Shaandaar

Film director Vikas Bahl’s 2015 Bollywood film "Shaandaar" is an extravagant blend of romance, comedy, fantasy, and musical genres, showcasing the talents of popular Indian cinema stars Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.

Shaandaar marks the first time Kapoor and Bhatt are paired together on screen, sharing a chemistry that is palpable and endearing. The film is written by Anvita Dutt and produced by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane, under the banner of Phantom Films, and Karan Johar under Dharma Productions.

The narrative of Shaandaar revolves around the much-anticipated wedding of Sanah Kapoor's character, Isha, woven with several sub-plots and delightful surprises. The backdrop is an extravagant destination wedding in Europe. The grandeur of the wedding displays the opulence of the bride's family, which contrasts with their pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. This destination wedding sets the stage for fun, fantasy, and love to blossom.

Shahid Kapoor plays the character of Jagjinder Joginder, a wedding planner who is not just in charge of organizing the grand spectacle but also becomes an integral part of the bride’s family drama, complexities, and secrets. Kapoor encapsulates his character with a perfect balance of charm and candor, making Jagjinder Joginder an unforgettable character.

On the other hand, Alia Bhatt portrays the character of Alia, an adoptive child of the wealthy and dominant Bipin Arora, played by Pankaj Kapur. Alia is vivacious, free-spirited but deeply disturbed by her stepmother's unloving attitude and remaining isolated from the rest of her family, the sleeplessness of her character offers a dramatic twist to the storyline.

Alia and Shahid emerge as nocturnal companions, their insomnia allowing them to explore a budding romantic relationship. They fall in love amidst the backdrop of the night sky and develop a bond by sharing personal stories and dreams. Both of them struggle with their sense of belonging and identity in their respective families. Their narratives intertwine with humor, fantasy, and compassion, making their love story appealing and unique.

But a love story is never complete without a twist. Alongside the grandeur of the wedding and the magical freeze frames of Alia and Shahid's blossoming romance, the film introduces a parallel subplot involving dubious economic transactions – a proposed merger between two business tycoons facilitated by the matrimonial alliance of their children.

Veteran actor Pankaj Kapur shines as the anxious but well-intentioned father, his performance providing depth and gravitas to the narrative. Amidst the wedding tensions, family secrets, and business deals, his portrayal of a father finding his bonding moments with his adoptive daughter is deeply poignant and tugs at the heartstrings. The rest of the ensemble cast, including stars like Sanah Kapoor, Sushma Seth, and Sanjay Kapoor, offer stellar performances, adding layers to the narrative and drama.

The music in Shaandaar is well crafted and aptly underscores the various moods of the film. The songs composed by Amit Trivedi are encapsulated beautifully within the narrative. The soundtrack features a mix of energetic dance numbers, haunting melodies, and romantic ballads, enhancing the overall appeal and texture of the movie.

Shot mainly in gorgeous locales of Europe, the film's breathtaking visuals add to the overall grandness and allure. Production design and costuming are excellent, complementing the spectacular architecture and scenic locales. Cinematographers Anil Mehta and Vinod Pradhan create magical moments with their craft, rendering the film visually dazzling and extravagant.

Vikas Bahl's Shaandaar is not just a romantic comedy or a grand drama, it’s a delicately spun tale of love, family, and acceptance. It encapsulates the essence of contemporary Indian weddings and complex family dynamics, with distinct elements of fantasy, love, traditions, humor, and grandeur.

In its entirety, Shaandaar is a vibrant, extravagant Bollywood spectacle that provides an absolute cinematic pleasure for movie lovers. It is an ornate ensemble of romance, comedy, fantasy, and unending celebration, carefully packed around tackling themes of acceptance, family bonds, and self-identity, making it a delightful watch.