Dostana (2008)

Memorable, crazy movie

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

Watching it is like watching the spectacle of a class clown at their best: you laugh at their jokes, instigate their defiance, and "ooooh" when they get in trouble.

Bollywood movie Dostana is a barrel of non-stop laughs; a film that pulls out all stops in its shameless attempt to win you over. Set in sunny Miami, Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham play a pair of straight blokes who must pretend to be a gay couple so they're allowed to rent rooms in a swanky condo occupied by single, young chick Priyanka Chopra. The trio strikes up a close friendship and all's going well in their little world until both boys realise they've fallen for her. Wait, what's more, she seems to be falling for her boss; that role played by Bobby Deol. Stripped to its bone, the basic premise of Dostana is your fairly standard triangular romantic-comedy, but it's the manner in which writer-director Tarun Mansukhani gives this ordinary plot a whole new spin by throwing in that 'pretend-gay' angle that turns it into a winning lottery. Laugh-out-loud hilarious, the film's first half comes packed with naughty lines and often risqué humour. That fake flashback which serves as Abhishek's romantic back-story with John, concocted for the benefit of Priyanka and her aunt, is one of the funniest scenes I've seen in months. Prepare to crack up also in that scene in which Kirron Kher playing Abhishek's mum discovers to her horror that her son is gay; and that subsequent scene in which – having finally come to terms with this painful fact – she decides to accept John as her son's chosen partner, and gives him a fitting bahu's welcome. Despite the stereotypical gay characters, it's to the director's credit that the film rarely comes across as mocking or insulting to gay sentiments. Even when reinforcing many gay clichés, Dostana has a naughty innocence to it that is hard to take offence to. In a roundabout manner perhaps, but the film is even progressive when it comes to portraying same-sex relationships, as is evident from the Kirron Kher-character's acceptance of her gay son's relationship, her blessing of this union, and finally her expectation of commitment and fidelity from both boys towards each other. Sure it wouldn't hurt if all gays weren't made to look like flaming queens, and if there was at least one gay character that wasn't a caricature, but in all fairness to expect any more in terms of the portrayal of gay characters is perhaps unfair – after all, Dostana never promises to deliver the sensitivity of Brokeback Mountain. After all the fun-n-games, it's in the film's second half that the energy dips. For one, the tone shifts abruptly from comedy to schmaltzy romance, prompting a string of sappy scenes, including a contrived one each in which Abhishek and John both go to great lengths to woo the girl. There's also sadly no escape from those predictable misunderstandings and manipulations which only slacken the film's pace. Having said that, it's still an immensely entertaining watch with producer Karan Johar's light-and-frothy signature style stamped across every frame. From the eye-watering photography of Miami's fabulous beaches, to the stars' slinky designer costumes; from Vishal-Shekhar's foot-tapping numbers to the carefully picked curvaceous blonde junior artistes in every scene – this is that cool-light-n-easy kind of film that you either have an appetite for, or no interest in. Of the actors, Sushmita Mukherji as Priyanka's aunt and the boys' landlady is deliciously over-the-top and makes her every moment on screen memorable. Boman Irani as Priyanka's gay boss making that Devil Wears Prada-inspired entry, is particularly likable, especially in that scene in which he mistakes Priyanka's aunt for the maid and declares her a fashion disaster.Kirron Kher playing Abhishek's smothering Punjabi mum hams it up but does so very much in keeping with the film's tone. She delivers some of the film's funniest lines and leaves you hurting in the sides. Of the leads, Bobby Deol is a smart casting choice, his simple, good-boy looks and understated performance a perfect foil to our 'chaalu' heroes. Priyanka Chopra, is at complete ease, slipping effortlessly into the role of the hottie-with-a-heart-of-gold; she looks smashing in this film, better than she's ever looked before. It's the boys who deserve to be singled out for praise, for confidently taking on such tricky roles. Both John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan drop their inhibitions – in the case of John, most of his clothes too – and without any awkwardness embrace their characters sincerely. There is a comfort and confidence in John's acting that one hasn't seen before; and Abhishek bravely goes where few have gone before, sportingly putting himself in the spot, and turning in the best performance of the film. Dostana isn't great cinema, nothing close to it, but it puts the fun back into the movies. You laugh harder than you have in a long time, and for that reason alone, gather your friends and give it a watch. Director Tarun Mansukhani's Dostana is a film with a one-point agenda – to entertain you while you're in your seat. It achieves that, no two ways about it

