TBMAUJ Review: Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon's AI-Powered Love Story Is Quirky But Cringe

stey demise of run-of--mill rom-com in Bollywood can very well be credited to Indian audience expanding ir cinematic horizons. However, re is still something quite comforting and uncomplicated about a simple, clean genre film. Unfortunately, Amit Joshi and Arhana Sah directorial, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, misses out by a mile on its potential to be just that.

Hot Take

If you're looking to relive slightly cringe-inducing nostalgia of 2010s rom-com boom in Bollywood, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya is a good fit. It, however, is slightly concerning how film pushes forth trope of eternal bachelor - Shahid Kapoor's Aryan Agnihotri - bypassing a real woman replete with flaws to settle for a 'yes machine'.

Does Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya live up to hype?

Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon starrer falters when it comes to script and comic timing. However, writing for Kriti's SIFRA, short for Super Intelligent Female Robot Automation, is genuinely chuckle-inducing and has its moments.

 Shahid and Kriti's chemistry is palpable and biggest selling point of concept of a human and a robot falling for each or. Watch out for a surprising cameo from Janhvi Kapoor.

Kriti Sanon plays it safe, yet again

Much of Kriti Sanon's filmography screams safe, a mirror of her performances in m. However, actress was a revelation in Mimi (2021) for which she won a National Award. Kriti as SIFRA definitely comes across as seasoned, but re is infinitely more she could have done in making role truly memorable besides it simply being most recent onscreen portrayal of a robot.

Kriti palpably makes effort to maneuver complex reality of being a robot who is seemingly being programmed with feelings. However, effort is far too evident. One can hardly help but wonder why actress, who completes a dece in industry this year, has largely skirted roles that would put spotlight on her, just as Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya has.

Shahid Kapoor punches below his weight

Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya is essentially on-screen revival of Shahid dancer. last time actor shook dance floor was in his 2015 release Shaandaar, post which Kapoor has almost only featured in performance-oriented roles.

role of Aryan Agnihotri however, is too simple and trope-ridden to effectively let Shahid shine. actor barely manages to leave any impact, which is still more than what can be said for supporting cast, with names like Dimple Kapia and Dharmendra being brought on board.

Experimental? Yes. Genre-bending? Not quite

It would be a disservice to compare Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya to genre-defining titles like Guillermo del Toro's Shape of Water or Joaquin Phoenix-led Her, even being unfair to Bollywood romance. However, above-mentioned titles are prime examples of how one can effectively sell concept of falling in love with a non-human.

Shahid and Kriti's chemistry goes a long way in selling romance part. However, what film needed was a significantly more emotional approach in hitting point home as opposed to constant reliance on slapstick humour.

Watch it or skip it?

If sexism, overdone tropes and a characteristically overexcited hero ticks you off, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya is best skipped. That being said, if you don't mind above, humour and overall vibe of film for better or for worse, is nostalgic.

Bottomline

At best, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya is a throwback to Bollywood's 2010 rom-com era complete with good, b and particularly cringe. Kriti's SIFRA is endearing but lacks individuality. Shahid, dancer, is refreshing onscreen.

Rating: 2/5