This appears to be yet another confused relationship, retribution drama possibly reeking of the usual Luv Ranjan misogyny.
By Mayur Lookhar
Growing up in the 80s, 90s, cinema reflected the largely traditional romance of the society. Arranged marriages have always been the norm, but Indian cinema, in particularly Bollywood thought us to fall in love. Forward to the millenium, once the bread and butter of Bollywood, romantic dramas are increasingly losing their appeal.
There is one man who has excelled in this genre – Luv Ranjan. What makes him unique is a different take on love, which often borders on confusion and rides on retribution. The Pyaar Ka Punchnama franchise was followed by Sonu Ke Titu Ke Sweety [2018]. He then produced De De Pyaar De [2019]. Each of these films were successful, but everyone of them have also copped the misogyny charge.
Ranjan returns as a director after five years with Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar [2023]. There’s no Kartik Aaryan, but this time Ranbir Kapoor steps into Luv Ranjan’s world of chaotic romantic comedies. Kapoor will romance Shraddha Kapoor in Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. [They are no siblings]. The trailer was launched today [23 January] and it didn’t surprise us with its typical Luv tropes.
An excitable boy meets an equally excitable sharp girl. After the initial flirting, they get close. Their respective families come together, but then, the girl wants to break-up. She doesn’t say it, but something has transpired which has caused the divide, with Ranbir Kappor getting a slap. The guy now wants to prove to all that the fault doesn’t lie in the stars, but in the girl. This sets the stage for a familiar boy v/s girl battle.
It’s remarkable how despite the few criticism, Ranjan and his resident writer Rahul Mody have been able to sell the same concept again and again. The production value has improved, Ranbir and Shraddha are the new warring lovers/ex lovers as opposed to Kartik Aaryan and Nushrratt Bharuccha. Ranbir, though, gets a monologue like Aaryan in previous Luv Ranjan films. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar has a much richer look. What hasn’t changed is the template, and ethos of a Luv Ranjan film. The feminazis will shoot the misogyny line again, but at least Ranjan has a balanced title where the girl is called a jhoothi (liar) while boy doesn’t hesitate in calling himself makkaar [fraud]. Ranjan’s cinema often appears to take a dig on modern relationships that are driven by greed, lust, envy.
Kapoor has played the confused/ reluctant lover before in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani [2013] and Tamasha [2015]. This is possibly the first time that Ranbir is going to hit back at his love interest in a film. He’s no stranger though to hypocrisy, misogyny. Many had criticized Ranbir Kapoor for certain traits in and as Sanju [2018]. That film was a blockbuster. Luv Ranjan’s cinema is largely successful. Kapoor will hope that his maiden association with Ranjan helps to get bums in cinemas.
It is a vital film for Shraddha Kapoor who has struggled long. The confused plot will evoke mixed views, but this Kapoor pairing looks promising.
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar [2023] is set to be released in theatres on 8 March.
Watch the trailer below.
