The first major 'official' adaptation of a Hollywood film makes its way on Hindi screen

We Are Family - Movie review

We Are Family
U/A; Drama
Dir: Siddharth P Malhotra
Cast: Kajol, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal
Rating:u00a0***

What's it about: The first major 'official' adaptation of a Hollywood film makes its way on Hindi screen. Trust Karan Johar to choose a subject that he understands bestu00a0-- it's all about a family once again. We Are Family is a desi version of the Susan Sarandon-Julia Roberts starrer Stepmom. The basic premise remains the same but the story has been changed to suit the palate of the local audience. Aman (Arjun Rampal), a fashion photographer, is divorced from his wife Maya (Kajol) and she lives separately with their three children. Trouble begins to brew when Aman brings into the picture the girl he loves, Shreya (Kareena Kapoor). The children rebel, the ex-wife protests and it forms the perfect setting for misunderstandings galore. While Aman is trying to figure out a way for Shreya to be accepted, it is learnt that Maya has a terminal disease and only a few months to live. Aman's relationship with Shreya suffers as he rushes to his ailing ex-wife's side. Meanwhile Maya, who'd asked Shreya to stay away from their lives, now brings her back into the family, so that her children would have a mother even after she is gone.u00a0

What's hot: It's a brave effort on Johar's part to give a larger-than-life look and feel to an emotional tearjerker, especially at a time when everything other than action and comedy has taken a backseat. The film's canvas is impressive; it's shot in a slick manner and director Siddharth Malhotra doesn't disappoint on the gloss factor. The film is essentially the story of the two leading ladies and the chemistry between them has its moments. Maya's range of emotions directed at Shreyau00a0-- anger to hatred to jealousy to acceptance to respectu00a0-- are delicately captured. The male character in the original was inconsequential. But in WAF, Aman plays a strong part even as he's tossed between the woman he loved and the girl he loves. The bonding between him and Maya is touching. His relationship with Shreya also has varied shadesu00a0-- it has its ups and downs but the intensity is never lost. The children play a crucial part and Malhotra ensures they don't go over-the-top. The biggest highlights of WAF are the performances by the lead cast. Kajol is at her natural best. She captures the helplessness and anguish of Maya flawlessly. Arjun Rampal scores again after Raajneeti. It's not easy to hold your own in a women-oriented script but Arjun manages to surpass all expectations. The scene-stealer of WAF is Kareena Kapooru00a0-- probably in her most restrained portrayal to date. She matches Kajol's cracking prowess in every confrontational scene. And she makes Shreya's character far more endearing than the script intended to. Supremely in command as a young girl having a family and children thrust upon her, Kareena is a delight on screen.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0

What's not: Siddharth Malhotra gets the opportunity of a lifetime to work with two top actresses in his debut film but somehow seems torn aboutu00a0 doing equal justice to them. As he tries to justify the actions of one, he neglects the other. The fine balancing act is missing. That's why the screenplay gets sluggish and at a point, Shreya's character ends up like a mere spectator until the last few minutes which bring her back in action again. Also, what worked for Stepmom was that even if the story was sad, the screenplay had some terrific moments. The scenes weren't designed to manipulate you into shedding tears; the screenplay managed that effortlessly. Siddharth somehow tries too hard and seems in a hurry to make you bring out your kerchiefs. That's when the film goes completely into the '80s mode. The last 15 minutes of the film seem less of Stepmom and more of some Maang Bharo Sajna types. From dressing Maya in a plain sari to her moaning about missing her daughter's doli doesn't fit in with the rest of the film.u00a0u00a0u00a0

What's that: We thought we'd gotten past the dark ages where the hero wore a fake beard to show the passing of years. In the film's finale, Siddharth makes Arjun wear a beard that's ready to fall off any second. The sweet, innocent kids look anything but that in their grown-up state. Was the casting director on a vacation?u00a0u00a0u00a0

What to do: If you're in a mood for some sparkling performances and a good cry, you will enjoy this one.