Two Guys, a Girl, & Miami Director Tarun Mansukani should receive an award for making a Bollywood film that I enjoy! Sameer (Abhishek Bachchan) and Kunal (John Abraham) think they are slick when they pretend to be a gay couple in order to reside in a Miami apartment with Neha (Priyanka Chopra). Their "relationship" stretches beyond the situation with Neha. Kunal needs to gain residency. Being in a "gay" relationship allows him to do so in the end. The two boys fall in love with Neha. Their jealousy rises as she falls for her new boss, Abhi (Bobby Deol). This comedy will leave you wanting to watch what the entertaining trio will get themselves into next.The interest of the audience is maintained throughout the film via various camera techniques. When the boys first lay their eyes on Neha, the camera shots are oblique. Her body is shown part by part, emphasizing one part at a time. Her eyes, bottom, lips, and back are shown individually, followed by a full body shot from ground level, upward. It is obvious that the objectified "male gaze" is focused on her beauty, as she is gorgeous.When the two boys, Neha, and Auntie (who oversees Neha's actions) are in the apartment, the scene cuts from the apartment to the made up scene of when the "lovers" first met in Venice. It is hard to forget a film is being viewed when a cut like that happens. When the three best friends go to a club and are doing shots, they are in sharp focus and everything occurring behind them is in soft focus, appearing fuzzy and blurred. This happens again as they are dancing. The focus in each situation is on Sam, Neha, and Kunal. I get the feeling that I am meant to think I am in the club with them drinking, as the background is blurry, as if I have been drinking. The audience can see their blurred vision and that they've been drinking a lot.One of the funniest scenes is when Sam, Kunal, Neha's gay boss, and the gay immigration officer, Javier, are dancing in the apartment. Head shots show the actual gay men in pure enjoyment. Sam and Kunal are beside themselves in disgust is apparent on their faces. Head shots shoe their discomfort in dancing closely with gay men.When Sam's mother "finds out" that he is gay, she has a meltdown. Over the shoulder shots are used as she is repeatedly smacking Sam in the face. A head shot captures the pain and feeling of betrayal shown on her face. A reverse shot shows Sam's pain in seeing his mother hurt over a lie at his expense. The overall treatment of homosexuality in this movie is accepted, over time.I enjoyed watching this film and would not mind watching it again. I had my boyfriend and house mate watch it with me. It is a film to watch if you need a good laugh and want justice to be served.

i have not seen such so many product placements in a movie for a long time! it clearly targets the Indian market, not as much the north American one.this production uses EVERYTHING a good propagandistic machine does; nice charming people, "exotic" location, miss world 2000, some funny (but "basic" jokes, not so much witty to them), gay people ( as with a sign of "cool" and "diffrent" and NOT because they JUST regular people after all...), and a few other things that irritated as well. this is a movie that will just frustrate and confuse young people that are NOT belonging to a "middle class" ( read "wealthy class" more likely). while the plot starts promising , it evolves into something very idiotic in my opinion.the only reason i give 4 stars , is for the soundtrack and SOME of the cinematography values. even if those are FULL of sexual subliminal messages , the music ( and the beats) themselves provide some relief( and that likely since the producers do not want to annoy viewers to much and make sure we stick around for even MORE product placements)

nowadays...Hindi films are changing ....there are no more typical Hindi films that has a hero , a heroin , and villain...dostana is a films that wont make you bored for even a moment....you won't look your watch and wait for the film to finish...the duologue's...songs , comedy , emotional moments.. all are outstanding...both abhishek n john were brilliant...priyanka was good for her role, kiron kher n boman irani were superb..n the others were okay...story was nice...cinematography was excellent...and choreography of songs were BUT............there's only one problem...some people will find a number of scenes in this movie a bit vulgar....and kids below 12 most probably won't understand a few jokes in this movie..Overall this is a very funny and entertaining movie...go for it..