Movie Review: Dostana (2008)

1. Introduction

Released in 2008, Dostana is a Bollywood comedy-drama directed by Tarun Mansukhani. The film features a fresh and humorous take on relationships, starring John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan, and Priyanka Chopra. It falls under the genres of comedy, romance, and drama, with a lighthearted yet thought-provoking story. Set against the backdrop of Miami, Dostana brings together an interesting mix of friendship, love, and the complications that arise when things aren’t as they seem. The film’s playful approach to themes like sexuality and identity, combined with its catchy music and vibrant visuals, made it a hit in theaters. As we dive deeper into the movie, let’s explore what makes Dostana stand out, as well as the areas where it could have done better.

2. Plot Summary

The story of Dostana revolves around two men, Sam (John Abraham) and Kunal (Abhishek Bachchan), who pretend to be a gay couple in order to share a luxurious apartment with their female roommate, Neha (Priyanka Chopra). Neha is a career-driven woman who is unaware of their true intentions. As the story progresses, Sam and Kunal find themselves falling for Neha, leading to a complicated love triangle. The film navigates through a series of comedic situations, misunderstandings, and emotional moments. As the characters struggle to keep up with their fake relationship while dealing with their real feelings, the movie explores themes of friendship, love, and the blurred lines between the two. The light-hearted nature of the plot, along with its colorful setting, makes it a fun ride, but also one that raises questions about societal norms and expectations.

3. What’s Good?

Acting and Performances

One of the major strengths of Dostana lies in its stellar performances. John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan shine in their roles as the quirky and charming duo who pretend to be lovers. John, known for his stoic image, brings a new level of humor and charm to his character. Abhishek, on the other hand, plays the more sensitive and emotional counterpart with ease. Their chemistry is delightful, and their comic timing is spot on, making their friendship both entertaining and endearing. Priyanka Chopra, as the female lead, is equally captivating. She effortlessly blends vulnerability with strength, making her character relatable and likable.

Direction and Cinematography

Director Tarun Mansukhani brings a breezy, fun tone to the film, keeping it light-hearted while subtly addressing deeper themes like friendship and love. His handling of the subject matter is fresh and bold, and the film doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of relationships. The vibrant, sun-soaked Miami setting adds to the overall appeal of the film, making it visually striking. The cinematography is clean and modern, with a stylish, glossy finish that complements the film’s upbeat vibe. The scenes are well-composed, and the camera work enhances the comedy, adding a playful touch to the narrative.

Music and Songs

The music of Dostana is another standout feature. The soundtrack, composed by the duo Vishal-Shekhar, is a perfect blend of catchy tunes and peppy beats. Songs like “Desi Girl” and “Shut Up & Bounce” became instant hits, with their infectious energy and memorable lyrics. The music plays a significant role in maintaining the film’s lively atmosphere and complements the humor and romance that unfold on screen. The background score is also well-suited to the film’s tone, enhancing both the comedic and emotional moments.

Humor and Entertainment

At its core, Dostana is a comedy, and it delivers on that front. The film is packed with witty one-liners, hilarious situations, and amusing misunderstandings. The humor is light and fun, making it an enjoyable watch for audiences looking for a good laugh. The film also does well in balancing comedy with moments of emotional depth, which adds a layer of complexity to what could have otherwise been a simple rom-com.

4. Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Dostana succeeds in several areas, especially in terms of its performances and direction. The chemistry between the lead actors is undoubtedly the highlight of the film. Their ability to make the audience laugh, while also evoking empathy, is a testament to their acting skills. The film’s bold approach to portraying a fake gay relationship is refreshing, and it challenges societal stereotypes with humor and sensitivity. The music and visuals further enhance the film’s appeal, making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

The film also stands out for its progressive themes. By addressing the concept of same-sex relationships in a lighthearted, non-judgmental way, it opens up conversations about love and identity. While the film doesn’t delve deeply into these issues, it paves the way for more inclusive narratives in mainstream Bollywood cinema.

Weaknesses

However, Dostana is not without its flaws. The plot, while entertaining, can sometimes feel predictable. The film relies heavily on comedic situations that, at times, verge on being over-the-top. Some of the humor, especially around the central premise of the fake gay relationship, may feel forced to some viewers. Additionally, while the film tries to address important themes, it often does so in a superficial manner. The characters’ emotional arcs could have been explored more deeply, and the film sometimes sacrifices character development for humor and spectacle. Some might also find the portrayal of certain characters and situations to be overly exaggerated or cliched.

5. Target Audience

Dostana is a film that will appeal to a wide range of viewers. Comedy fans will appreciate the lighthearted humor, while those looking for a romance will enjoy the love triangle at the heart of the story. The film’s bold take on relationships and identity also makes it a good pick for those interested in progressive, socially relevant narratives. Families, especially those with young adults, will find the film enjoyable, as it offers a mix of comedy, romance, and fun without being too intense or dramatic. However, those looking for a deeply serious or intellectual film may find Dostana a bit too frivolous.

6. Box Office Details

Dostana had a solid performance at the box office, thanks to its star-studded cast and catchy music. The film had a total budget of approximately ₹30 crores (INR). It went on to gross around ₹86 crores worldwide, making it a commercial success. The film’s success can be attributed to its wide appeal, which attracted a diverse audience.

Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas)

• Day 1 (Opening Day): ₹4.2 crores (India), ₹1.2 crores (Overseas)
• Day 2: ₹5.5 crores (India), ₹1.5 crores (Overseas)
• Day 3: ₹6.2 crores (India), ₹1.8 crores (Overseas)
• Day 4: ₹5.1 crores (India), ₹1.3 crores (Overseas)
• Day 5: ₹4.8 crores (India), ₹1.0 crores (Overseas)

The film saw a steady rise in its earnings over the weekend, with strong overseas performance, particularly in markets like the US and the UK. Its box office success was bolstered by positive word-of-mouth and the growing popularity of the lead actors.

7. Recommendation

In conclusion, Dostana is a fun, entertaining film that blends humor, romance, and progressive themes. With great performances, a catchy soundtrack, and a fresh take on relationships, it offers a delightful cinematic experience. While it may not be perfect, it is definitely worth a watch for those looking for a light-hearted comedy with a hint of social commentary.

Genres:

Drama, Comedy, Romance

Rating:

6.2/10

Cast:

Actor	Character
Abhishek Bachchan	Sameer ‘Sam’ Acharya
John Abraham	Kunal Chauhan
Priyanka Chopra Jonas	Neha Melwani
Kirron Kher	Sameer’s Mother
Boman Irani	M
Bobby Deol	Abhimanyu ‘Abhi’ Singh
Shrey Bawa	Veer Singh
Sushmita Mukherjee	Ms. Melwani
Monika Gaba	Anaita
Harry Key	Auctioneer
Shilpa Shetty Kundra	Dancer (Shut Up & Bounce)
Ana Villafañe	Runway Model
Mavrick Moreno	Child in Park (uncredited)
Edward Sonnenblick	Magazine Editor

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