlle' work so well. Their conversations are never on the same page, their lifestyles are different & so is their approach to life, and yet they connect. Offering heart & soul, Yogi & Parvathy's journey turns out to be memorable.

Tanuja Chandra is in form this time, no doubts on that! She has handled this film with ease. The Screenplay, though not perfect, is well-done, offering some great humorous moments almost throughout as well as offering soul. Cinematography captures the picturesque beauty of India to perfection. Editing is crisp. Art & Costume Design are perfect. Music by Various Artists is good.

Performance-Wise: Irrfan & Parvarthy are a joy to watch. The ever-terrific Irrfan pitches in a comedic, relaxed performance, portraying Yogi to great effect. Parvarthy exudes genuine charm & warmth as Jaya. Also, Irrfan & Parvarthy share an excellent on-screen chemistry from start to end. Of the supporting cast, the Underrated Neha Dhupia & the Magnificent Brijendra Kala leave a mark.

On the whole, 'Qarib Qarib Singlle' is a fun watch. Go and enjoy!

Sweet and simple...

[ayushgarg-23565 · 9/10 · 11 May 2020]

Movie is deliciously delicious... watched this movie without any expectations and after ending i wish maybe movie should be little more...one of the sweetest rom com i watched... Irfan sir is brilliant as usual bt the lead actress is the surprising factor of movie she portrays her role very innocently...and the cameo done by neha dhupia is also very sweet...one time must watch...

Qarib Qarib Good

[adidpr · 6/10 · 12 November 2017]

First Published at https://myunwantedreviews.wordpress.com/2017/11/12/qarib-qarib- singlle-qarib-qarib-good/

Romance is a genre Indian cinema is quite fond of. Most of its movies revolve around the premises of love and love stories. Rarely a movie comes which gives a fresh perspective on this overused idea of Bollywood romance. Qarib Qarib Singlle is one such movie.

What makes it different is the fact that unlike usual romantic movies, the lead couple here is quite matured with its own worldview and different sets of sensibilities. They don't want to cross oceans for each other and fight with everyone to be together. They rather take the things slowly and take a road less travelled to reach their destination, quite literally. Instead of forgetting their past and move on, they explore it and find a future for themselves.

The best part of the film is its casting. Parvathy as Jaya is sensible and has quite a measured yet an open view of life. She is a 35-year-old-widow who lives alone, but that, at any point doesn't let her be any less. She is independent and has a stable job. She has a positivity involved with her not-so-heroin like vibe. You can connect easily with her and if anything left, she breaks the fourth wall on multiple occasions to connect directly with the audience. She hasn't been involved in any relationship for so long that her friend jokingly said that she could become a virgin again. That's when she reluctantly makes a profile on a dating website, and eventually meets Yogi through it.

Irrfan as Yogi is relatable. He is a 40-year-old single and a self- styled poet who has quite a relaxed attitude towards life. He is outspoken and master of his own life. As an unlike hero of a romantic movie, Yogi gives an impression that the guy next door can be a hero too. He is not easy to get used to but has a strange charm about himself. He doesn't think much and does what he feels like. One such decision is when he decides to meet his exes with whom he did a 'Jaanlewa and Ghanghor Ishq' and believes that they still love him the same way. And that's when the journey starts.

The first half of the film explores the lives of the lead pair and sets a good backstory for Jaya. Although she has lost her husband quite early, she isn't broken. Tanuja Chandra, who is returning after quite a long time doesn't paint a sympathetic portrait for Jaya, rather she paints her in all the colours she could use. Jaya is a loving, caring and free-willing lady who is always ready to help. On the other side, the film doesn't create a sizeable backstory for Yogi but take us on a trip to his past with all his antiques in the present. This half is a comedy of errors which paces smoothly in the forward direction with the amazing timing of Irrfan and an unadulterated innocence of Parvathy. It has the wit, some really funny moments and some picturesque locations to be in awe of, which are beautifully captured by Eeshit Narain. Kamna Chandra's dialogues and the way they have been delivered are the soul of the film, complemented perfectly with the soulful music.

