'Sunny Sanskari...' review: Varun-Janhvi's film offers nothing new
What's the story
What do you get when you scratch a new Dharma Productions film? Traces of another Dharma film. Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, is a rom-com that feels heavily inspired by several other Bollywood films. With its underwritten, scattered screenplay, predictable storyline, and tedious humor, Sunny Sanskari Ki... is a chore to sit through.
Plot
Can Sunny and Tulsi win back their exes?
Directed by Shashank Khaitan, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari follows Sunny (Dhawan) and Tulsi (Kapoor). Their exes, Ananya (Sanya Malhotra) and Vikram (Rohit Saraf) are set to marry, and to win them back, Sunny and Tulsi crash their wedding. However, eventually, they fall in love with each other. Who will end up with whom?
#1
You have already seen all this before
While watching the film, several other Dharma movies spring to mind: Jugjugg Jeeyo, Bad Newz, and Govinda Naam Mera, among others. You can guess its climax in the first half hour itself, and with hammy performances, largely unfunny dialogue, and undercooked characters, Sunny Sanskari...is replete with blemishes. Dhawan and Kapoor's jodi couldn't save Bawaal, and they can't save this movie either.
#2
No surprises anywhere throughout the movie
Sunny Sanskari... chooses a safe, predictable template and sticks to it. While the chartbuster songs offer some occasional relief, nothing about the story or characters excites you. Since Sunny and Tulsi are caricatures, they are always at a distance from you, and you are never invested in their angst or romantic complications. The film's unbridled energy drowns it eventually.
#3
Even with a brief runtime, it feels overlong
Dramatic portions are awkwardly wedged between supposedly funny scenes and thus fail to leave any impact. At 135 minutes, the movie is not too long and is well-paced, but it feels much longer than it is due to the complete lack of exciting moments. Plus, some progressive moments and speeches are thrown in just for tokenism, reminding you of Rocky Aur Rani...
#4
Dhawan is effortless and tries his best to save film
Dhawan brings back the same charm he displayed all those years ago in Student of the Year and Main Tera Hero, and whenever the movie is watchable, it's because of his comic timing. His character is etched out a bit better compared to Kapoor's, so the movie becomes mildly engaging when he puts his best foot forward. But, he cannot save the film.
Verdict
Skip this routine rom-com; 2/5 stars
There is an immense amount of fluff and desperation in the film, and no depth. It is a Karan Johar production, so, naturally, there's glitz and glamor all around, but that can never compensate for solid, gripping writing. Despite Dhawan's evident efforts, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is a turbulent ride, one you should steer clear of. 2/5 stars.