Wake Up Sid
The title suggests the film is something about awakening or realization. The colourful posters of the film and hyped promotion amongst the youth suggested a lot of youthful energy in the film. How much do these statements hold true after you see the film?
Young, first time director, Ayaan Mukherjee teams up with Karan Johar (Producer), Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sharma to tell the audience a story of Sid (Siddharth Mehra), a laidback youngster who doesn’t hesitate in being public about him being proud of spending his father’s money. The debutante director doesn’t really go all wrong about his product but doesn’t manage to pack a punch.
Sid doesn’t believe in getting serious about life. His friends make serious plans for their future. Sid convinces them to think otherwise. Sid meets Aisha, an aspiring writer who has come from Kolkata to Bombay.. Oops Mumbai. An Unconditional apology to the MNS, Raj ji (Raj Thackeray) and all the ‘Marathi manoos’ whose feelings I have gravely hurt. Back to the unimportant things now, Aisha’s come from Kolkata to Mumbai to fulfill her dream of being a writer. Sid helps Aisha in finding and setting up a new house in Mumbai. They become good friends. Sid on the other hand is rude to his English learning, all endearing mom (Supriya Pathak). His dad (Anupam Kher) too showers him with all love and cash but wishes Sid joins his business of bathroom furnishings, Flower Showers. Sid runs away from office within a week unable to cope up. Aisha gets a job with ‘Mumbai Beat’, a tabloid about the Mumbai city. She has an instant crush on her boss (Rahul Khanna). Sid fails in his college exams and an argument ensues with his dad which results in Sid leaving his father’s home. Sid stays with Aisha and finds difficulty to survive when she isn’t home. Aisha convinces Sid to pursue his hobby as a photographer as his profession and manages to get him appointed as an intern with Mumbai Beat. Sid starts loving his work. Aisha’s crush on her Jazz loving boss retreats. She realizes her affection for Sid. Sid decides to go back to his father house after he earns his first salary. Aisha is heartbroken and yells at Sid and yet again calls him a ‘bachha’. An infuriated Sid storms off from her house. Aisha’s repeated attempts to impress her boss with her writing skills pays off when he decides to publish her article. Sid reads the article and realizes Aisha’s affection for him and his own for her.
Positives.
Ayaan is perfect with the casting of the primary characters. Ranbir as Sid and Konkona as Aisha are well cast. The music is brilliant and keeps pace with the film and never seems to slow down the proceedings. Iktara and the title track are winners all the way. The exam scene in the beginning is well shot. Typical of any film under Dharma Productions, Wake Up Sid boasts of bright colours and energy. Kudos to the Art Director, the interiors of Mumbai Beat office and Aisha’s home are great. The biggest positive in the film is that Ayan Mukherjee managed to come up with a feel good sweet film for the youngsters. Wake Up Sid is pretty much the Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na of 2009. Mumbaikars will rejoice the scenic beauty of of their city captured by the Cinematographer.
Now, the shortcomings.
Why does Aisha have to clarify she doesn’t intend to sleep with Sid? Urban Blues ehh..? The fight between Sid and his friend after the results isn’t convincing. Sid’s fight with his dad and it ensuing in Sid leaving the house too is far from convincing. Audience could see shades of Lakshya and Dil Chahta Hai. The emotional moments are supposed to be the lifting points of the film, but they almost let you down. They don’t take you to that high you would expect. Many scenes where the audience should have felt Sid’s pain, failed to happen, failed to elicit the kind of response from the audience the director would’ve thought it would. The angle of Konkona’s affection for her boss is half baked and is actually slowing down the film. Kashmira Shah’s part too is a drag and the character itself could’ve easily been done away with. She no more has it in her to provide the oomph. Sid’s friendship with Tanya too is half baked and could’ve been done away with.
Ranbir Kapoor is excellent and makes suer every action of his speaks for the role he is playing. He is carving a niche out for himself. His dialogue delivery though in the initial portions seemed straight out of Hrithik’s mouth in Lakshya (coincidentally maybe).
Konkona Sharma is in fine form. After Luck By Chance, Wake Up Sid has seen her being cast opposite pretty much a newer actor (Ranbir is still 3 films old). She holds her own and puts up a fine show.
Anupam Kher is as usual, first rate in a role he has done a number of times as a father of a spoilt youngster. He excels in the confrontation scene with Ranbir. He sounds slightly different in this film. Age catching up maybe!
Supriya Pathak is totally out of form. A talented actress of her caliber is reduced to sound like a caricature of her own self. We want to see a better show from Mrs Nagre (Sarkar, Sarkar Raj) and maybe also a better role.
Rahul Khanna too is a letdown. He disappoints thoroughly. He could’ve suited the role as a creative head of ‘Mumbai Beat’ perfectly with this slightly geeky looks.
The film has opened up well in urban centres. It will go down well with youngsters, owing to the relatability of the subject and Ranbir’s fan following amongst the PYTs (Pretty Young Things).
