Karthik Calling Karthik ....

Stepping into the theater to watch Karthik Calling Karthik, I felt a sense of expectation from the movie. To confess, I adore Farhan Akhtar because he comes across as an intelligent, constantly thinking man. Not hero stuff but in real life, he has got all that matters - brains, wit and logic that comes across in his warm persona. 

From the moment I saw the way Karthik (Farhan) behaved, I sensed that he had some disorder that began in his mind, the body language was not that of an introvert, but of someone who is going through mental breakdown. Many moments in this movie made you want to live in a world where vulnerable individuals like Karthik are given the space to be the way they want to be. 

However, in the real world, things get nastier and to survive, it becomes a question of joining the worst or being bullied by the worst.  I loved the part where Karthik learns the importance of saying 'NO' firmly. I think there are too many nice people in this world who are taken for a ride because they are too nice to say no.


The first half of the movie is better than the second. The first half gives you a glimpse into the way of life Farhan is used to and how he tries to fight the pattern. The pressures of the work environment and a boss who treats vulnerable, hardworking Karthik like shit is also something we can connect to. There are also has some romantic moments with the love of his life, Deepika Padukone, who notices his existence after years for reasons left to the viewer's imagination.  


The role of Shefali as a doctor was not convincing enough because the dialogue delivery was not as powerful and significant as it should have been.  The role of Deepika could have been more defined but it goes without saying that she looks beautiful and does her part very naturally. The role of the boss which was brilliantly acted out by Ram Kapoor was a full fledged one.


A couple of things that I was not convinced about is that while the character of Karthik is very well etched out, there are several parts of the screenplay that didnt seem to fit in or felt compromised. The second half drags on and makes you want to walk out because there just doesnt seem to be any point in watching the movie. The sluggish pace becomes very difficult to sit through. Further, a guy who had been suffering from poor self-esteem goes through a lightning fast makeover due to a call from his alter ego, Karthik. The part about the phone calls evoked suspense but some parts of it didn't seem to fit in well.


I am not convinced by the message or purpose of this movie but for those of you who want to see an unconventional Bollywood flick where the hero is not named "Rahul" and doesn't act like a candyfloss guy, this movie may be interesting and intellectually stimulating to watch. Also, Deepika Padukone just lights up the landscape with her ethereal smile.