Film Review: Tu Jhoothi Mein Makkar [You a liar, me crafty]

Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Anubhav Singh Bassi, Boney Kapoor, Hasleen Kaur, Amber Rana, Monica Chaudhary, Inayat Verma, Jatinder Kaur, Rajesh Jais, Ayesha Raza Mishra

Director: Luv Ranjan

‘Tu Jhoothi Mein Makkar’ (‘TJMM’) is a treat for all the rom-com lovers out there. Ranbir and Shradhha bring great chemistry, romance and comic timing to the table in this fun entertainer packed with picturesque and vibrant locations and cinematography. The film is topped off with an eye-candy pairing as well as some great supporting cast.

‘TJMM’ is the story of Rohan aka ‘Mickey’, whose side hustle is helping people break-up tactfully and without losing face, who falls in love with Nisha aka ‘Tinni’ while on a holiday to celebrate his best friend’s bachelor party. What starts off as a holiday fling for Tinni soon turns into love after Mickey’s persistent professions. A familiar routine of family introductions, date nights and several musical tracks follow suit in a full-on, Bollywood-esque fashion. Soon enough, however, there is trouble in the paradise as Mickey and Tinni’s relationship matures and talks of a wedding begin to surface.

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The first half of the film isn’t much of a surprise to the seasoned viewer but what the second half offers is truly a refreshing and pleasant break away from the traditional rom-com path. Although a conflict of some sort is indeed expected in the second half, ‘TJMM’ handles the plot through a very unique lens.

Without giving away too many spoilers about the details of the plot, suffice it to say that not only does film avoid using the traditional tropes like introducing an antagonist, it also depicts relatable thought processes and situations which reflect very real issues which relationships and marriages are presently facing.

Wrapped in this light-hearted, romantic comedy is a message much needed for the next generation. Not only does the film capture the evolving nature of expectations when it comes to relationships and marriages in modern day, it also explores the ways in which individuals can have very different assumptions of what love, relationships and marriage should look like. Ranjan and Rahul Mody’s effective screenplay combines romance, wit and comedy effortlessly with a message which is powerful yet not preachy.

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Streaming now on Netflix, the film also sees cameos by Kartik Aaryan and Nushrratt Bharuccha and gives a nod to their 2018 film ‘Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety’ which was definitely a nice touch by the creative team.

Although the film could have benefited from shorter songs and editing of a few unnecessary scenes here and there, it is definitely worth a watch!