Movie Review: ‘I, Me Aur Main’
When the trailers for ‘I, Me Aur Main’ came out, it seemed like this film would be a stereotypical film about a man being careless and living his life on a whim thinking that he was the best thing that had happened to womankind. This is first stand alone for John Abraham in a romantic drama and a lot had been made about his role in the film. Prachi Desai and Chitrangada Singh were shown off in the trailers as the sexy counterparts and a love triangle seemed more and more likely with both girls vying for one man�۪s attention. It was clear to see from the start that this was a film that was set in modern day society so it would be interesting to see just what the themes were.
Ishaan (John Abraham) is a spoilt self-centered and self-proclaimed man-child with some serious commitment issues. Despite living with his girlfriend Anushka (Chitrangada Singh) since three years, he still refuses to help with the household expenses or introduce Anushka to his parents. Frustrated with his lack of commitment to their future, Anushka throws Ishaan out after she realises that he will never change. Ishaan is unfazed by the break up and moves into his own place, conveniently located next to feisty neighbour Gauri (Prachi Desai).�� Eventually the pair fall in love and Ishaan starts to realise that he needs to move forward with his career supported by Gauri.�� However just as things start going good for him, he receives some life changing news.
Despite this film having some serious issues in the storyline, at every turn the filmmaker refuses to address them and that is what makes it such a frustrating watch. Ishaan never has any revelations about his responsibilities and it seems that the women in his life are just left to pick up the pieces. His mother (Zarina Wahab) seems to indulge him at every turn and then leaves when things start getting serious for her son. His sister is the only one who seems to be practical but even then, she ends up helping her brother and supporting him in his childish ways. There is also an odd back storyline of Ishaan and his ball breaker boss (Raima Sen) which never really goes anywhere and seems rather pointless. Ishaan�۪s sense of entitlement is never fully challenged in this film and it seems like he gets away with abandoning his ex-girlfriend and then is rewarded with this perfect relationship with his perky neighbour.
John Abraham does as well as he can in a character that never really goes anywhere. He plays a role that he has played many times before and continues to show off his body in every scene possible. Prachi Desai is a little too enthusiastic as Gauri and after a while comes across as a character who has no depth. Credit has to be given to Chitrangada Singh who makes an effort with her character and is convincing as the disconcerted ex who wants her boyfriend to acknowledge his responsibilities towards her. The soundtrack for the film is good with ��Saajna�۪ being the standout track on the album.
A very vanilla film with little depth overall. The director takes no risks and that is apparent in the storyline not moving the audience at all.
BizAsia Showbiz rating: 1/5