For the entire duration of the first half, the film remains high on energy and seems to be building a strong plot to progress upon, but things don't go that way in the latter half. The high it reaches in the first half only looks like the top of bell curve from where it only starts to fall. Probably in the lack of a good screenplay, which surely has a freshness attached to it but it fails to connect the dots. It seems to be going slower than it should and becomes very predictable at one point. But even in the weak second half it manages to have a few good scenes. One of them involves amazingly talented Brijendra Kala in it and another is when they make a conversation in bed next morning, it's not how it sounds like but it was neatly directed and performed. Sadly, it doesn't translate entirely for the rest of the scenes. The movie has its moments but they are not evenly distributed.

Despite all its flaws and weaknesses here and there, the movie thrives on the amazing chemistry of its lead pair which makes the film charming even in its weakest moments. And the fact that it deals with a subject of an otherwise 'questionable' and marginally 'tabooed' behaviour of two adults in Indian society without being preachy and in the easiest way possible is commendable.

I'm not entirely disappointed with the movie but it certainly didn't live up to the expectations I had with it, especially after a brilliant trailer and a superb first half. I would neither say it was a bad movie, nor I would say it was good. It was qarib qarib good.

Film could not achieve even 20 percent of it's trailer

[dineshprakash · 3/10 · 9 November 2017]

Film's idea was fresh, even the casting but execution is unbearably slow. Film starts dipping after 15 minutes of beginning and finally sinks. Supposed to be a love story, has only one beautiful emotional scene which is, when male lead sleeps while conversing with female lead over intercom, leaving his night lamp on, which disturbs her sleep. She sneaks into male lead room to switch off light and notices that male lead is sleeping while holding hand set under his cheek. She tries to pull out hand set so he can sleep well which leads her palm stuck under his cheek. This is OK scene but witnessing film graph it was best one with tender moments. This scene is followed by most irritating scene of unnecessary quarrel between both for by mistake tripping by male lead into female lead room. A lady agrees to go with an almost stranger male to meet his ex-girlfriends, then male comes into her room unintentionally. He apologizes throughout the scene but she made it issue because it has to be interval point. Film travels to three cities but pace gradually comes to stand still. Two fantastic performers are wasted completely. Irrffan Khan is perfect. Parvathy as Jaya is first rate. She showcased her caliber in a pre climax scene, when she was left alone in a coffee shop and she emotes mixture of confusion, realization then tears roll down her cheek in a single mid shot.

Two middle-aged people (Irrfan Khan & Parvathy) who meet through a dating app, decide to go on a road trip to meet the former's ex-girlfriends.

[mariapnwl · 12 November 2017]

A widowed Jaya (Parvathy) meets Yogi (Irrfan) through one of those dating apps. The two characters are completely opposite to each other which make the story line very predictable however, it is the dialogues, especially the one liners from Irrfan Khan that not only prevents the film from becoming boring but also leaves you laughing and smiling throughout. The chemistry between the lead characters is believable, thanks to their fine performances that they have mastered all through the years.

Summing up, with Qarib Qarib Singlle, Irrfan Khan gives a memorable character and Parvathy, a relatable. The film is a fun ride and a heart-warming romantic comedy that you wouldn't mind watching more than once.

Rating 7/10

A sweet and simple Romcom

[Punter_Hunter · 7/10 · 23 February 2018]

Qarib Qarib single is sweet small film. It takes usual path where the love kindles during a road journey but here the characters are not young college guys but a 40 year old bachelor, Yogi - Irfan Khan and a widow played by Parvathy.

The movie starts with Jaya at wedding function of one of her friends, who met her groom on Tinder. Jaya, widowed 10 years back, is fighting loneliness and pestered by people around her. Though she was not sure or convinced about getting the right guy online but she decides to give it a try and makes an account on online dating portal where she meets Yogi who is carefree jovial guy.Both are diametrically opposite people and Jaya was not too keen to continue. After few dates,they decide to visit the ex-girlfriends of yogi to see whether they still remember him or not as is proclaimed by him which will be an excursion as well for both. This journey end up as life changing journey for both of them where they discover themselves, love and move on from their pasts.

