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Set in the late 90s, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video attempts to weave a tale of love, chaos, and humor around a stolen honeymoon tape. Featuring Rajkummar Rao as Vicky, a male mehendi artist, and Triptii Dimri as Vidya, a doctor, the film explores the repercussions of their private moments being exposed in a pre-social media era. On paper, the concept promises a comedy of errors infused with 90s nostalgia. However, the execution leaves much to be desired.
Promising Setup, Flawed Execution:
The late 90s, a time when privacy held a different meaning, serves as an intriguing backdrop. Unlike today’s oversharing era, recording private moments was rare. The premise of a middle-class couple from Rishikesh dealing with the loss of their private video offers potential for both humor and commentary. Unfortunately, the film oscillates aimlessly between slapstick comedy, supernatural elements, and social messaging, creating a cluttered narrative.
The screenplay fails to establish a genuine connection with its characters or their era. While Rajkummar Rao brings his acting prowess to the table, even he struggles to elevate the inconsistent writing. Triptii Dimri, though charming, is underutilized. The ensemble cast, featuring seasoned performers like Vijay Raaz, Mallika Sherawat, and Archana Puran Singh, is let down by superficial character development and forced humor.
Missed Opportunities for Nostalgia:
Films like Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015) have successfully recreated the essence of the 90s, blending nostalgia with heartwarming storytelling. Unfortunately, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video merely scratches the surface. While the film attempts to evoke nostalgia through periodic 90s songs and cultural references, it fails to immerse viewers in the era.
Instead of authentic storytelling, the film resorts to tired tropes, including body shaming, ageism, and caricatures. A maid is mocked for her looks, and Archana Puran Singh’s character faces ridicule for desiring intimacy with her husband. These moments feel regressive and detract from the film’s comedic aspirations.
Inconsistent Tone and Genre Confusion:
One of the film’s biggest drawbacks is its lack of tonal consistency. It shifts abruptly between comedy, romance, moral messaging, and even horror. For instance, Vijay Raaz’s character delivers some of the film’s best one-liners, only to be bogged down by a bizarre love track with Mallika Sherawat. The climax, which veers into activism and horror-comedy, feels out of place and muddles the narrative further.
Conclusion: A Disappointing Attempt
Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video had the potential to be a modern-day Priyadarshan-style comedy of errors but ends up being an inconsistent and tiresome watch. While the cast tries to make the most of the material, the film’s lack of clarity and overreliance on clichés let it down.
For audiences seeking 90s nostalgia or sharp humor, this film may fall short of expectations. With stronger writing and a focused narrative, this concept could have become a memorable tribute to an era gone by. Unfortunately, it serves as a reminder that a promising idea alone isn’t enough to create cinematic magic.
By addressing these missteps, filmmakers can better capture the balance between nostalgia and modern storytelling, ensuring audiences leave entertained rather than exhausted.