A; Drama/Romance
Dir: Aanand Rai
Cast: R Madhavan, Kangna Ranaut, Jimmy Shergill, Ravi Kishan, Ejaaz Khan, Rajendra Gupta, K K Raina, Deepak Dobriyal, Swara Bhaskar
Rating: '''



WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Sometimes, simplicity tugs at your heartstrings more effectively than high-pitched emotions. That's what director Aanand Rai achieves in his new film Tanu Weds Manu, which stands out for its inventive story-telling and terrific performances. It begins with Manu (Madhavan) a doctor settled in London coming bride-hunting to India to fulfill his parents' wishes. That's how he meets Kanpur-based small-town girl Tanu (Kangna) and takes an instant liking to her. But she is in love with someone else and wants Manu to call the marriage off. The heart-broken doctor is yet to recuperate from the wound when he meets his dream girl again at his best friend Jassi's (Eijaz Khan) wedding. Tanu and Manu begin to get to know each other better. But her heart still beats for the man she loves. In typical filmi style, Manu decides to get them together. However, fate has other plans and that leads to the eventual climax and a happy ending.

WHAT'S HOT: Where love stories are concerned, it's quite obvious that the focus has now shifted from NRI-Land to the heartland of India. And it's a welcome change. The first thing that strikes you about TWM is its incredible backdropu00a0-- sweeping shots of Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Punjab and Vaishnodevi. Aanand Rai does a brilliant job capturing the essence of every city, making the setting just perfect for a love story of this genre. The narrative is simple and pleasing. Manu's pathos is adequately explained and justified. And Tanu's vortex of emotions is understandable and something you can identify with. The scenes between the lead couple are funny, poignant and have their own special moments. The songs are well placed and they don't seem jarring at any point. The Kajra Mohabbatwala sequence is a full-on winner. The film's highlight is the supporting castu00a0-- Deepak Dobriyal, Eijaz Khan and Swara Bhaskar are brilliant. Watch out for Rajendra Gupta's volatile outburst that has been beeped for obvious reasons. Jimmy Shergill is striking in a new avataru00a0-- he literally shoulders the entire climax. Kangna is very effective and free of any inhibitions. She makes the character of Tanu likable even with all its complexities. Madhavan is first-rate and finally gets a film that showcases his true potential.

WHAT'S NOT: Here's a film that had everything for it to go the Jab We Met and Band Baaja Baaraat way. If only Aanand Rai had added some more novelties to the script. A bit of trimming in the first half and a few more surprises in the second would've taken this film to a different level. The climax also does go a bit over-the-top and it's salvaged only thanks to the punch-packed dialogues.

WHAT TO DO: Tanu Weds Manu is the celebration of the season. Watch it and join the revelry.