A fun start, but 90s magic fizzles out in lacklustre comedy

Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri’s fresh pairing is something the audience has been waiting to see with Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video this year. For Raj, it is his fourth release of 2024. His earlier releases were Srikanth, Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, and Stree 2. For Triptii, it is her second release, as she was earlier seen in Bad Newz with Vicky Kaushal and Ammy Virk. The title of Vicky Vidya is something that has caught everyone’s attention ever since the movie was announced. The audience has been waiting to see the 90s magic on screen again. So does it meet our expectations? We have covered everything in our review.

Movie Review: Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video
Release Date: October 11
Where to Watch: Theatres
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Triptii Dimri, Mallika Sherawat, Vijay Raaz
Director: Raaj Shaandilyaa

Watch the Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Trailer

What is it about?

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’s plot is what we have seen in the trailer. The story is set in 1997, in a world before social media and the internet were not easily available. The couple makes a video of themselves capturing their intimate moments during their honeymoon in Goa. When they are back to their hometown in Hrishikesh, their house is burgled, and their CD also gets stolen. Will Vicky (Rajkummar Rao) and Vidya (Triptii Dimri) get their hands on the CD before someone misuses it? That’s something to find out in those 150 minutes.

What’s hot?

Raaj Shaandilyaa’s concept, idea, and story seem quite intriguing and thrilling. Rajkummar Rao is also well-suited to portray Vicky, a character who must express a wide range of emotions due to a tragedy that could potentially harm his and Vidya’s reputation. As the movie begins, you are captivated by the silliness and drama of the love story between a Mehendi wala and an MBBS doctor. Everything that happens until the robbery takes place in the house keeps you invested in the characters and the story. Sometimes, the humour leaves you in splits. You hope that the drama and comedy will continue with the same quality as we delve into the mystery of ‘whodunnit’ and why. But sadly, that doesn’t quite happen, despite Rajkummar Rao’s impeccable comic timing. Why so? Keep reading further.

What’s not?

The first setback in the narrative occurs when the police arrive to investigate the robbery at Vicky and Vidya’s house. I understand that sometimes silly jokes can also make the audience laugh. However, the movie dumbs down the jokes to a level that makes you cringe, particularly if they are sexist and bodyshaming. The movie features a plethora of characters and several subplots stretching the narrative, and the main premise gets completely sidelined. Raaj uses most of these characters for comedic purposes, and it doesn’t make the story entertaining but extremely crowded.

The first half leaves us hopeful that the narrative will improve in the second half, but instead, we experience a significant letdown. The last hour of Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video is quite frustrating to watch as the story loses its track completely as the makers give a horror twist to the movie. I don’t mind a mix of genres if done well. But the way it was executed only derails the entire story.

Like many others, I was eager to see Mallika Sherawat return to the screen in a fun avatar. However, Vijay Raaz’s character relentlessly flirts with the actress, while another character attempts to coerce her into being with him. What’s unfortunate is that it is shown in a “funny” way. When we say one shouldn’t romanticise romantic obsessions, this is what we mean. The climax scene becomes extremely preachy and looks quite forced to bring a “meaningful” conclusion. To be honest, if conveying a social message was Shaandilyaa’s intention, I wish the entire movie had carried that tonality often for the story and our protagonists’ ordeal to be taken seriously.

I enjoyed two songs in the movie: Tum Jo Mile Ho and Na Na Na Na Na Re. The makers have recreated the Chameli song Sajna Ve Sajna, with Sunidhi Chauhan herself singing the new version. While I’m glad they kept the same singer, Shehnaaz Gill’s bland expression and lack of grace in the dance make it a dull watch.

Watch a video about Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video

Final Verdict

Overall, Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri’s story was quite hatke and had the potential to be thoroughly entertaining. Some jokes do land, but most only make you wonder how they were even approved in the first place. The horror twist not only ruins the plot but also disrespects a successful horror-comedy franchise that the audiences dearly love. If only the focus was more on Vicky and Vidya’s drama and the story was less crowded, which would’ve avoided the unnecessary jokes, the Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video would’ve been a good watch. Sadly, it isn’t.

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