Keyur Seta
Mumbai, 07 Jul 2017 18:14 IST
The Subodh Bhave-starrer shows some novelty in the initial portions, but doesn't keep you interested till the end.
Almost all romantic comedy (rom-coms) genre films have a common plot no matter what language they are made in or which part of the world they are set in. A boy meets a girl, they fall in love, provide some light-hearted and mushy entertainment, fall apart or face some issue only to reunite in the climax.
Hence, the challenge for such a genre of films these days is to make sure the audience enjoys the predictability. Director Girish Mohite’s Conditions Apply: Ati Lagu promises to do that during the initial stages. Unfortunately, it doesn’t live up to it when it matters the most and drags on.
Conditions Apply revolves around Abhay (Subodh Bhave) and Swara (Dipti Shrikant). Abhay is the General Manager in an Audi car showroom. He is a thorough professional about his work and serious in his personal life. He lives with his mother and stepfather, and has decided not to get married. His serious nature also leads to him have arguments with his best friend and colleague Minar (Atul Parchure).
Their biggest point of disagreement is RJ Swara. While Minar is a huge fan of hers, Abhay can’t stand her voice over the radio. She, too, doesn’t believe in marriage. But circumstances bring Abhay and Swara face-to-face. Their respective natures, which are poles apart, make their initial encounter ugly. However, slowly they start understanding each other and become close friends. The relationship, obviously, grows into more than a friendship.
Conditions Apply doesn’t appear like just another modern rom-com initially for a few reasons. Firstly, the two characters aren’t college going kids or in their 20s. They are mature individuals capable of taking sensible decisions. More importantly, the manner in which the two diverse characters meet is quite creative. A person threatening to sue an RJ for the prank played on a show is a novel idea.
Unfortunately, the film turns out to be like a chewing gum as the goodness lasts only for some time; approximately around 45 minutes or so.
The most important point of Abhay and Swara becoming more than friends is presented in an unconvincing manner. It seems as if we just need to assume they'd come together because they've been cast opposite each other. From here on, the film hardly has anything to offer other than boredom. The narrative keeps stretching just like an aeroplane that hovers round and round, but refuses to land. Plus, there is too much gyaan given on relationships.
It is imperative for romantic comedies to have at least one impressive song. But the film is devoid of this too. In fact, a couple of songs turn out to be a hindrances in narration. The technical departments have packaged the film well though.
Coming to the performances, Subodh Bhave is likeable yet again. He displays his talent as his character goes from being serious and arrogant, to a more affable and humble one. But it’s funny to see him play two almost similar characters in two films (this one and Hrudayantar) that were released on the same day. Dipti Shrikant is a promising find for a bubbly character. Thankfully, she doesn’t go over-the-top.
The experienced Atul Parchure succeeds in tickling your funny bone and at the same time being sensible. The rest of the cast fits the bill.
Overall, Conditions Apply: Ati Lagu shows promise of being an impressive or, at least, an entertaining rom-com, but falters along the way.