In the vibrant realm of Indian cinema, where narratives often reflect the complexities of evolving societies, director Raaj Shaandilyaa carves out a space for humour that taps into the nuances of small-town life. Known for his ability to craft humorous characters rooted in the nooks and crannies of India’s mofussil towns, Shaandilyaa employs his keen observation of societal shifts and cultural mores from the 1990s, a time when India was grappling with socio-economic liberalisation. However, as evidenced in ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’, the director’s prowess in bridging these sketches into a cohesive film experience is yet a journey in progress.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Rishikesh, part of the larger locale of Uttar Pradesh during the film’s historical setting, ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’ introduces its audience to Vicky (played by the ever-versatile Rajkummar Rao), a male mehendi artist, an unconventional protagonist if there ever was one. His profession, one that brings intricate, albeit temporary, art to life on women’s hands, stands in stark contrast to that of his wife Vidya (Triptii Dimri), a doctor who monitors the more permanent ebb and flow of human life. Their union is thus one marked by professional disparities, hinting at deeper societal commentary on gender roles and professional hierarchies.
The plot thickens—or perhaps it unravels—when a CD of a private recording from their honeymoon is stolen during a burglary. This incident catapults the couple into a whirlwind of comedic chaos. Enter Vijay Raaz as a memorable police officer grappling with hemorrhoids, whose personal plight juxtaposes the absurdity of the situation, eliciting laughter even before he utters a word. Meanwhile, Mallika Sherawat shines brightly as Vicky’s Bombay-returned sister, Chanda, injecting her own brand of comedic flair into the fray. Her presence brings a tangible energy as she challenges Vicky out of his bemusement, propelling the caper forward.
Rajkummar Rao, no stranger to characters named Vicky in his oeuvre, slides effortlessly into the role, drawing parallels with his persona from the ‘Stree’ series—a nod to the boy-next-door archetype that is at once clever and endearingly hesitant. While his portrayal stays genuine, crafting laughter with the subtlest expressions, Triptii Dimri’s Vidya struggles to capture the comedic timing that the role demands—a challenge when playing straight to Rao’s antics.
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Laced with a heavy dose of 90s nostalgia, the film leans on familiar voices from Indian music legends like Kumar Sanu and Alka Yagnik to evoke a bygone era—one that lends itself to the film’s comedic beats and nostalgia-tinged soundtrack. Veteran actors such as Rakesh Bedi, Tiku Talsania, and Archana Puran Singh lend their seasoned comic timing, rounding out the ensemble with warmth and familiarity.
Despite these nostalgic callbacks and a promising setup, Shaandilyaa’s movie risks oversimplifying the narrative by seeking punchlines more than emotional resonance. Attempting to balance slapstick, situational comedy, and even quaint horror elements with social commentary, the film struggles beneath its own weight. Forced dialogues, racial humour, and segments that feel pasted rather than woven into the storyline break the immersion. Such elements undermine the emotional core of the film, and the disjointed plot lines make the facade of humour a fragile one.
This ambitious yet clumsy approach to comedy finds itself bogged down by the expectations of generating ceaseless laughter. The strain shows as comic attempts feel overworked, letting cracks appear in the performance’s foundation. Ultimately, ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’, despite its promising premise and talented cast, falls short in carving out a lasting niche. It serves as a reminder that bridging hearty humour with compelling storytelling requires more than wit—it demands cohesion, subtlety, and above all, heart.
‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’ is currently gracing theatres. As audience members, the challenge remains to appreciate the spectacle, hoping the experience delivers more than a fleeting laugh from its promise should one choose to engage with this long-awaited cinematic journey.
