Half Girlfriend

Half Girlfriend is a multilingual Indian romance-drama movie released in 2017, directed by Mohit Suri based on Chetan Bhagat's best-selling novel of the same name. The film features Arjun Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, and Vikrant Massey in lead roles.

The film uncovers an unconventional love story that is interspersed with complications and cultural conflicts, structured upon the backdrop of rural Bihar, New York, and New Delhi. Protagonist Madhav Jha (Arjun Kapoor), a rustic Bihari boy, gets an admission to one of the prestigious colleges in Delhi through sports quota where he encounters the urban and English-speaking Riya Somani (Shraddha Kapoor). Madhav, who comes from a humble background is unable to fit into the cosmopolitan environment due to his lack of proficiency in English, subsequently takes help from Riya to enhance his linguistic skills.

As they spend more time together, Madhav develops feelings for Riya and misinterprets her friendliness as love. When he proposes to her, she suggests a compromise, offering to be his "Half Girlfriend" - more than a friend, but not quite a girlfriend. The term "Half Girlfriend" in the film represents a commitment phobic society where youngsters are unwilling to be completely involved in a relationship. Both Arjun Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor are able to portray their characters convincingly, bringing depth and realism to the story.

On the other hand, the film welcomes the character of Vikrant Massey as Shailesh, Madhav’s friend and the voice of reason. Throughout Madhav's tumultuous journey, Shailesh guides him through his moments of self-doubt, lending a more grounded perspective to Madhav’s often impulsive decisions.

Apart from the love saga, the film also touches upon societal issues. The narrative takes a specific interest in the lack of educational facilities available in rural India and the struggles the underprivileged class undergo for its access. Madhav's character is committed to improving the infrastructure of his village school, which adds another compelling layer to his character and the overall movie plot.

Half Girlfriend is not only a tale of unrequited love but also about friendship, ambition, and the desire to make a difference in the world. The director, Mohit Suri, is known for his adept handling of intense emotions, and he maintains a consistent tonality throughout the movie, masterfully weaving the rural-urban divide and the language barrier into the narrative.

The movie’s music, composed by Rishi Rich, Mithoon, Farhan Saeed, Ami Mishra, and Rahul Mishra, has already been received well, supplementing the narrative. The dynamic cinematography by Vishnu Rao captures the essence of Delhi's upscale colleges, rustic Bihar, and the ever-sparkling New York, enhancing the overall visual experience.

In conclusion, Half Girlfriend is an endearing adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's best-selling novel, mirroring the modern complexities of unspoken love, commitment issues, social disparities, and linguistic prejudices. Arjun Kapoor’s earnest portrayal of Madhav Jha, Shraddha Kapoor’s uniqe portrayal of a girl caught in the crossfires of society and her own emotions, along with Vikrant Massey’s grounded character, make the film a captivating watch. The movie’s realistic treatment of its characters and the environment combined with its melodious music and striking locales create a memorable cinematic experience worth indulging in.