Direction is nice, the movie has an authentic feel to it and the cinematographer has captured the natural beauty pretty well but could have been little fast in terms of pacing of the movie. Dialogues are quirky and funny. Story though thin line is carried on well by the lead pair. Irfan khan as usual is dependable and plays his part pretty well. Parvathy looked very cute and played her part of a complex, lonely and an independent girl pretty well. Music is just about OK.

All in all this movie won't make you dance, hoot or whistle but will pull a string at your heart and leave a smile on your face.

Will miss you irrfan sir

[sinhaabhinav-00498 · 8/10 · 7 May 2020]

Had a smile on face through its whole running time

Sweet.

[riddhimaakaritu · 6/10 · 9 May 2020]

Sweet. But the Parvarthy's voice "felt" dubbed. Irrfan was as effortless as always.

The best part of Qarib Qarib Singlle is that it makes a big play on the central relationship with an outlandish situation

[tlrg-legend · 8/10 · 12 November 2017]

Cinema has always been guilty of hard selling love with the passion of life and death far too often. It's as if any form of love can't be moderate, it has to be all blood and glory all the time. While that's certainly an easy way of selling the notion, real life relationships are a completely different ball-game all together. Seldom do real people kill or be killed for love. Mostly they're just confused. Mostly love happens, goes away or stays without saying much, without the dramatic brouhaha. That's what Tanuja Chandra's Qarib Qarib Singlle is all about. An unlikely couple make a big transition from online dating to travelling together. They have a spectacular and very funny trip. Their travelogue and bittersweet repartee make this movie so authentic and entertaining. This romantic comedy's insights into relationships both modern and conventional is just fantastic.

The story kicks off as Jaya (Parvathy) and Yogi (Irrfan Khan) meet through a dating website. The initial friction and contrast in personalities is soon overshadowed by interest and intrigue. He's the loud mouth North Indian while she's the classy South Indian who has a handle on social etiquette. He can't stop bragging about his exes while she quietly mopes around from losing her husband to the army. Outrageously they decide to visit all of Yogi's exes and find out if there's any truth to his tall claims. Her ulterior motives are revealed a bit later and that's when things get a but dramatic as expected.

The best part of Qarib Qarib Singlle is that it makes a big play on the central relationship with an outlandish situation. Which girl in her right mind will agree to travel to 3 different cities with a relative stranger? But Jaya does it and that journey becomes the acid test for both Yogi and Jaya to find out what the other person is all about. This slightly far-fetched but well-executed journey is the heart and soul of the film. Two distinct and seemingly incompatible individuals learn to appreciate and love the quirks of the other. And of course discovering a part of their own feelings through some really hilarious dialogue and experiences.

Irrfan doesn't ever disappoint with his acting efforts in a film, but with Qarib Qarib Singlle he's not just living up to his usual standards, he's busting the myths too. You don't need dapper lads with washboard abs and pretty faces to sell a romcom, a spirited 40-year-old can do the same with élan too. The way he makes Yogi a fun-loving character is just fantastic. His comic timing and eccentricities make this movie a treat. Parvathy brings a freshness and zest to Jaya's character. Whether she's breaking the fourth wall or instilling the film with indelible charm, the young actress adds zing to the film. Together Irrfan and Parvathy may look like an odd-couple but their effortless chemistry and the off-kilter romance works magic in this film.

The best moments of Qarib Qarib Singlle are the most understated and sublime ones. There are no 'jeene marne ki qasamein' no drama, just a casual, simple and very refreshing romance that says a lot without much effort. With solid writing and great performances, a perfect ambiance of Tinder-driven modern courtship this is definitely one of the best films of director Tanuja Chandra's career. A light but spectacularly adroit romantic comedy.

Really good first and second act. Poor thrid act.

[akhil027 · 6/10 · 3 October 2022]

It is far from being perfect. But the movie is so good until they meet Yogi's(Irfan Khan) second ex. The acting by both the leads are really good. But Parvathy's performance went out of control due to the poor writing at the last portion of the movie.

We get only a glimpse to what makes Yogi so charming. That's what's missing from the movie. We don't get to see how strong is the love of Jaya and Yogi either. The fourth wall breaking was unnecessary and made me cringe during the car scene and cafe scene.

