Trailers and teasers can be deceptive at times, and there is a lot more to Befikre than all that you saw in the film's official trailer. Set in the backdrop of Paris - one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Befikre celebrates love, albeit with a twist. It is this very unique approach, despite the predictable plot, that keeps you engaged. The film opens with a song shot in the bylanes of Paris, celebrating carefree love. It's like a new age version of Dil Toh Pagal Hai's Ek Duje Ke Vaaste. Our lead protagonists here are brazen, wilful and fun. Dharam (Ranveer Singh) is a Delhi wala Munda, who lands a job at the Delhi Belly Club in Paris. He prefers to maintain distance from any form of commitment and instead, hangs out to woo girls, failing at every single attempt. Enter Shyra (Vaani Kapoor), the 'Born Punjaban, but dil se French' no-nonsense girl, who likes to work hard and party harder. The two meet at a party and a few encounters later, decide to live-in together, keeping the pressure of marriage, love and commitments away. The bindass duo dare each other, make out in the middle of nowhere and attempt bizarre acts. When not busy with their 'Labon ka Karobar', Dharam works as a stand up comedian, while Shyra is a tour guide.

They live and enjoy every moment in the present, until some turn of events changes their relationship. Lust makes way for friendship, and the exes choose separate paths in their respective lives. But, will they ever come together for love? That's for you to find out.

Befikre is a no-nonsense histoire d'amour (love story). Dharam and Shyra are nothing like Raj - Simran or Veer - Zaara. 'Saat janamon ka saat' is not their thing, as they like to do things differently.  And that's exactly where the target audience - especially the millenials, find an instant connect. However, it would be unfair to not mention that both Dharam and Shyra have a romantic streak in them, albeit a unique one. The film is a breakaway from the traditional school of romance in Hindi films. A few examples - the dashing heroine does not shy away from kissing the guy first. A mom and daughter scene, where the mother encourages her 'beti' to defy all odds and take the right stand. Best one? The hero calling up his girl and requesting her to save him from a crisis, instead of the other way around. Film Maker Aditya Chopra means business when he says his lead couple are 'Befikre'.

Ranveer Singh as the unabashedly real Dharam is incredible. The actor knows how to get into the skin of his character and become one with his on-screen avatar. Needless to say (or if I may quote a girl sitting behind me) Ranveer is a treat watch in almost every single frame. His energy is extremely infectious and the actor charms his way into your heart. Ranveer nails every nuance of his character perfectly and it won't be wrong to say that he is the real soul of this film. For her second outing after Shuddh Desi Romance, Vaani's performance was decent and she does good justice to the personality of her character. Apart from the lead, full props to casting director Shanoo Sharma for getting together the perfect ensemble cast.


The soundtrack of Befikre, composed by Vishal - Shekhar, grows on you when played on loop. Especially Nashe si, which has been a personal favourite ever since it came out. Mikey McCleary's BG score is ho-hum. Aditya Chopra's dialogues are interesting. A good enough chunk of dialogues are in French. It helped that I understand the language. However, subtitles shall make it easy for you anyway. Vaibhavi Merchant's impeccable choreography has got my heart, especially Ranveer - Vaani's beautiful couple act in the climax.

The overall styling is impressive and classy. While the story is a tad bit predictable, especially in the first half, things get a little better post interval. However, the climax gets back to being predictable again. Also, be prepared for a whilwind of smooches coming your way. But thankfully, these have been presented aesthetically and don't look vulgar at all. Though the film could have been a bit shorter, minus a few slow paced scenes, Chopra does a fine job as the director. We like how the narrative intercuts between the past and present in an interesting way. And finally, a special mention of the most important hero of this film - Paris. The alluring landscapes and picturesque locations have been beautifully shot. Ah! Belle ville de paris. Je t'aime ❤

This may not be Aditya Chopra or Ranveer Singh's best film. You may not see this film sweeping awards at the major functions next year. However, Befikre has got it's heart in the right place and makes for a fun joyride, which keeps you entertained right till the end. Oh, and don't leave the cinema hall when the credits roll out. Watch it till the end! Picture abhi baaki hain mere dost.

