Money runs the world, as they say. Like many Hindi films, this film has a simple plotline, only that it tells its story through the lives of outrageously wealthy people. Many have accused Zoya Akhtar of focusing many of her films on the rich and famous, but I see no problem in that. Yash Chopra made the most beautiful films centering on the lives of upper-class, urban people. The problem is that Dil Dhadakane Do is just not as good as it could have been. First, I really don't get the message that Akhtar was trying to convey here. Was it that rich people have problems too? Yes, we know that already, and besides that, thousands of soap operas did this before. Was it that rich people tend to be shallow with no values? That's the silliest kind stereotype I can think of (although it often turns out to be true). And yet, indeed, most of the characters in this slightly poor film are uni-dimensional, boring, and their struggle is mostly unconvincing. It is in the portrayal of human relationships, which this film seeks to deal with, where this film did not always ring true. Having said that, DDD remains a consistently watchable film. It is beautifully shot, which is a big bonus, and the photography of the different, breathtaking locales, as well as the sailing ship most of the story takes place in, is excellent. I like the concept that there aren't really any leading stars in the sense that the old couple is the lead pair just as the brother and sister are.
Indeed, the ensemble cast makes for a nice watch although, as stated above, their characters are just, simply put, not very easy to relate to (not because they're rich but just because often they're either not well written or not very well played). Among the good players, Shefali Shah, one of India's most natural, instinctive actresses, shines through and is always believable and truthful. She can obviously always be counted on to deliver, and she does here with her extraordinary expressions. Anil Kapoor is over-expressive most of the time but suits the role. Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh have good chemistry as siblings and are shown to be troubled and introverted just as kids with such parents could end up being. Chopra is successfully conflicted although she struggles where it takes to register the real complexity of her character, Ranveer Singh is reserved and subdues to good effect. Bit turns from Farhan Akhtar and Anushka Sharma are pretty good, and Sharma in particular is always natural and easy on the camera. Rahul Bose is wasted and so is Zarina Wahab, although they're both very good. Generally, the cast do their best, although sadly it's the script that falters and often makes some of them look unnatural. Some of the situations which naturally should have been emotional just don't manage. But the film is enjoyable in spite of its flaws and it is quite a nice ride which flows well.
Indeed, the ensemble cast makes for a nice watch although, as stated above, their characters are just, simply put, not very easy to relate to (not because they're rich but just because often they're either not well written or not very well played). Among the good players, Shefali Shah, one of India's most natural, instinctive actresses, shines through and is always believable and truthful. She can obviously always be counted on to deliver, and she does here with her extraordinary expressions. Anil Kapoor is over-expressive most of the time but suits the role. Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh have good chemistry as siblings and are shown to be troubled and introverted just as kids with such parents could end up being. Chopra is successfully conflicted although she struggles where it takes to register the real complexity of her character, Ranveer Singh is reserved and subdues to good effect. Bit turns from Farhan Akhtar and Anushka Sharma are pretty good, and Sharma in particular is always natural and easy on the camera. Rahul Bose is wasted and so is Zarina Wahab, although they're both very good. Generally, the cast do their best, although sadly it's the script that falters and often makes some of them look unnatural. Some of the situations which naturally should have been emotional just don't manage. But the film is enjoyable in spite of its flaws and it is quite a nice ride which flows well.