Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety: Of bromance and mean girls
Not every man is honest, faithful or loving, just like not every woman is scheming, manipulative and bitchy. But in Luv Ranjan's movieverse, they are. His latest, 'Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety' (SKTKS), has been marketed as a clash between bromance and romance. There are warring sides, but as expected, no level playing field. However, despite keeping safe, Ranjan's newest offering doesn't disappoint.
Sonu and Titu are Jay and Veeru 2.0
The woman is still the villain, but Ranjan in this film, unlike his Pyaar Ka Punchnamas, isn't on a singular mission to denounce her. SKTKS isn't so much about wronged boyfriends or even romance as it's about enduring friendships. To call Sonu and Titu's relationship bromance somehow feels incorrect, almost insulting. They are the Jai and Veeru of today, setting #friendshipgoals for millennials.
Much more than a war of the sexes
With SKTKS, Ranjan has tried to look beyond the binary and delve deeper. Though the film retains a lot from Punchnama, it is more mature. Sweety is unnecessarily crafty, without any discernible rhyme or reason. However, the hero falters too. His intentions are noble but his ways are not. This faltering irrespective of gender elevates Ranjan's film and saves it from being a caricature.
Why the film works?
Even if the film's 'what' is predictable, the 'how' keeps you hooked. Ranjan's situational comedy is effortless and knows its audience well. On the surface, it may look like a boy vs girl drama, but it is essentially about good over evil. You root for Sonu, not because you are a boy but because he is earnest. And this is where Ranjan wins.
Should you watch it?
Totally. For the easy laughs. For the foot-tapping music. Honey Singh makes a much-anticipated comeback with SKTKS after a long medical hiatus. For the effortless performances of Kartik Aaryan, Nushrat Bharucha and Sunny Singh. To see Alok Nath, our beloved Babuji, smoke, drink, curse and party without reserve. But most importantly, to see a friendship that will make you want to rekindle yours.
