Review of Wake Up Sid (2009) by Manisha G — 06 Oct 2009

Genre: Drama/Romance.

Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Konkana Sen-Sharma, Supriya Pathak, Anupam Kher.

Change is always refreshing, especially when it comes from someone you don't expect it. Karan Johar dumps his cliched star cast comprising of King Khan, Bachchan family and company. Not only that, he has also deviated from his stereotypical family drama stories and has taken up a funky, creative and urban storyline. Ranbir Kapoor, on the other hand, has nicely proven that he isn't here to act just cause his parents made him do it. He can actually do that stuff. Sid (Kapoor) is a spoilt rich kid, whose life has only one agenda, spending his dad's hard earned money. Sid meets Ayesha (Sharma) an aspiring writer from Calcutta who wants to lead an independent life. Sid's academic career goes for a toss, and after a family fight he leaves home and joins Ayesha. First few days go no different for him, until he finally realises that he has to do something if he wants to get anywhere. He pursues photography, the only thing he was ever interested in and finds himself a job. The movie is a big change from the Hollywood rip-off romance movies currently hitting cinemas. The story may sound familiar and not unique, but its not the story but the execution of the story that matters. The movie trailer hints at this very story and it leaves no surprise. Konkana plays the part of the creative writer wonderfully, no surprises there, since she always played the role of an urban youth. Ranbir Kapoor complimented her role with perfection throughout. The movie missed a few beats somewhere after the half-way mark, but she quickly picked up her skirts and came back on par. The perfect alarm the movie industry needs. WAKE UP!

Thumbs up: Ranbir, Konkana, portrayal of Mumbai.

Thumbs down: An ending with more climax could do.

Rating: 7.8/10.