I Hate Luv Storys

The title of the flick says it all and promos of "I Hate Love Storys" (IHLS) revealed long back what to expect from the Dharma Productions' latest ... read more

The title of the flick says it all and promos of "I Hate Love Storys" (IHLS) revealed long back what to expect from the Dharma Productions' latest product. Ironically, Karan Johar owns the biggest factory that churns out the so-called love sagas, day in and day out. So audience has been understandably curious to watch him taking a spoof on himself and his own forte. As far as the Indian Cinema is concerned, nothing is left to explore in the Love Stories; every notch and corner has been dwelled upon; so much so that an average cinemagoer could easily predict the peaks, the valleys and the potholes in a romantic roller-coaster-ride. So, IHLS traversed through the same old safe-path OR it really makes some difference to the misnomer called "Hat-ke love story"; lets find out...


Off late, it is observed that the new crop of directors though takes a relatively safe jaunt of cosy romances but adds a little tadka inorder to make it a bit spicier. The latest example being Abbas Tyrewala who turned an innocuous looking Boy-meets-Girl and friends-fell-in-love storyline into a major money-spinner, thanks to his able craftsmanship. Same is expected off debutant director Punit Malhotra and it would be inappropriate to say that he failed in his endevor. True, screenplay looks very weak at places and there were hardly any twists and turns in the story, but Punit manages to keep a firm grip on the proceedings. IHLS lacks any Woww factor, but there are few Ohh-Cho-Chweet moments; situational-humor would not bring the roof down but it would manage few tickles for sure. While first half is quite breezy, second half progresses at a snail's pace; editing could have been a bit more proactive. All in all, credit should be given to Punit for making clichs sound least hackneyed, rather refreshing in patches.
Without any tinge of doubt, the high point of the movie is its lead pair. The young and vivacious duo of Imran and Sonam is like a breath of fresh air which keeps on pumping life into the movie whenever story (or lack of it) plays spoilsport. Imran Khan was touted as an instant charmer with a similar kind of role in his debut vehicle; he followed it up with couple of serious cinema which did'nt proved to be his cuppa tea. Thankfully, he realized his strong-hold and in IHLS he gave ample testimony of the fact that he is (one of) the next best thing in the tinsel town. Though enacting a humorous, flirtatious and cool-dude tag on the chest comes natural to him thanks to his Mamu, he also looked completely at ease in romantic scenes and a hugely improved one with glycerine applied on. But undoubtedly, the movie belongs to Sonam Kapoor. All the grandiloquent adjectives showered on her could still be dwarfed, such is the charismatic presence of this Kapoor baby. She looks ultra-chic, stylist, sweet, hot and sexy "All in One- Package"; and when she flaunts one of her beatific smile, damn who cares for a Story: Gimme a Break!!! After disastrous debut (Sanwariya) and not-so-impressive follow up (Delhi-6), with IHLS this star-kid would surely storm into the big league; as promising Aisha is slated to hit the theatres next, all augurs well for the lady. Amongst others, Aseem Tiwari (Seedhi Baat, No Bakwaas fame) stands tall while Samir Soni and Aamir Ali were good on their respective parts. While Bruna Abdullah's oomph factor could have been used better, Samir Dattani zero-expression face compliments his sorry figure in the flick.
The music director duo of Vishal-Shekhar is back after a short hiatus doing a reasonably good job. Though the songs of IHLS are no where close to their very best, but still they manage to strike a right chord with the audience. The title track is a lone foot tapping number and is presented in an impressive manner by Bosco and Ceaser. Bahara-Bahara is the best song of the movie with only Shreya's voice is used in the final cut; wish Rahat's version could have been adjusted somewhere. Bin Tere and Sadka comes next in the countdown; while the former depicts the eye-drenching sequences of both the protaganists, latter is a tribute to a customary love-song in any love-isshtory. Jab Mila Tu is a fun song which paves way for Imran-Sonam freindship in the movie. Special mention for Ayanka Bose who captures the visual beauty in IHLS with lan.
Maverick Verdict: Very few factors distinguish this Mills-and-Boon's kinda narrative with any other run-of-the-mill Bolly-sque romantic sojourn. If you are allergic to the sugary-sweet romance, then IHLS is a sure-shot pass. If you are in a mood to give young-n-happening pair of Imran-Sonam a chance to re-create the magic, IHLS deserves a shot; in all other scnearios just STAY IN PEACE!!view less

I Hate Luv Storys is a dewy-eyed rom-com with a young and vibrant star cast. The film is overflowing with freshness and oozes out with zest and zea... read more

