Review of Jhootha Hi Sahi (2010) by Shruti B — 25 Oct 2010

Ok a nice movie it is. its about dual-identities are tricky to pull off, as accidental meetings between characters often seem implausible and identities are revealed in absurd ways. Not so in Jhootha Hi Sahi. The circumstances of Sid & Mishka's physical meeting are logical. Sid's eventual reveal comes in a moment of self-sacrifice and not because Mishka finds out the truth on her own.

Further establishing Sid's "good guy" credentials are his buddies, Omar and Amit. The three guys look out for each other's best interests, even when it means revealing harsh truths (such as the fact that Sid doesn't really love Kruthika). Ram is funny and authentic in his first film role as Omar.

Rounding out the group of pals is Omar's pregnant, unwed sister, Aliya (Alishka Varde), and the father of her child, Nick (George Young). Aliya's fine when acting as a mother figure to the guys, but she's snippy to the unreasonably devoted Nick. The tension in their relationship is uncomfortable and adds nothing to the film.

But, aside from one awkward subplot, Jhootha Hi Sahi is a fun, comfortable movie. The secret identity plot convention is familiar but not tired. Sid and Mishka are nice people who deserve happiness. London looks beautiful, and there are books everywhere. I'm smiling just thinking about it. They all live their roles, including John Abraham who looks for an image change with the geek boy avatar as Siddharth, the awkward boy next door. Raghu Ram too does a turn-around from obnoxious MTV anchor to an amiable buddy act. Debutant Pakhi writes a smart screenplay, peppered with loads of wise-cracks and humour underplayed.