Shuddh Desi Romance roughly translates into “Pure Indian Romance”, but there’s little pure about the lovers here. Meet Gayatri (Parineeti Chopra) and Raghu (Sushant Singh Rajput) who are rebels in love. They are perennially altar-phobic and their minds are as messed up as their cluttered apartment. Perhaps that’s why it is so liberating to watch this romantic comedy.
Unlike popular Bollywood romances, the hero isn’t a rich, smooth-talking lad who is charming and sweeps his soul-mate off her feet. Their courtship isn’t a long-winded swanky affair filled with champagne and roses either. And, there are no pre-ordained happy endings here.
Raghuram is a tourist guide in Jaipur who meets the gregarious Gayatri on his way to his own wedding. He’s at flight-risk and her irresistibly radiant personality sends him off the edge. Some forbidden kisses and cigarette puffs later, the two move in together. Their union is swift and their relationship is sealed with just one song — no mean feat, since Bollywood romance prides itself in throwing in at least half a dozen songs to underline blossoming love. Just like today’s modern-day couples, these lovers fight, break up — and make up with gusto.
Credit here goes to Rajput and Chopra for playing their parts beautifully. Lust is tastefully showcased and attraction is adorably packaged. The third wheel in this equation is Taara, the jilted bride, played by newcomer Vaani Kapoor. She’s weirdly jarring and her idea of revenge needs a slight tweaking. Plus, her reaction to a guy who dumped her unceremoniously comes across as a bit unrealistic. She’s confident in her act but it makes you question whether such women exist in real life. However, the rest of the film is all real.
Director Maneesh Sharma of Band Baaja Baarat fame does a splendid job of bringing alive the city of Jaipur. It’s glorious yet grimy — just like the lovebirds of Shuddh Desi Romance. For all those who believe that a romantic comedy happy ending means a wedding, this will come as a welcome break.
