Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video attempts to channel the cause-and-effect style of classic Priyadarshan films but ultimately loses the viewer’s interest.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the title of the Rajkummar Rao starrer Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video reminds you of a Hollywood movie starring Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks. That seems to be the movie’s theme: constantly trying to remind you of other, better movies you’ve seen in the hope of some of that goodwill rubbing off.
When a movie’s early hype is not for the story but for stealing a character from another franchise, you know things are not good. Despite all the highs and lows, does Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video live up to the hype?
Let’s find out.
What’s the Story?
The story begins with Vicky, played by Rajkummar Rao, a Mehndi artist, and Vidya, a doctor portrayed by Triptii Dimri, two newlyweds eager to capture the joy of their first night together by recording a personal video. But their happiness takes an unexpected detour when the CD with their cherished video gets stolen. What follows is a heartfelt and often hilarious journey, at least in the first half, as Vicky and Vidya navigate a maze of mix-ups and misunderstandings in their desperate quest to reclaim their precious memento.
What Works?
Co-written and directed by Raj Shaandilyaa, who gave us Dream Girl 1 and its sequel, the movie does have its funny moments. But they are rare and mostly due to the caliber of the actors.
Rajkummar Rao seems to have walked straight off the set of Guns & Gulaabs. This is his fourth movie this year, and once again, he is superb at playing a nuanced and hilarious character. He’s played similar characters before, like a tailor and a mehndi artist, and this role has some moments that remind us of his past movies, but it’s mostly new territory for him. Despite the weak script, he manages to stand out.
Triptii Dimri is the other lead. As the wife, she has a cheerful presence and does a decent enough job. The other actors, like Vijay Raaz as a policeman and Tiku Talsania as the hero’s careless grandfather, also manage to shine despite the script not helping much.
Also Read: Khel Khel Mein Review
Overall, this is Rajkummar Rao’s movie, and he carries it as far as he can. It’s a tough task, and by the end, I’m sure even he must’ve been envying the rock Sisyphus had to roll up the hill compared to the dead weight of Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video.
What Doesn’t Work?
Apparently, third time’s not a charm for Raj Shaandilyaa. Save for some moments in the first half, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video is really disappointing. It takes more than a small town setting and simple problems that spiral into crazy situations to make an enjoyable movie. By the end, it was pretty clear that Shaandilyaa, who used to write jokes for TV comedians, might be many things, but Priyadarshan, he is not.
Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video feels like an extended comedy sketch that tries really hard to be super funny. The main issue is with the sloppy writing. The script, written by Yusuf Ali Khan, Ishrat Khan, Rajan Agarwal, and the director himself, never hits the mark. It tries to be hilarious but ends up feeling forced and messy, like that irritating friend who’s always the only one laughing at their joke, hoping for a high-five from you. Just because you smiled at one slightly funny one-liner a week back doesn’t mean you must endure every one of his lame, cringe attempts.
Final Verdict
If there’s nothing else on, just call it a night. You’ll thank us later. We give it 0.5 out of 5