I don't understand why would someone from some other state would speak in Hindi while they're talking to themself.

However, despite these flaws, it is worth watching.

Parvarthy did what most successful bollywood actors wouldn't

[The_Sonuverse · 9/10 · 13 January 2019]

It is not easy for a south indian actor/actress to show up in a decent hindi film with enough screentime to showcase themselves. nevertheless no actress would agree to make their bollywood debut with a character which is described as 35YO divorcee. But Parvathy did it and she stole the show. The storyline and narrative kept the whole film light-hearted as well as kept it organic with respect to the emotion following the characters. Irrfan khan is an ace when it comes to playing weirdo but here he completely nailed the character as a hearthrob. I might not watch this movie over and over again, but I can watch this movie any time and I wouldn't be bored... EVER

Lightly enjoyable

[srd-30659 · 6/10 · 13 October 2018]

One thing you can say about Qarib, is that it avoids an extra 'b; it ends before you want to say 'bye'. Another road trip movie, a widow and a blabbermouth, love along the way, some misunderstanding, some reconciliation before taking too long. Good for a pleasant evening. Irfan is as good as he ever is.

On Oscar Night, A Lesson in Real Cinema

[planet-20337 · 10/10 · 25 February 2019]

We're living at a time and in an almost universal culture in which every aspect of human action and interaction, from the globally grandest to the personally minutest, has been transmogrified by misanthropic social-engineering alchemists into weaponized propaganda designed to mobilize human society into a state of perpetual and, the misanthropes hope, violently fatal conflict. Spike Lee's ungracious, immature, public hissy fit after Green Book took the 2019 Best Picture Award is a case in point: significant numbers of people pushed to public enragement because a feel-good film about ordinary people transcending their differences and getting along, was deemed more deserving of a top accolade than a political propaganda tract designed to inflame resentments and perpetuate divides and hatreds while offering no conciliatory hope for the future. This is precisely why I've completely shut today's Hollywood out of my focus: because its product has devolved now exclusively into one of two morasses of either: mind-numbingly vapid, juvenile, eye-candy with varying degrees of bloodlust and depravity; or mind-numbingly crude and crass, misanthropuc political and social propaganda promoting the "value" of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual dystopia as desirable personal, social, cultural and political aspirations, because "that's what the world is really like."

So on Oscar night, while most of the "socioculturally conscious" vanguard of society was enraptured with the spectacle of geriatric teenagers of all ages and genders making public spectacles of themselves, I watched this fascinatingly engaging, wholly charming and complete cinematic triumph, and at the end of it, was glad I did.

To start, as a long-time Indian cinemaphile, I'll watch anything with Irrfan Khan in it, because I believe he's simply one of the most authentic and genuine, pure actors, in probably any Wood today: Bolly or Holly. I'd attribute his success as an actor and his appeal mostly to the fact that he has a superlative talent for playing an extremely wide range of characters and making them completely believable by being able to portray them as such: his characters touch our thoughts and emotions because they're not so much characters in a story on a screen as they are real people we all know and to which, therefore, we can easily relate. He's a living example of the overwhelming success of the "Less-Is-More" school of thought, and shows time and again why it works and how successful it can be.

Which ties into the theme on which I'm riffing in this review. The film itself is a refreshing example of what storytelling, at its very best, can be: a truthful reflection of what everyday life is like, the different right and wrong ways in which everyday people deal with it, and an offering of hope that transcending adversity while holding on to our virtue is rewarded by a successful life of whatever scale or magnitude. It presents a story of ordinary people in ordinary circumstances that resonates with every viewer because they see parts of their own lives and own selves in it. The viewer can laugh at the goofiness, cry at the perils, and hope for the happy ending that actually DOES come, because we've all been through and felt what we're seeing on the screen. This film is definitely all that, and that's what gives it its charm, appeal, and most importantly, its POWER as a message. All the performances are genuine. The story, a simple "two people meet and here's what happens," is a real story. The full team behind this production pulls it all off beautifully, believably and compellingly.

