Cast: Diana Penty, Abhay Deol, Jimmy Shergill, Ali Fazal, Momal Sheikh and Piyush Mishra

Rating: 3.5/5

Lately Bollywood has seen many filmmakers delivering a simple story with ease and garnering appreciation from the audience.  Not only do they focus on the minimalism, they also make sure that the characters make a mark with their performance. Director and producer Anand L Rai is known for his storytelling excellence, and is back with yet another romantic-comedy Happy Bhag Jayegi. The rom-com is directed by Mudassar Aziz and features Abhay Deol, Jimmy Shergill,Ali Fazal, Momal Sheikh and the ‘very much’ missed Diana Penty, in the lead roles.

Set in the backdrop of 2 nations – India and Pakistan, the film begins with the visuals of an Indo-Pak agro conference where Javed Ahmed (Jawed Sheikh), the ex-governor of Pakistan, wants Bilal Ahmed (Abhay Deol) his son to enter politics and 'change the history of Pakistan' the way he did. The uninterested Bilal thereby decides to sacrifice his professional desires of becoming a cricketer. The conference ends and Bilal along with his father reach Lahore (Pakistan). Here in India, Happy (Diana Penty), against her will and wish is getting engaged to the local corporator Daman Singh Bagga (Jimmy Sheirgill). The immensely glad Bagga does the best for the wedding and spends lavishly for the arrangements, but unfortunately Happy runs away, according to a plan made by her ‘good-for-nothing’ love Guddu (Ali Fazal). Everything seems perfect so far, but it is actually not. Instead of jumping in the truck sent by Guddu, she jumps onto another and lands in a mysterious fruit basket which then, turns out to be a gift heading to Lahore for Bilal. On receiving her as the gift, Bilal ensures that she is sent back to India secretly, but a series of events changes his mind and how both he and his fiancé Zoya (Momal Sheikh), amidst all the kidnapping and confusion, send Happy back home makes the rest of the film.

Director and writer Mudassar Aziz’s efforts deserve appreciation. In spite of a predictable screenplay the incidents and the smooth storyline keep the film engaging. The wittiness of the plot is excellent and maintained throughout. The second half however slows down a tad bit, but doesn’t hamper the mood overall. Romantic scenes are well integrated keeping the feel alive.  The makers have made sure that the characters onscreen are real and relatable, and they indeed deliver their roles to the best. The dialogues are funny and gripping enough to make sure there is no boredom till the end. There are some parts where you may feel nostalgic about Tanu weds Manu, but Happy Bhag Jayegi carries its own charm and flavour.

Everyone in the movie including the supporting actors has given an impressive performance. All the characters have left a distinctive mark with their acts. Diana Penty, who earlier entertained us in Cocktail, returns to the 70mm screen after a long time. Oh-boy, she can act and how! In parts, she also reminds us of the witty Geet from the popular Bollywood superhit from Jab We Met. All through the movie, Diana comes across as a strong, independent and daring girl who believes in living her life on her terms, at any cost. Abhay Deol as Bilal is quite compelling and plays the role of a Pakistani young politician to his best. His onscreen presence is highly appealing in the film. Jimmy Sheirgill as Daman Singh Bagga is hilarious. There is nothing different about his character, but he somehow plays the politician to his best, everytime. Momal Sheikh debuts in Bollywood as Zoya. Her screen presence is fresh and she enacts with at most confidence.  Ali Fazal as Guddu is adorable and innocent in his lover boy role. It would be unfair if we fail to appreciate the versatile Piyush Mishra for his amusing character and act. Mishra plays the role of a policeman, Usman Afridi, and with this dialogues, he is bound to leave you in splits.

The film’s music is mediocre and just about okay. Not much can be told about the cinematography as well. Though the film is shot in India and Pakistan, it does not have any attractive locations.

Overall, Happy Bhag Jayegi is a thoroughly entertaining and engaging. There is not one moment in the 126 minutes where you will feel bored or detached from the story. The well scripted, well edited romcom will certainly have a rewarding box office collection. Go watch it!