Movie Review: Karthik Calling Karthik

Karthik Calling Karthik is yet another different film from the makers of Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Don, Rock On, Luck By Chance, etc.,

Starring Farhan Akhtar & Deepika Padukone, It is directed by debuntant Vijay Lalwani Farhan Akhtar has just done two films as an actor which now have cult following of their own. Let’s find out if Karthik Calling Karthik joins the league.

Story/Screenplay

Karthik Calling Karthik is a story about this introvert guy named Karthik who lives a life that nobody would want to live. He lives a life of a loser and admits it to the core. One day suddenly things change and he gets a call from a person who also claims to be Karthik. How tables turn and Karthik gets the life he had never dreamt of. He gets an upper position at work, 4 times the salary, respect and lastly his girl.

What follows’ is a thrilling, romantic & soulful ride of this man's victory & defeat.

Well... I think the story is brilliant but the screenplay lacks what a film of this genre should have had. There are a lot of unanswered questions which makes you sad that a very beautiful story is wasted due to the somewhat average screenplay.

What works for the film is the first half which is so fast paced and interesting that by the interval you expect the film to be nothing less than a cult film and what is delivers from thereon is a little disappointing. Second half is a little boring, slow paced and leaves manyy questions unanswered.

Acting

Calling Farhan Akhtar the most talented young filmmaker/actor won't be an understatement because he's proved his worth twice before as an actor and double that times as a filmmaker. He has portrayed a difficult character with so much ease that you just completely get into it. I think it is an important film for Farhan who deserves accolades for this performance. Deepika Padukone is brilliant again after Love Aaj Kal. She is so natural yet loving. Ram Kapoor is good & Shefali Shah is okay.

Music

Shankar Ehsaan Loy have recently given music to a very important film "My Name Is Khan" and carry out the form in Karthik Calling Karthik but they somehow lack the magnetic quotient which could attract audiences. Uff Teri Ada & Kaise Main Bataun should be the best pick which are sheer melodies with brilliant lyrics. Background Score is also okay.

Direction

The new director Vijay Lalwani has done well with his debut film, he has dealt with minute details about the character of Karthik which works for the film. I also loved the romantic angle of the film which shows the versatility of the filmmaker.

Overall, Karthik Calling Karthik is a good film with outstanding performance by Farhan Akhtar. It has its share of loopholes but is still amazingly beautiful because of its superbly handled 1st half and moderately good 2nd half.

My Rating: *** (Very Good)

Story/Screenplay: ***

Acting: ***1/2

Music: **1/2

Direction: ***