Jodi Breakers

Within the Indian societal setting, marriages mark a vital episode in an individual's life and Hindi movies have, very often, mirrored this fact. However the question is, can one snap off a relationship/marriage if it is not working? Is it easy for the respective individuals to start out life afresh after a foul marriage? LOTS OF PEOPLE I DO KNOW are constantly under social and familial pressure to take care of the image of contentment, even if they aren't hitting off.

But times are changing rapidly. Marriage as an establishment isn't sacrosanct anymore, with divorce becoming a commonality in urban India. Breaking free from a relationship requires a party these days, with theme parties being organized to celebrate 'freedom'.

JODI BREAKERS narrates the tale of a pair [R. Madhavan and Bipasha Basu, for this reason] who help get a divorce miserable, disgruntled couples. What makes JODI BREAKERS an innovative experience for Hindi moviegoers is the truth that a majority of our films are about people falling in love, but this one is set a couple that focuses on separation. It tells you to wreck the shackles and discover a path of your own, after love goes wrong.

Wait! Does the plot strike a chord? Does JODI BREAKERS borrow inspiration from two films, because the rumor mills want us to believe, LAWS OF ATTRACTION [Pierce Brosnan, Julianne Moore] and the French film HEARTBREAKER [Romain Duris, Vanessa Paradis]? Not really, barring a similar-sounding title with the latter. In fact, a couple of random moments bring back memories of YRF's immensely likeable BAND BAAJA BAARAAT.

To put things within the right perspective, JODI BREAKERS is routine, clichéd and formulaic, a minimum of initially. Add lazy and unenergetic too. Director Ashwini Chaudhary doesn't get a grip of things, except in a few sequences. However the twist and turns within the post-interval portions are of a fascinating variety [writer: Aakash Kaushik], with a big chunk of the second one hour succeeding in making you erase whatever misgivings you'll have had from the primary hour.

Sid [R. Madhavan], a divorcee, realizes that happy marriages are a myth. He decides to become a break-up specialist on a rebound. He comes into contact with Sonali [Bipasha Basu] and the duo decides to become jodi breakers. But an enormous incident changes their lives and the duo decides to rectify the inaccurate they'd committed.

JODI BREAKERS is a mixed bag, frankly. It's like watching two different films in those two hours. Let me explicate. The primary half is essentially dry and insipid and talks of jodi breakers. The succeeding half is precisely the reverse. It holds your attention because the characters change gears. The drama within the post-interval portions compensates for the blemishes that stare at you initially. The film concludes on a particularly pleasant note, that is what the viewer actually carries with him/her when he/she exits the auditorium.

Director Ashwini Chaudhary has the makings of a superb raconteur. This, one realized much earlier [DHOOP] and now, in JODI BREAKERS, Ashwini proves his credentials another time. What's noteworthy is that he keeps the drama straightforward, unfussy and unpretentious. Besides, he makes his lead pair shine magnificently within the radiance of a well-tailored script.

The songs of JODI BREAKERS have already merited a spot in popular charts and ace composers Salim-Sulaiman deserve credit for it. It is a damn good soundtrack, with several tracks staying fresh on your memory -- 'Kunwara', 'Darmiyaan' and 'Bipasha'. Even the song within the finale, which can give an impression that it's forced within the narrative, helps the tale move forward. The cinematography [Arun Varma] is of standard, with the scenic locales of Greece and Goa giving the film that rich texture.

JODI BREAKERS holds your attention for a key reason. It doesn't fall prey to the traditional pairing. While he captured the hearts of cinegoers playing the traditional good boy in TANU WEDS MANU, Madhavan does a somersault in JODI BREAKERS. He underplays his character ingeniously and is incredible when he communicates his sentiments. Bipasha looks fresh, glamorous and most importantly, one hasn't watched her within the way you'll get to peer in JODI BREAKERS. A part of a rom-com for the primary time, let me tell you, she is superb within the film. Besides, she's certain to send viewers into raptures within the 'Bipasha' track. The tender moments between Madhavan and Bipasha are tastefully handled.

Milind Soman and Dipannita Sharma are truly wonderful. Mrinalini Sharma portrays her part with gusto. Omi Vaidya provides some laughs, especially within the Baba Kamdev sequence. Tarana Raja is first-rate, while Helen adds sparkle to her part.

On the whole, JODI BREAKERS has an engrossing and smartly executed second half that tilts scales in its favor. The fitting dose of drama and romance, besides a trendy, harmonious musical score, only act as toppings.