Film Tell Me O Kkhuda Review

Movie Review: 'Tell Me O Kkhuda';

Star cast: Esha Deol, Vinod Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, Dharmendra, Arjan Bajwa, Chanda Roy Sanyal;

Directed by Mayur Puri/Hema Malini;

It’s a just opposite plot of film Dil Aashna Hai, a story about a young girl who discovers that she is an adopted child and sets off on a journey with a supportive boyfriend to search for her real mother.

After two decades later, Malini decides to use the same formula-albeit with a negligible twist. This time, the young girl embarks on an adventure to trace her biological father, taking her on a cross-country journey where she comes in touch with three different men, one of whom might be her father.

It is really enjoyable to see Johnny Lever again with some funny side.

'Tell Me O Kkhuda' is a bit of a smile-invoking ode to parenthood.

Tanya (Esha Deol, in an author-backed, tailor-made, custom-built role), happily ensconced in her life of parents (benign Farouq Shaikh-Deepti Naval), best friend (Chandan Roy Sanyal) and sweet-heart (Arjan Bajwa) discovers she is an adopted child.

Thus begins her genealogical journey.

The drama unfolds with the least excitement or showiness.

To the narrative's credit, it dithers not from its picaresque aspirations.

Esha goes through three different emotional and geographical locations in pursuit of papa-dearest. Of these, the Turkish sojourn with Rishi Kapoor and the beautiful Turkish actress is the most crisply edited and packaged.

The Rajasthani sojourn with Vinod Khanna as a haveli-bound zamindar, meanders all over the place, subsuming issues such as female foeticide. Here the story makes ample space for a camel race which adds spectacle to the emotion without really saying much about the characters or their need to reach into the recesses of their heart.

The third segment which brings the real-life family of Dharmendra, Hema Malini and Esha together has a certain emotional resonance because of the real-life relations. The family portrait is heart-warming.

Shot in eye-catching locations including Istanbul, the movie could have done with a more evocative music score and tighter editing.

The performances range from the appealing to the supportable.

No doubt this film is intended to showcase Esha's evolved status as an actress. The girl has expressive eyes and an expressive face which knows how to hold an emotion. Esha is a graceful portrait of a girl in search of something echoing happiness.

'Tell Me O Kkhuda' is a heart-warming tale of a search for identity. It irregularly loses its way but at last finds a pleasing climax.

Overall it is worthy to watch for yesteryear magic on the big screen.