Verdict: One of this year's best rom-coms! Watch it once for some entertainment and fun.

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Love,

The Dancebee

There are very few actors with guts, determination and a crazy passion for the craft, who make it big in the Indian film industry without a godfather. By experimenting with his characters and giving his best in one film after another, Ranveer Singh entered the big league with a bang. Time and again, the actor has proved that real struggle, focus and hard work can’t stop anyone from achieving his dreams. Ranveer has carved his own niche and is certainly living his dream (even his social media bio is proof). He swept off all the Best Actor awards this year for his flawless portrayal of the Maratha Peshwa - Bajirao, in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani and has got Aditya Chopra’s upcoming directorial venture, Befikre, waiting for a December release. As he turns 31 today, here’s an exclusive chat with Ranveer Singh, who talks about his love for cinema, craziest thing he has done for a character and why he can never be diplomatic! Excerpts from a fun chat:

On his journey in Bollywood so far

When I started off, I was completely clueless! Although I had the experience of working as an assistant director and learned a lot, I didn’t really learn much about acting. Also, I was a low rank asst director and my job primarily consisted of taking care of the crowd. So, I wasn’t really around the area where all the action took place. Toh mujhe acting ki ABCD bhi nahi aati thi. On the first day of Band Baaja Baaraat, I just walked in and kept looking around. It took time to get adapted to the fact that I was given my own vanity van, where I could dress up and then, the team would call me when my shot was ready. I would often ask Anushka (Sharma) to clear my doubts about the entire process. I felt like a kid who has seen a huge toy store for the first time in his life. So, that’s how it all began. Right from acting to learning the craft and understanding how one is expected to function on the sets, I learned everything on the job. In fact, even when I won my very first award for the film, I was clueless about the whole process of entry and exit (laughs). Most of my pictures from that event had come out with weird expressions. Also, during my initial years, I wasn’t well aware about the way one needs to talk at a public forum. I would end up talking as if it’s my own living room (laughs). I often look at my photographs from those days and wonder, “Main aise kaise hua karta tha?” I would wonder if there is a certain mould that an individual needs to fit into, in order to survive as a mainstream Bollywood actor. Maybe, I was trying to fit in and it is only recently that I have managed to come into my own. 

On the turning point of his career

I think 2013 was a big year for me. With the little bit of validation that you get for your work, you do start feeling more confident about yourself and also feel very comfortable. After a dream start in Band Baaja Baaraat, I didn’t have a release for almost 19 months. It was like a quiet phase. So, when Lootera came, it was well received and earned critical acclaim. Then, a few months later Goliyon Ki Rasleela - Ram Leela released and that was a big breakthrough for me.

On experimenting with characters

I am a very avid film watcher and I get very fascinated with actors. I have maximum respect for actors who are able to completely transform themselves in to a character. One of my heroes is Daniel Day Lewis. When you watch My Left Foot, you can’t say that he is the same actor who has also performed in a film like There Will Be Blood or a Lincoln. His characterisation is so distinctive, that’s it tough to find out if he is the same human being. Personally, I highly regard actors who have that kind of versatility and the ability to transform. I have always aimed to be like that. So, when I first heard the script of Bajirao Mastani, I realised that this character had that scope. So far, in my career I have been able to it in a decree which is recognised and I am very happy to get that kind of recognition for versatility - from being a Delhi boy in Band Baaja Baarat to a very flamboyant Ram and then, turning Peshwa in Bajirao Mastani. For me, it is very important that the audience recognise that I am a versatile actor, because then, I will always have them looking forward to what’s coming up next. The same goes for directors. I want to work with the best film makers and want them to believe that whatever character or mould that they have created, I will fit into that.

The making of a character

I always ensure that I get some work done before stepping into the shoes of a character. Like for Band Baaja Baarat, I hung out with Delhi boys. I made friends with some guys from Delhi University, recorded their voice, took video clips. In fact, I found a guy who was a lot like Bittoo Sharma and I based my character on him. For Ram Leela, I did a complete Gujarat darshan for a week and worked on picking up the language, dialect, expletives among others. For Bajirao, it wasn’t possible for me to go back to the 1700s. So, I locked myself up in a room for 21 days and decided to cut off completely. In order to get into the character, you need to go away from yourself and your familiar surroundings. My process is different for every film, and I won’t call myself a method actor. I personally think method is a very loosely thrown around word.