I Hate Luv Storys is a dewy-eyed rom-com with a young and vibrant star cast. The film is overflowing with freshness and oozes out with zest and zeal which is surely going to appeal to the younkers! Although the film is entitled as 'I Hate Luv Storys', it is definitely a sugar coated love story with the typical KJo essence to it! Red roses, mushy dialogues, colorful chiffon saarees flowing during the songs, typical romantic locations, this film has it all!
The film revolves around two central characters, Simran and Jay. Sonam plays the character of Simran who is a hardcore romantic girl who thrives upon anything close to love such as pink teddies, red balloons, flowers, shooting stars, candle light dinners etc. On the other hand, Jay played by Imran Khan is this hip and happening cool dude who takes his relationship with girls nowhere further than dates and one night stands and completely repels away from romantic melodramas. Simran has a fiance named Raj which is an utterly boring, weakly sketched and shoddily directed character played by Sameer Dattani. But, whatever! When there is a Simran and there is a Raj, it does make an ideal couple like the Simran and Raj of Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, isn't it? But no, wait; it seems this dulhaniya has some other plans! In spite of having a Raj in her life, this Simran falls for the boyish charm of Imran Khan. The basic outline of the film is hatred at first sight that gradually turns into love but with a lot of stupid turns and twists scattered throughout the film which takes the story nowhere and the story becomes highly predictable especially after the interval. But the crackling chemistry between the young duo and the enjoyable peppy music by Vishal and Shekhar combined with a few well timed jokes cracked here and there during the film makes the overall film quite endearing.
Debutante director Punit Malhotra has penned a script which makes good-humored digs at Bollywood romantic films, especially the mushy ones but there is a slight overdose of it as it continues. The plump best buddy of Imran Khan i.e Kevin Dave has done an amazing job and his comic timing is brilliantly done in the film making the camaraderie between the two pals very hilarious and jovial, thus striking a chord with the young masses. Sonam exudes an aura of classiness and glamour combined with sense and sensibility and has also done justice to her role, but she can do wonders on screen if she gets a more engaging script to work on. Imran Khan looks dashy and ravishing and with those puppy dog eyes during the heavily emotional scenes, this guy is surely going to make a lot of young girls go gaga over him. Samir Dattani is decent, although his role gets sidelined as the story moves forward. Samir Sonis character is well sketched and he does justice with his character in the film. Bruna Abdullah looks sumptuous and adds to the oomph quotient to the movie.
Vishal-Shekhar have done a fantabulous job behind the music of the movie. They are young and their music is fresh as a daisy. What makes a love story is the music! The soothing euphony and the tub thumping compositions in the movie had already connected well with the masses as it spread like wildfire when the music had released and therefore, music was rage eons back before the film released. Ayananka Bose's cinematography is awe-inspiring as always. He is getting better with every movie. The styling of the movie has been done by ace fashionista Manish Malhotra and everyone in Bollywood is well acquainted with Manish's modus operandi. He has backed up his nephews maiden venture very well. Although, a little better script could have elevated the film completely, but being a debutant, Punit has done a commendable job.
Though throughout the movie there are several instances that will appeal to you but particularly the one worth mentioning was the watchman of Simran's house in the movie. Throughout the movie he always gives stern looks to Jay, but towards the end during the Bin Tere song when Jay is all broken and sad, that same watchman pats his back and flashes a sympathetic smile. A lot of people might not give any importance to such a minute thing, but according to me, this simple scene speaks a lot about the director and his understanding of humanity. Thus, shows how minutely Punit has worked on his characters in the film. Remember, Prateik Babbar in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. Yep, he had a short cameo to work with, but was well noticed and his work was highly acclaimed by the masses, until he won an award for his role. This was relatively akin to that.
Initially the movie will bask with a good opening at the box office due to its polished packaging and marketing gigs. But it will be interesting to see how the masses react to the movies laid back script which doesn't spell magic or anything close to it.
Overall the movie makes a paisa vasool one time watch. Good! But not Darn Good! If you don't like love stories, then this one might not be for you, but one thing is for sure, you definitely won't hate this love story. Go for it!

GO FOR IT:
1)If you are a teenager in love
2)If you are a Imran Khan or Sonam Kapoor fanatic
3)If you are fond of love stories.
4)If you loved the film's music and want to enjoy audio/visual theatrical screening of it.

IGNORE IT:
1)If you don't like love stories.
2)If you are expecting out of the box script.
3)If you think Sonam Kapoor has grown as an actress.
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Last year when Dharma produced Wake Up Sid I thought finally they are changing. Then came Kurbaan & My name is Khan and my belief in the brand ... read more

Last year when Dharma produced Wake Up Sid I thought finally they are changing. Then came Kurbaan & My name is Khan and my belief in the brand new Dharma increased but after watching I Hate Luv Storys I am having doubts. Can Dharma ever change?