Bottom line is, I've personally become bored with the "You're-Nothing-Unless-You're-Some-Form-Of-Deviant-For-Deviation's-Sake-Superhuman-Superhero-Whose-Life-Is-An-Apocalyptic-Struggle-To-Save-The-Universe-From-The-Evil-That-Is-Anything-Or-Anybody-Who-Doesn't-Think-Like-You" that Hollywood has become. I'm more compelled by stories about everyday people struggling with everyday problems, overcoming them with right thought, feeling, word and action, and triumphing in the end, told entertainingly. Spike Lee might feel like turning his back on that kind of film and throwing a public tantrum about it. I welcome and embrace that kind of story as an essrntial social service to a beleaguered humanity. If you do as well, you'll love this film. I did.

Can you tell?

Something was missing

[rahul-rdthecool-das · 6/10 · 30 July 2020]

Good story..good script..good performances from the actors..but still something was missing there.

Parvathy was just 'wow'.

QARIB QARIB SINGLLE is a feel good love story cum road trip film

[fillerruth · 4/10 · 9 November 2017]

QARIB QARIB SINGLLE is a story of two people who meet on a dating website and their journey across the country. Jaya (Parvathy Thiruvothu) is a 35 year old widow who feels a void in her life. She signs up on a dating website and meets a 40 year old poet Yogi (Irrfan Khan). He's quirky, talkative and diametrically opposite to Jaya. But Jaya feels connected to him. Yogi claims that he has dated three girls in his life and they all miss him a lot still. Jaya tells him that he's simply bragging. Yogi however remains adamant on his claims and tells her to join him in meeting them. Jaya refuses at first but then agrees. How this trip takes their relationship forward forms the rest of the film.

QARIB QARIB SINGLLE commences on a great note. The opening credits very well explain how lonely Jaya is. Jaya-Yogi's first meeting is hilarious. The mischief that Yogi does with the lecherous men who had pinged Jaya on the dating app is sure to bring the house down. The real fun however begins when their trip commences and the various mishaps that happen on the way add to the fun. The Rishikesh episode is sweet and light. The Alwar episode has its moments but the film drags and the interest level drops. The interest however is revived in the Gangtok sequence.

Kamna Chandra's story is extremely relatable as it talks about loneliness, need for relationship, dating apps etc. Also, the two main characters are well written which helps the film stand out. Tanuja Chandra and Gazal Dhaliwal's screenplay is breezy and simple. The nuances and subtle hints are nicely inserted in the film. Gazal Dhaliwal's dialogues are one of the highpoints of the film. Many one liners take the film on a high.

Tanuja Chandra's direction is neat and the film is drastically different from the intense films that she has made in the past. She has handled the plot with maturity and sensitivity. This helps in giving the film a nice touch. At the same time, the film is very niche. The mainstream appeal is definitely missing. Also the film moves at a slow pace and the Alwar episode is a bit of a downer.

Irrfan Khan yet again delivers a spectacular performance. He is a pro when it comes to such quirky performances. Yet he ensures that you won't be reminded of his similar previous performance. That's no easy feat. Parvathy Thiruvothu is a powerhouse performer and steals the show. She is an unknown name in Bollywood as of now but after this film, she'll surely be talked about. Brijendra Kala is funny in the cameo. Neha Dhupia (Anjali) is alright. Pushtiie Shakti (Radha) is impressive. Isha Sharvani (Gazal) is there for a one minute sequence and is alright. Siddharth Menon (Ashish) is quite good especially in his scenes with Yogi. Luke Kenny (Sidkong) is okay. Navneet Nishan and the actor playing the driver are good.

The songs sadly don't make an impact. 'Khatam Kahani' is the most memorable. 'Jaane De' and 'Tu Chale Toh' are forgettable. The background score is subtle and effective. Eeshit Narain's cinematography is breathtaking. The lensman has captured the locales of Rishikesh, Rajasthan and Gangtok beautifully. Chandan Arora's editing is fair although few scenes are slightly stretched. Ravi Shrivastava's production design is rich. Maria Tharakan and Kirti Kolwankar's costumes are eye catching, especially the ones worn by Irrfan.

On the whole, QARIB QARIB SINGLLE is a feel good love story cum road trip film. Despite low buzz and not much of a mass appeal, the film leaves a smile on your face and has the potential for young and urban audiences.