Quick Take: A cheerful story with an acceptable ending.
What the film is all about?
Qarib Qarib Singlle tells the story of Viyogi (Irrfan Khan) and Jaya (Parvathy Thiruvothu), two people who are poles apart in their attitudes towards life. They meet through an online dating service and start exploring life together. Despite its comic moments, this film is not like any other regular comedy flick. It is a blend of happiness and heart-touching drama. Tanuja Chandra does enough to keep us glued to our couches till the very end.
The Review
Tanuja Chandra’s Qarib Qarib Singlle has no novelty or exciting factor, it has a theme that has been used over and over in many Bollywood movies. However, this movie is a bit different, the protagonists are in their mid-30s and have already seen much loneliness and pain in their lives. Jaya is a widow and is finally trying to move on with her life, but the love of her late husband is preventing her. Viyogi, a carefree man had three unsuccessful love. Now he wants to finally succeed in one. They embark on a journey to understand each other before falling for each other despite a myriad of differences.
The music and cinematography are fine. I felt connected to the movie while Parvathy and Irrfan were roaming in the streets of Dehradun, Jaipur, Delhi, and Gangtok. In a very subtle way, the director gives us an amazingly authentic feel of diverse Indian culture.
Coming to acting, Parvathy looks very comfortable and convincing in her role. There’s no glamor attached to her character, but she still manages to attract us towards Jaya. And, as we expect, Irrfan is at his best, again! His character is really interesting and makes you laugh throughout the film. What lacks in terms of content in Qarib Qarib Singlle is compensated by Irrfan Khan’s acting and Tanuja Chandra’s uncomplicated direction.
My Verdict & Rating of Qarib Qarib Singlle
In my view, it is definitely a movie not to be overlooked. The unique quarrelsome chemistry between Irrfan Khan and Parvathy Thiruvothu is worth your while. The story is smooth and easy to digest; however, it lacks conviction in many places. I am giving it a perfect 10. The reason is simple: this is an uncomplicated, short, and sweet movie. So, if you are looking to watch some decent stuff on a lazy weekend afternoon, then this movie is a good option. Qarib Qarib Singlle is available on Netflix.
The World of Movies Rating 10/10
Movie Title: Qarib Qarib Singlle
English Title: Almost Single
Directed by: Tanuja Chandra
Written by: Kamna Chandra
Main Cast: Irrfan Khan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Neha Dhupia
Year of Release: 2017
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Country of Origin: India (Bollywood)
Languages: Hindi
Running Time: 125 minutes
Production Company: Zee Studios, JAR Pictures
Distributed by: Zee Studios
Reviewed by: Absar Ahmad