Review: 'Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video'- Powerful performances cannot mask its dated humor & sloppy execution

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa and produced by T-Series Films, Balaji Motion Pictures, Wakaoo Films, and Kathavachak Films, brings a promising premise to the screen. Set in 1997 in Rishikesh, the film tries to deliver a mix of comedy, romance, and a social message, but does it succeed in delivering what it intends to? Well, not really. 

Plot and Progression

The story centers around Vicky (Rajkummar Rao) and Vidya (Triptii Dimri), a newly married couple. On their first night together, they decide to film a video as a personal keepsake. However, things take a wild turn when the CD containing the video gets stolen. The rest of the film follows their chaotic journey to retrieve the CD, which leads to a series of mix-ups and misunderstandings. The premise itself is interesting, and it has the potential to be a fun and lighthearted comedy. However, the film quickly becomes a mishmash of predictable events, with the humor failing to land consistently. While the first half introduces the chaotic situation, it often feels like a snooze fest as none of the events particularly stand out or hold the audience's attention.

The film attempts to capture the charm of 90s Bollywood comedies, but its efforts fall flat. There are plenty of dad jokes and one-liners, many of which feel outdated and irrelevant in today's context. Some jokes land, but a large portion of the humor feels like recycled WhatsApp forwards—dull, uninspired, and lacking punch. The screenplay tries to evoke the style of classic Priyadarshan films, where one thing leads to another in a series of comedic errors, but it lacks the sharpness and cleverness needed to make such a formula work effectively.

Screenplay and Writing

One of the film’s biggest drawbacks is its uneven writing. While the idea of a stolen CD leading to a comedy of errors is promising, the execution feels half-baked. The story jumps from one event to another without much coherence, and the humor feels forced in many places. The film also awkwardly shifts into different genres, with a horror sequence involving a 'stree' like ghost haunting the characters. This segment feels completely out of place and is executed poorly, with Vicky saying the line, "O Stree, kal aana," in an obvious nod to Rao’s earlier film Stree. 

The Performances

Despite the weak script and disjointed narrative, Rajkummar Rao shines in his role as Vicky. Rao once again proves why he is one of the most versatile actors in Bollywood. He brings depth to his character, balancing humor, guilt, and romance with ease. As a mehendi artist who gets caught up in the chaos of the stolen CD, Rao delivers an earnest and engaging performance, and he successfully portrays Vicky’s charm and vulnerability.

Triptii Dimri, on the other hand, gives a sincere performance as Vidya, but the script doesn’t offer her much room to showcase her talent. Known for her powerful roles in films like Bulbbul and Qala, Dimri seems out of place in this commercial role, where she is mostly reduced to the role of a stereotypical “girl next door” with little to do beyond reacting to the situation.

The supporting cast, which includes Vijay Raaz as a police inspector, Archana Puran Singh as Vidya’s mother, Rakesh Bedi as Vidya’s father, Mukesh Tiwari as Sajjan Singh, and Tiku Talsania as Vicky’s grandfather, all deliver solid performances. Mallika Sherawat as Chanda makes a prolific comeback and is the spark of this rather dull story. She instantly will get you reminiscent of her character from 'Welcome' and she's definitely a treat to watch.

However, they too feel underutilized, with their talents somewhat wasted on a story that fails to capitalize on the comedic potential of its ensemble cast.

The Misses

One of the major flaws of Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video is its lackluster direction and poor editing. The film suffers from erratic pacing, with scenes stitched together in a way that feels disjointed. The editing is shoddy, making the plot feel abrupt and unfocused. At times, it feels as though parts of the film were shot separately and hastily pieced together, resulting in a lack of continuity.

While the film tries to deliver a social message in the second half, about respecting personal boundaries and not interfering in people’s private lives, it comes across as preachy. The emotional beats feel forced and out of sync with the rest of the film, making the climax feel rushed and unconvincing.

The Verdict

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video is a comedy that had the potential to entertain but ultimately misses the mark. The film tries to appeal to a broad audience, particularly in tier-two and tier-three cities, but for metro audiences, it feels dated and out of touch. For audiences looking for a lighthearted film with nostalgic 90s vibes, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video might offer some entertainment. It is a film that could have been much more if the pieces had come together properly, but instead, it feels like an outdated attempt at humor, with moments of brilliance buried under a clunky and erratic screenplay.

Rating

**1/2 (2.5/5) stars