Udita Jhunjhunwala

in Scroll

Time passes because the screenplay says it has, not because the world around the characters changes in any meaningful way.

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While Rao brings out the best in her young cast, led by Sen with fitting support from Jotwani, Pillai and Mayor, Vishakha Pandey needed to turn it down a notch as the over-enthusiastic Rukhsana. Sen and Jotwani make a cute pair – in spite of the height difference – and convincingly convey the playful flirtation of young love that’s trying to bridge social and class divides. Azmi and Sharma are on point as the textbook old-school grandparents. Seven episodes later, one feels invested in the little wins, little losses and big gestures initiated and experienced by the characters. Dil Dosti Dilemma is a low-cal, feel-good entertainer that gradually draws you in, just the way Asmara is drawn into Tibri Road.

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The dialogue is occasionally – and surprisingly – banal. The characters range from comic book extremes, like Hiram Lodge and Mrs Lodge, to underplayed and customary, like Archie and his gang. Greenness is obvious among the debutantes, in particular Khushi Kapoor, who is a bit stiff in her dance moves and speech. Suhana Khan, who gets to skate, sulk, preen and be playful, fits as the pampered Ronnie. Agastya Nanda is likeable though a touch diffident in his timbre. Unlike some of his peers, he appears to have made an effort to play a singer. Vedang Raina brings the right amount of swag to the rakish Reggie. Among the tunes, only Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s Va Va Voom, with its retro vibe and energetic dance performance, and Sunoh pop out. Using songs to sometimes show a character’s thoughts is an excess. The biggest strength – and the real stars – are the production design, costumes, cinematography, art direction, choreography and locations. Under Akhtar’s direction, the elements integrate to build an immersive and idyllic backdrop. Nostalgia might not hit home, but there is enough novelty here to hold interest.