Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani confirms that making a movie about friends going on a road trip, or trek in this case, and pandering to the college kids with catchy songs and this contrived plot, can work despite the lack of clarity in script.
The one thing noticeable after watching this movie, was how little I connected to the main characters of the movie, to the point that I kept referring them to Ranbir Kapoor's character and Deepika's character rather than the names they were designated.
I think the movie was quintessentially about living your youth to the fullest and about chasing your dreams. Since it wasn't clear in the script, I can't really say.
Deepika's character is fed up of studying all the time and has never been on a break. She runs into a former school classmate and realizes how different Aditi (yes, I remember who Kalki was playing) is from her.
Whether she suffers from low self esteem or whatever, the next thing we know, Deepika's character has planned to join her on a trek. She's kind of intruding, but Aditi and her friends quickly include her in their group. A bunch of friendly people they are.
Then while playing a game of "Never" she realizes how dull her life is compared to the others who have watched porn movies and peed on streets. Poor girl to have missed out on all that. Oh and she doesn't drink alcohol which is such a big deal too! (Cue extra sarcasm)
The only decent part of this was that her new found friends don't pressure her into drinking and accept her decision to not partake without harassing her.
But Deepika's character is forever trying to blend in, even if it means guzzling down a whole bottle to impress Ranbir Kapoor's character. From here on forth, I'll just call them Deepika's and Ranbir, for convenience.
As usual Deepika falls for Ranbir, but he's already leaving to chase his dream. She says she doesn't wait for him, but eight years later, she's still carrying a torch for him.
Apparently she's a doctor too. I think she mentions she has a clinic..? Not sure. Not important in this popularity contest of a movie anyway.
And now Ranbir's character. If there ever was a more confused character written, this is it. Does he want to make more money? No idea. What kind of photographer does he want to be? Dunno.
Cameraman or anchor of a show? Still no idea.
I think the only thing clear was that he was do passionate about his dream that he was ready to dump his friend and their best laid plans and go to US. His backstory is that he was too busy chasing his dream to attend his Father's funeral.
Did that make him realize what was more important? No, Deepika does by... Again no idea. He falls in love with her, she rejects him by saying he would run away again to pursue his dream. He doesn't counter that argument but in the end picks her. Chances are he probably does resent her after a couple of years after the movie, who knows?
I think I liked the delicate handling of pursuing dreams over love in Love Aaj Kal, where Jai ( I do remember the character names of this movie) has a dream, Meera let's him go achieve it without telling him she's leaving her husband for him.
It is when Jai is living his dream life, that he realizes something is missing- Meera.
In YJHD, this factor was suppressed and unclear. It could have shown some character growth for both Ranbir and Deepika, but it doesn't.
The only characters who evolve in this movie are Aditi and Avi.
Aditi is wild and has a crush on Avi, but after right years, she has matured and is ready to settle down and well...grow up.
Avi is a guy who depended on Ranbir so much that after he leaves, he takes all the wrong decisions on his life and turns to alcohol and gambling. Towards the end, he discovers he must take responsibility of his own actions rather than blame others.
Character growth for these two. For the other two- Ranbir and Deepika- not so much.
There were plenty of missed opportunities in the movie to create some stand out scenes.
For example, the confrontation between Avi and Ranbir. Instead it was wrapped in two minutes and they forgive each other even though Avi should have been pissed that his friend ruined his plans and Ranbir should have tried to show the error of his ways.
Other things not clear: Aditi's feelings for Avi. Blink and you'll miss the lingering gazes she gives him.
Deepika was trying to break free from her inhibitions and she does that in a second. Why exactly is studying hard not important and why is partying so important? Instead the story could have been about chasing after dreams and making careers while not forgetting that you're only young once and should learn to enjoy.
If that's the message the movie was going for- it failed.
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