Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023) Review!!

Synopsis – Madness ensues when a ‘player’ in the world of romantic relationships finds a girl who’s a worthy opponent, that believes love is a battle of wits.

My Take – The quintessential Bollywood rom coms have been mostly dead for a while. Though they are have been the occasional blips here and there, they have been mostly of the miss than hit variety. With those hits mostly coming from the house of writer-director Luv Ranjan (Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety).

His latest too is no different.

Backed with a refreshing yet relatable premise, solid laugh-out-gags, old school family drama elements, entertaining music, peppy and vibrant dance numbers, and of course a fresh lead pair in the form of Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, this wholesome colorful romantic comedy is one of the best entertainers to arrive in recent times.

Aimed to please the masses specifically, the film is laced throughout with Luv Ranjan‘s trademark style of direction involving a lot of ramblings and hard mocking of unrealistic expectations in modern relationships. The romantic comedy flick beautifully pulls together the message it wants to deliver as a delightful, enjoyable roller-coaster.

Sure, the film is far from perfect and does suffer from hiccups, particularly in the first half. But going by the sub-standard of the plethora of films Hindi filmmakers have been dumping over the past few years, this one is definitely among the better ones.

The story follows Rohan ‘Mickey’ Arora (Ranbir Kapoor), the rich heir of a business family, who lives with them in Delhi. But unknown to them along with handling the family’s business, Mickey, along with this best friend, Manu Dabbas (Anubhav Singh Bassi) also runs an uncanny side business, which sees him acting as a break-up consultant, helping people break-up with their respective partners.

However, his life changes when Mickey accompanies Manu to Spain for his supposed bachelor party with his fiancée, Kinchi (Monica Chaudhary), and falls head over heels in love with her friend, Nisha ‘Tinni’ Malhotra (Shraddha Kapoor). Though, the two hook up and eventually decide to get married after introducing each other to their respective families, things take an unexpected turn when Micky’s expertise works comes back in reverse to hurt him.

Without a doubt, the love story presented in the first half is familiarly staged and set, but Ranbir Kapoor’s infectious energy coupled with Pritam’s chart-busting soundtrack manages to keep one engaged. It is only in the pre-interval point which sets the base for a more engaging second half and the film gets better. Delving into real issues about clashing egos, trust on your partner, about family, how it elevates you but when overdone, can cage you. The conflict points, and the sequences designed around them are effective and well written.

Without indulging in political correctness, the film emphasizes the value of family and showcases the insecurities of countless young people who consider family as a hindrance to their modernity. They feel as if living in a family means being bound by various social shackles. Here, writer-director Luv Ranjan and co-writer Rahul Mody has also taken care that today’s working and independent-minded girls should also be given a place in the story. What all goes through the mind of a working girl living in a joint family, or how she has to compromise on her career, has been shown well here.

At the same time, it has also been shown in the best way how Indian families need to change their views about working women. So that never a woman is forced to give up her love in the name of adjusting into a joint family. However, the film shines best in the humor department.

The Meta references to Luv Ranjan‘s earlier films do bring a smile to your face. The pre-climax and the climax have the perfect mix of both hilarious and emotional moments. A particular mention must be made of the airport scene which delivers ample chaos.

Having previously proved his mettle in films like Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009), and Anjaana Anjaani (2010), Ranbir Kapoor once again proves he is tailor made for the genre. Here, Ranbir executes his performance well according to the pitch of this film. Over the top with his expression in the comedy portions and being appropriate in the serious situations. Without a doubt, Ranbir continues to soar above his contemporaries.

Shraddha Kapoor, despite the criticism often attached to her, manages to match Ranbir‘s energy and shares magnetic chemistry with him. In her new look, Shraddha manages to look ravishing throughout.

In supporting roles, notable stand-up comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi is hilarious and shares excellent camaraderie with Ranbir, while Dimple Kapadia, Boney Kapoor, Hasleen Kaur, Jatinder Kaur and Inayat Varma make for an adorable family. Monica Chaudhary is also impressive. Karthik Aryan and Nushrratt Bharuchha appear in interesting cameos. On the whole, ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar’ is a wholesome rom-com that remains satisfyingly entertaining throughout.