One by Two

One by Two is a 2014 Indian romantic comedy film directed by Devika Bhagat. This engaging and light-hearted movie, featuring Bollywood actor Abhay Deol and British actress Preeti Desai, charms the audience with its sweet, relatable tale of modern romance and life aspirations.

The plot of One by Two revolves around the lives of two ordinary individuals who reside in the bustling city of Mumbai. The protagonist, Amit Sharma, portrayed by talented actor Abhay Deol, is an introverted, joe-average guy, bored with his monotonous IT job and feeling stagnated. He experiences an existential crisis after parting ways with his longtime girlfriend, and struggles to find meaning in his life. Amit is seemingly trapped in a cycle of unimportant errands and tasks. Despite the mundanity, Amit’s character is easy to identify with, as his character oozes genuine charm and a relatable quotient of the so-called 'standard norm' of people stuck in unfulfilling jobs and broken relationships.

On the other side, we have Samara Patel, opulently portrayed by Preeti Desai, a striving dancer battling her own problems. An emotional and fiercely independent woman, Samara is desperately trying to strike a balance between fulfilling her dreams and taking care of her alcoholic mother (played by the brilliant Lillete Dubey). Her character depicts the struggles of countless youngsters urging to break free and achieve their dreams.

This film allows the viewers to navigate through the lives of Amit and Samara, experiencing their joys, fears, sorrows and happiness. The two leads' worlds intertwine in strange, yet charming ways, painting a unique urban love story that reminisces about the beauty of chance encounters and destiny.

One by Two is not just another romantic comedy in a city setting; it digs deeper to explore the subtle complexities of human relationships, the challenges of urban living, and the sometimes-overwhelming journey towards self-discovery. The screenplay by Devika Bhagat embodies elements of realism and relatability keeping viewers engaged in the lead characters' journey.

Abhay Deol, one of the film's producers, is known for working in offbeat projects that break the typical Bollywood mould, and One by Two is no exception. His portrayal of Amit Sharma is loveable yet layered. Deol's understated acting style finds a perfect platform in this character, and he plays his role in a manner that resonates with the viewers.

Preeti Desai as Samara Patel delivers a performance that showcases an emotional range and depth. The journey of Samara from being a struggling dancer to coming to terms with her reality forms an essential part of the narrative. Desai manages to nail the complexities of Samara's character beautifully, offering the audience an emotionally charged performance.

The supporting cast, including Lillete Dubey, Rati Agnihotri, and Jayant Kripalani, successfully adds multiple layers to the story, giving it a sense of depth and texture.

The movie's soundtrack, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, is eclectic and plays a prominent role in setting the mood of the film. The songs are catchy yet integral to the narrative, successfully managing to enhance the storytelling.

Director Devika Bhagat's storytelling is nuanced, offering a fresh portrayal of romance and relationships in a contemporary setting. One by Two is the kind of film that does not follow the usual path in terms of its narrative structure, and this non-conformity is one of its biggest strengths.

In conclusion, One by Two is an entertaining rom-com that offers viewers a refreshing viewing experience. It balances sincere performances from its lead cast with a well-written screenplay, compelling music, and keen directorial insight from Devika Bhagat. This vibrant and quirky love story effectively captures the essence of urban romance and individual struggles, presenting a story that is both engaging and relatable. Overall, it's a delightful watch for anyone seeking a break from traditional Bollywood romance and looking to experience a slice-of-life narrative.