The movie is about the thin line that every (or rather almost every) youngster goes through. The line between 'being in a relationship' and 'being in love'. The movie breaks 'the guy meets gal. they fall in love. some troubles.. dishum dishum.. twists.. and they live happily ever after' clutter and provides a fresh breather. Its not a soooper movie with great performances with dhinchak technicals, but it does have a tight script and that 'feel good factor' which leaves a stupid smile on your face when you walk out of the theater.Plot wise, The movie deals with the difference between the 'Love Fundamentals of 'Aaj' Vs 'Kal'. The movie starts with post break up scenario between saif and deepika wherein both are just 'friends' and claim to have 'moved on' from the relationship. Add to it a parallel (not really) track of a flashback romance between a young Rishi Kapoor(dont get confused: Played by Saif himself) and Harleen(A 'Brazillian' punjaabi kudi). There are twists and turns and realizations of movement from 'relationship' to 'love' and everyone lives happily ever after.. Phew!!!
Performance wise, (Obviously) Saif and Deepika disappoint. If you replace both of them with two 'Potatoes' the movie wont be any different because its not about the performance prowess of any of the characters. Since i dint expect any of them to deliver a power packed performance, i was not disappointed. As already established. The movie is not about actors or even characters, its about the situations and realizations.
Technically, i think Imtiaz has done a Fab job when it comes to the sepia-toned 'kal' story. I think it just fits perfectly with the script as well as the timeline. The tone distinguishes the current plot from the past as well as eliminates the confusion that could have arisen from the continuous current vs past tracks.
One think worth mentioning here is the use of Saif as Rishi Kapoor's younger version. Most people i spoke with seemed to have a problem with that. But i guess they miss a very crucial point, Rishi says that Saif reminds him of his younger self and Rishi himself is the one narrating his story, so its pretty obvious that he sees saif in his own flashback. Confusing but has been taken up very well.
Music is just out of the world. Take ANY track and you are gonna love it. From 'aahun aahun' which just simply doesnt go out of your head no matter how hard you try to the mushy 'dooriyaan'. EACH and every song blends perfectly in the narrative.
Overall, a must watch (atleast for every individual who is confused with the concept of 'love' and 'relationships' and the difference therein). Dont expect great performances, but a sweet story with no zabardasti ka mush-wush, Superb direction, Decent technicals, Great Music, A tight script and Gripping Narrative.. Imtiaz all the way from my side..
Feel-O-Meter: 8.5/10
Food for thought: Would Ranbir had been a better choice (if the money was not provided by Saif!!) to play the lead. Hmm.. For one, He is dating Deepika(so chemistry). Second, He is Rishi kapoor's son so HE playing HIS younger version would have been more realistic(Mind you, Neetu Singh also plays Rishi's wife in the movie). Third, The movie has a very 'fresh and young feel' which i dont think Saif does justice to.