London Paris New York Review

First things first - 'London Paris New York' is a smile through feel good film that retains such mood for most part of its narrative. With an unconventional story telling, good scene setting, wonderfully written dialogues that are straight out of life and several moments (especially the tender ones between the couple) that remain with you even after the film has ended, the film has a certain likeability factor to it which has a good appeal for its target urban audience.

Ali Zafar and Aditi Rao Hydari meet in London by sheer coincidence. A bit of 'serendipity' follows and Ali traces Aditi in Paris. The relationship takes a different turn at this juncture and just when it seemed that the story here isn't exactly following a predictable route, the New York episode brings back smiles all over again though not without its share of drama and strong emotional moments. Of course all is well at the end of it all but Anu Menon ensures that despite a logical end always in sight, there is enough for audience to munch on and keep their interest alive.

This means that the film starts off on an easy and enjoyable note with Ali and Aditi getting familiar with each other. Whether it is Ali's proposal to take Aditi out and roam around London, their getting drenched in a sudden rain, their numerous conversations or those moments where the duo starts getting closer, 'London Paris New York' stays on to be an enjoyable watch. On the other hand while the song 'Woh Dekhne Mein' comes at the right time, the one that sticks like a sore thumb is the impromptu 'bhangra' track that Ali breaks into at a pub.

Yes, the interval point set in Paris is a little abrupt and one misses the fun moments that had been gathered so far. The turn of events after the interval point seem a little bewildering with Aditi warming up to Ali again after showing resentment. The 'revelation' that comes soon after is a little difficult to digest, especially after the intimate moments that the couple had shared just a few minutes back. Still, since you want these characters to be together, you do wait for what unfolds at New York.

Thankfully the film starts showing good momentum once Ali calls Aditi again. Their sweet-nothing conversation, the night spent at a bench, the emotional outburst by Ali soon after and then the various turns that the narrative takes make 'London Paris New York' quite enjoyable all over again.

A well shot film with a quality stamp to it despite being made in a controlled budget, 'London Paris New York' wouldn't have been a film it is without it's lead actors. With the two holding the film entirely on their shoulders, Ali as well as Aditi are quite good and convincing in their act. While Ali gets to showcase his acting talent and moves beyond 'Tere Bin Laden' and 'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan' (he is terrific in an all-important pre-climax scene here), Aditi marks her arrival as a lead actress and showcases once again that she is made for better things than either playing second leads or walk-on/under-written parts.

In the times when break-ups are happening faster than people falling in love and 'janam-janam-ka-saath' and 'jeena-marna-tere-sang' hardly in vogue, to see two well to do urban boy and girl of today going through the motions may haven't been too convincing on paper for many out there. However full credit to writer-director Anu Menon and her actors Ali Zafar and Aditi Rao Hydari to make this impossible sound totally possible. Now this is where the win of 'London Paris New York' lies.

Rating: ***