Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video: Review

“Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video” (VVKWWV), directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, is a romantic comedy that explores themes of love, identity, and embarrassment set against the backdrop of the late 90s in Rishikesh, India. Released on October 11, 2024, the film features a star-studded cast, including Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri in the lead roles, with Vijay Raaz and Mallika Sherawat providing solid support.

The film’s unique selling point is its blend of old-school romance with a dash of humor, 90s nostalgia, and even a surprising horror element. But does it successfully integrate all these ingredients to deliver a delightful cinematic experience, or does it fumble under the weight of its own ambitions? Here’s a detailed breakdown.

Plot Analysis

The story begins in 1997, when Rishikesh was still a part of undivided Uttar Pradesh. Vicky (Rajkummar Rao), a charismatic Mehendi artist, has dreams of marrying a doctor and considers himself a superstar in his small town. His dreams take a turn when he meets and falls in love with Vidya (Triptii Dimri), a lady doctor. The two get married, and their blissful life is disrupted when their honeymoon video CD gets stolen, setting off a comedic and chaotic chain of events.

The stolen video CD becomes the focal point of the story. Everyone—family members, police, and even strangers—embarks on a frantic hunt for it. The central premise of a missing honeymoon video sets the tone for many hilarious situations, but it also reveals the film’s biggest flaw: predictability. The audience is presented with a story that lacks novelty, making it easy to guess what’s coming next.

Performances: A Saving Grace

Despite the predictability of the storyline, the film’s saving grace lies in its performances. Rajkummar Rao delivers yet another commendable performance, effortlessly slipping into the character of Vicky, a man caught between his dreams and reality. His comic timing, along with his portrayal of vulnerability and pride, adds a layer of relatability to his character.

Triptii Dimri, on the other hand, appears underutilized. While she looks the part of the doctor with grace and charm, her character has little agency and scope for growth. Her chemistry with Rajkummar Rao is evident, but it doesn’t have the impact that one would expect from a lead pair.

Supporting actors Vijay Raaz and Mallika Sherawat play pivotal roles that elevate the film’s entertainment quotient. Mallika Sherawat portrays Vicky’s elder sister Chanda, delivering her lines with a comedic flair that resonates with the audience. Vijay Raaz, with his impeccable comic timing, adds an extra dose of humor. His interactions with Rajkummar Rao result in some of the film’s most memorable moments.

Veteran actors Tiku Talsania and Archana Puran Singh, portraying the roles of Vicky’s grandfather and Vidya’s mother respectively, bring their own brand of charisma. Their performances are brief yet impactful, leaving a lasting impression.

Direction and Screenplay: A Mixed Approach

Raaj Shaandilyaa, known for his work in comedy, attempts to weave multiple genres into this film. While he succeeds in crafting some genuinely funny scenes, the screenplay often feels scattered. The inclusion of horror elements, hinted at in the trailer, adds an unexpected twist but also disrupts the film’s flow.

Certain scenes seem disconnected from the main narrative, leading to pacing issues. Some of these sequences feel forced, as if included just to add humor or length to the film. This disjointedness results in a lack of coherence, leaving the audience wondering if the focus was more on individual moments rather than a cohesive story.

Music and Nostalgia: A Journey to the 90s

One of the film’s standout aspects is its music. With a soundtrack that revives iconic 90s songs from singers like Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, and Alka Yagnik, the film successfully taps into nostalgia. These familiar tunes, paired with the picturesque setting of Rishikesh, transport the audience back in time. The music complements the film’s comedic and romantic sequences, adding to the overall viewing experience.

Shehnaaz Gill’s item song is another highlight, bringing energy and visual appeal. While it might not add much to the story, it serves its purpose as a crowd-pleasing spectacle.

Themes and Subtext: Beyond the Laughter

“Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video” isn’t just a romantic comedy; it touches upon themes of identity, societal expectations, and personal embarrassment. Vicky’s obsession with becoming someone he is not, and the subsequent challenges he faces, serve as a commentary on the pressures individuals face to conform to societal standards.

The film also explores the complexities of familial relationships. The interactions between Vicky and his elder sister Chanda, and between Vidya and her overbearing mother, highlight the subtle power dynamics that exist within families. There’s a sense of belonging and yet a need to break free—conflicts that are common in many households.

However, the film doesn’t delve deep into these themes. It merely scratches the surface, choosing to remain light-hearted rather than explore the more serious undertones in a meaningful way.

The Surprise Element: A Link to ‘Stree’

One unexpected element in the film is the cameo by Stree. Yes, the character from the 2018 horror-comedy “Stree” makes a brief appearance, catching Rajkummar Rao’s character off guard. This clever reference adds an additional layer of humor and serves as a meta-narrative, linking Rao’s previous films in an amusing manner. It’s a fun Easter egg for fans of his work, but it doesn’t significantly contribute to the overall plot.

Verdict: Who Should Watch It?

“Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video” offers a fair share of laughs and entertainment. It’s a film designed for those who enjoy light-hearted comedies with a dash of nostalgia. The performances, especially by Rajkummar Rao, Vijay Raaz, and Mallika Sherawat, make the film worth a watch, even if the story doesn’t break new ground.

For those seeking a fresh storyline or a gripping narrative, this film may disappoint. The plot is predictable, and certain scenes feel redundant. However, if you’re in the mood for a fun, breezy watch with some hilarious moments, VVKWWV could be the perfect pick.

Overall Rating: 2.5/5

Pros:

1. Strong performances by Rajkummar Rao, Vijay Raaz, and Mallika Sherawat.
2. Nostalgic 90s music that enhances the film’s appeal.
3. Clever use of humor and references to past films.

Cons:

1. Predictable storyline with limited originality.
2. Disjointed narrative with unnecessary scenes.
3. Underutilized female lead and lack of character development.

Final Thoughts

“Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video” tries to blend comedy, romance, and a hint of horror into a single narrative. While it succeeds in delivering some genuinely funny moments and memorable performances, it falls short of being a compelling film due to its lack of novelty and coherence.

Raaj Shaandilyaa’s direction and screenplay manage to hold the audience’s attention, but the film’s scattered nature and weak storyline prevent it from achieving its full potential. Nevertheless, for fans of Rajkummar Rao and light-hearted comedies, VVKWWV has enough in store to provide a few laughs and an enjoyable viewing experience.

In conclusion, “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video” is a mixed bag. It entertains in parts, disappoints in others, but ultimately serves its purpose as a passable romantic comedy. If you’re a fan of the genre and don’t mind a predictable plot, this film could be worth your time. Otherwise, you might want to look elsewhere for a more compelling cinematic experience.