On the craziest thing he has done for a character

I often do crazy things, but only when it is required for a character. For instance, when we were shooting for Lootera, there were major portions where I had to walk around like I have been shot on my hip. I have never been shot and so, I was confused as to how I could project this. So, I spoke to some army guys and kind of understood what it feels like. I felt there should be a starting point of pain, which can further be amplified while acting it out. So, I would staple that area, which would hurt a lot and in half an hour, the portion would go numb and you can't feel anything. So then, whenever the camera rolled, I would remove the pins and enact the scene. Oh god! It used to pain like hell. So now, when I watch Lootera, I find everything to be quite convincing (laughs). Because right from the tip of my toe to the head, I used to be in excruciating pain. A lot of people ask, why do I such things and the only thing I can say is - It's coz' I don't know any better.

On his biggest takeaway after playing Bajirao

His fearlessness! He is an absolutely fearless man, who did not fear any consequence. Not even death. He tackled everything in his life head on. That's one thing I have learned from the character. Why be afraid of anything? It's not that I wasn't fearless enough before this film. I have been quite fearless about all my dealings and choices in life. But after portraying Bajirao, it's even more. I really don't fear anything or anyone.

On his extra ordinary energy

I often wonder why people keep saying I am super energetic. Aisi kaunsi extra energy hain mere andar? I feel totally normal. Maybe, by the general standard of people in the industry, people feel like I have extra energy. It’s a basic thing, you see. I have always wanted to be an actor and I became one. So, whenever I get the opportunity to do something, I give it my all. Like Priyanka (Chopra) puts it, “You are happy with the just the fact that you became an actor.” I guess that’s where the enthusiasm and happiness comes from. 

On his work mantra

I am someone who does not believe in living for tomorrow. There is no guarantee of the future and I have always believed in living for the present. I live each day like it's my last. So, every time I perform on stage, I look at it as my last show. When I essay a character, I work on it thinking it is my last film. The thought that I may or may not get the opportunity to do what I am doing right now, is deeply ingrained in my mind. That’s why, I always give my best at everything that I do. I remember working on an ad campaign, where the creative director spoke to me at length, understood my personality and worked on a tagline that goes, “Ab mein sab daal do.” That’s the philosophy that I swear by. Leave the past behind, don’t think about the future. Toh jo ab hain uspar mehnat karo.

On Befikre

I am quite happy to be doing this film (Befikre). It's just what the doctor ordered after essaying a character like Bajirao (smiles). It's the kind of a happy romance that I really needed. A vacation that I have earned. Also, I was very keen doing on something light after Bajirao Mastani. My character in the film is absolutely lovely.

On not being diplomatic

I can't change my personality for anyone. I am very honest and open about a lot of things. I can never be diplomatic. Just that, after being around for some years, there are a few things that I am not comfortable talking about. Like, I don't allow people to shoot or take pictures inside my house. I don't  want my family to get into the media glare, because that's one advantage I've got over other people, the fact that my family comes from a normal background. So, I don't want them to get caught up in this fast and fancy life, that comes along with this profession.

On being an entertainer

I get very excited when I see my fans, especially when it's a large crowd. I love it! I am a people's person. I feel like there is always a positive exchange, whenever I meet my fans. Somehow, whenever I am there, people smile a lot and I love that. And when they smile, I smile back (laughs). I am a crowd pleaser, a showman, an entertainer and I like being that way. I like to keep people entertained through jokes. I love seeing laughter, happiness and fun in every atmosphere that I am a part of. Like Naseer sir (Naseeruddin Shah) says, "If the world is a stage, and if Life is a play; you, my friend, choose to play the fool." And he means it in a good way, as the fool was the positive one. I have no interest in being a king. I am very happy being the court jester (smiles).