Review: 'Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar' wins with Ranbir-Shraddha but even more due to a fantastic ensemble cast

Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar

Who is the jhootha one? Who is the makkaar one? That might be a question you would have anticipated asking yourself as you gear yourself up to watch the Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor starrer, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (TJMM) ; but upon actually watching it, the outcome of your feelings towards the film might shock you.

Having had the chance to witness Luv Ranjan's latest presentation and undoubtedly one of the most-awaited films of the year beforehand, here is what I thought about it-

Flashes of Multiple Films and References

What makes Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar equally fun and equally unoriginal is the flashes any Bollywood junkie might have spotted watching the film. On one hand, there are flashes of films like Jodi Breakers or Partner in a certain way and then the roleplay between the Kapoor duo in Spain (as shown in the trailer as well) gives you flashes of Tamasha's first half - these are the moments you find underwhelming because the same isn't intended by the makers but just happens to be.

Then on the other hand, you also fathom an entirely different and enriching experience with the meta humor and references that are intended to land and they do. From a couple of surprises that are so smartly and funnily placed to meta dialogues surrounding the leading star's real life - the humor indeed lands more often than not. And as we are indeed talking about humor, there couldn't have been a better situational comedy set-up that surrounds the family of Ranbir Kapoor's Mickey. The ensemble cast consisting the likes of Dimple Kapadia, Boney Kapoor, Hasleen Kaur and Anubhav Singh Bassi among others - they are the true stars of this film especially when it comes to the plethora of hilarity going on.

A Tale of Two Halves

An impending problem with many films these days is how the respective film, at times, appears to be two entirely different films in its two halves. TJMM isn't as contrasting as much but isn't far from it too. The first half is mostly a miss owing to the blooming love story being rather unoriginal and even infuriating at times. In a moment from the trailer, Ranbir's character questions why is Shraddha's character not saying she isn't in love and playing games otherwise - well, the answer to that seems to be the first half where Mickey and Tinni (Shraddha Kapoor) don't have a single normal conversation and are only roleplaying and talking about love and togetherness. The events leading to Tinni playing this 'game' of breaking up but not being the bad person also seems feasible but are a real drag.

To my and everyone's relief, the second half begins on an extremely high note and somehow towards the end, it only gets better and better. In any film, when the second half is better and almost as good as where you are on a high when the film ends, it is good news.

The Family Ties, Monologues & Music

This is no Pyaar Ka Punchnama series but it seems director and story guy, Luv Ranjan definitely understands his audience and their expectations well enough. The incredibly famous monologues from both Pyaar Ka Punchnamas are iconic indeed but it isn't that Ranbir Kapoor's character of Mickey and even Anubhav Singh Bassi's character of Dabbas don't get to do that here. Mickey might not be ranting like Rajjo or Anshul from the PKP series but he does have some really long and one breath dialogues that he mouths effortlessly and they are impactful too.

Acknowledged by Ranbir Kapoor himself, he owes a major part of his success to music director Pritam and rightfully so. Even with TJMM, almost every song is a chartbuster and delivers on multiple fronts. Be it starting with Pyaar Hota Kayi Baar Hai in the opening credits to Tere Pyaar Mein in the blooming love story, O Bedardiya's heart-wrenching tune or Show Me The Thumka's foot-tapping beats, the music elevates the film on multiple fronts. And finally, it is almost a pleasant surprise to see Luv Ranjan manage to execute family dynamics and situations with such brilliance while keeping his signature style alive. The family sequences, especially those consisting of Mickey's family are indeed the best moments of the film, even Ranbir and Shraddha's included.

The Performances

Ranbir Kapoor is doing what he does best - or atleast is loved the most for. As Mickey, he is indeed all the qualities he associates himself with in the trailer while wooing Shraddha's Tinni but more than that, he is all heart in the emotional scenes.

Shraddha Kapoor's career has been rather commercially-driven and while there are still moments of huge gaps in TJMM but there is no denying this is the actor's career best. She is more confident, unhinged and expressive than she has ever been so far. Her character is easily unlikable but the actor's innocence somehow makes you invested in her.

As mentioned multiple times already, the ensemble cast are the true winners of Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar - more than Ranbir and Shraddha even. Kapadia and Bassi are especially fabulous and child artist Inayat Verma is given a lot to do with some funny lines - the entire cast of the film make it how entertaining it ultimately turns out to be.

The Verdict

Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar sets out to achieve almost everything it intended - delivering a good rom-com, a fresh pairing with amazing on-screen chemistry, a fabulous supporting cast, exotic locations and successful music. There are gaps and dry moments, especially in the first half but given the tempo rises well to a crescendo that satisfies - it is worth it.

Rating - ***1/2 (3.5/5)