“Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video” Review: A Decent Comedy with Standout Performances by Vijay Varma and Mallika Sherawat
Anurag Kashyap-directed “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,” starring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri, has hit theatres today. Quirky, at best, with a fair attempt at infusing humour and social commentary, the film has been a unique experience that has rolled along in the cinemas since today. While the promise of Alia Bhatt’s “Jigra” runs in competition with it, besides the lukewarm advance sales of “Maidaan,” much else goes against the film. But, it is supporting actors, namely Vijay Varma and Mallika Sherawat, whose performances are turning out to be the stand-out positives of “Maidaan.”
A Strong Cast but a Predictable Story
The mismatched, quirky duo of Vicky (Rajkummar Rao) and Vidya (Triptii Dimri) gets caught in a whole series of absurd misadventures through the story. The premise offers ample scope for light-hearted fun, but the script does not break much new ground. It stays within the safe parameters of Bollywood comedies and can remind viewers of certain moments from similar films that were earlier made. Situational comedy works in parts but eventually narrates a story that’s predictable and has fewer surprises compared to what one expected.
In short, akin to his earlier films, Rajkummar Rao knocks it out of the park once again as Vicky, that boy and his wit joined with his very deadpan humor. The man knows when to deliver the punch line and gets it right with precision. Writing doesn’t extend the reins for him to try out new dimensions. Triptii Dimri as Vidya, is slightly underdeveloped in character arc and engagement. Chemistry between leads is good. Enjoyable but does not enhance the movie more than its simple setup.
Kumar and Mallika Sherawat Steal the Scene
It’s the supporting cast that really savours in this film, even if the lead performances are quite good. Riding a wave of success in recent years, Vijay Varma delivers a standout performance with much-needed energy in much of the film. His portrayal of the mischievous, sly character who infuses layers of complexity into the plot is one of the film’s highlights. Varma is here to steal the scenes – shifting between comedy and darker undertones with ease.
Mallika Sherawat is also back with a bang in a terrific output that spices up this film. She doesn’t miss the screen presence at all and has scintillating chemistry on screen with Varma. They infuse much life into an otherwise predictable storyline, with scenes of them being the actual saviors of this movie. Compared to her previous outings, Sherawat goes all glam this time and surprises audiences with subtle comic timing and delivery, which is really alive.
Box Office Prospects: Slow start, hopes for weekend
Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video has decent content with strong performances; however, competition is pretty tough at the box office. According to reports, the movie has received around 22,000 tickets in major cinema chains such as PVR Inox and Cinepolis; the major sales come from PVR Inox alone, where it has garnered 16,500 tickets. Opening collection of Rs 5 crore on the first day, though the number might shift with walk-in bookings and same-day sales.
Dussehra festival has been ongoing and will bring something good for the film because movies see huge footfalls during this holiday period, especially by family groups. Still, it will face some competition from Navratri’s garba festivities as several people may opt to join the celebrations of the rich and vibrant culture rather than going to cinema halls. The film will need some good word-of-mouth to stay strong during the weekend. If the film can attract positive responses from the audience, collections over the opening three days could hit between Rs 17 to Rs 21 crore.
But the real test begins as “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video” gets a mere three-week window before big-ticketers like “Singham Again” and “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3” will hit the screens during Diwali, which are going to be huge in making a kill of the box office bread. So, “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video” has no choice but to earn at its opening one.
Competition: “Jigra” and the race for grabbing audience
Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video releasing on the same day as Alia Bhatt’s Jigra.”Both films enjoy similar kind of advance bookings, but it has to be said that the buzz around both films is fairly significant. While Jigra caters to an entirely different audience’s preference, the Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video is banking upon its comedy and light-hearted appeal for the mass attraction.”. The two movies will still fight for each other all weekend long, as to which captures more attention from the audiences and comes out on top.
Verdict: Fun movie, but not high on the list
“Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video” is a fair comedy, with good performances from Vijay Varma and Mallika Sherawat, that goes on to deliver laughs but never lingers in your memory. Predictable plot and limited scope for the lead actors are some of the reasons why the film could not reach its full potential. In any case it’s light hearted and shall provide an easy escape for some those looking for easy entertainment and some real good belly laughs.
Word-of-mouth, when it gathers pace, could really propel the film into an upward trajectory at the box office. However, with “Jigra” breathing down its neck and a couple of big-ticket festive releases on its heels, it needs more or less convincing repetitions from people in the coming weeks to sustain its movement.
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