Boy meets girl tu tu main main happens girl falls for the guy guy doesnt believe in love dumps her - realizes his love proposes girl dumps him. You know what happens in the end.

The Good - the curly haired guy (from the sprite ad) who plays Imrans best friend is the high point of the film. This guy has an awesome comic timing. Till interval you can jhelofy this film even though it has nothing new to offer in terms of story. The tu tu main main between Imran & Sonam is somewhat entertaining. Vishal Shekars music though nothing great, is still pleasant on the ears. Bin tere, though a nice song (especially Shekhars version) comes so often in the film that by the end it grates on your nerves. The singer/composer duo showed a lot of promise but they also seem to have been sucked into the big bad world of Bollywood.

The Bad the big difference between Wake Up Sid & IHLS is that WUS was about real people, believable characters set in a real world & IHLS is set in an imaginary world which exists in the mind of Punit Malhotra who has created characters that are cardboard cutouts from all the Yashraj & Dharma love stories. Imran plays an extended version of Jaane tu with just an added kameenapan in it. He has a long road ahead before he is acknowledged as a good actor. Sonam yet again plays a character that is so not likeable at all. The energy she exudes is so passive that you are really not interested with what is happening in her life. She desperately needs a director who can give her a character thats not irritating. Punit Malhotra cant even create the world that he belongs to. As a punishment he should watch Luck By Chance before even thinking of setting up a film set in the film industry. As a writer he is almost sucking up to Yashraj & Karan Johar.

The Ugly Karan Johar starts off 2010 on a very bad note. With WUS he had my respect as a producer but with this film I take it back. More than the director it is he who has failed with this film.
Final few words: strictly for the tweens or tweens at heart or if you are a die hard Imran or Sonam fan. I dont hate IHLS but I dont like it either.

Rating: ** (average)

Ticket Meter: Rs 120/- (not worth it)
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The scenario in the Production office:Director Hello? Hi buddy, how you doing? Loved your latest collection.Designer Fine buddy. Need to talk.D... read more

The scenario in the Production office:

Director Hello? Hi buddy, how you doing? Loved your latest collection.
Designer Fine buddy. Need to talk.
Director Shoot.
Designer My nephew wants to do something and I dont want him to be in fashion. Can you let him make a movie?
Director Sure bro. But what will be his subject? U know content is king.
Designer He has a lovely idea. Girl loves romance, boy hates it. They meet, fight, opposites attract and fall in love. This time, the girl proposes and the guy rejects. Interval.
Director If all this will happen before the interval, what will happen post it?
Designer Then we will show that the girl goes back to her old boyfriend and life goes back to her good old days of him romancing her. He is a really romantic guy you know, his shirts match her dresses, he always gifts her a white flower, he does not drink on weekdays, can you imagine? And to top it all, he is an investment banker!
Director Wow, what a novel idea! Okay move on.
Designer Then the boy starts missing the girl, realises he is in love with her, realises LOVE buddy, can you imagine the reaction of the girls in the audience.
Director Im already getting goosebumps.
Designer Then he proposes to the girl, but and this is where the twist is, this time SHE rejects HIM! Saying she cant do this to her Raj (fianc, Sameer Dattani) for the second time! Boy goes back to brooding!
Director So it ends this way, different, but not bad.
Designer No buddy. Then his best friend, who also has fallen in love with another co-worker, plans to woo the girl back with a little help of the Heros ex-one night stand (Bruna Abdullah). Now MISSION GET SOMEONE ELSES FIANCE BACK is on full throttle and is working fine till the Hero develops cold feet cos the girl has decided to marry the fianc from Romanceland! ....
Director Wow, gripping, now what?
Designer For that, you have to see the movie bro! You forget all that, you havent heard the best part yet. To make it different, we will base it on your production house with the backdrop of a movie shoot. Also, we will base it on youth, so I will design trendy outfits, make them look good. Vishal/Shekhar can come up with some trendy numbers for the music sales and this time to avoid the clichd New York / London cities, we will shoot in NEW ZEALAND!
Director Im too moved. Done. Its a wrap!

I guess, this is how I HATE LUV STORYS was conceptualised! The thinner than wafer thin plot doesnt hold good post the interval, because till then the novelty of the concept is dead. For first timer, Punit Malhtotra, who has his heart in the right place and an eye at the box office, he misses out on the one aspect that would have taken this movie from an okay, borderline boring movie to an excellent romantic comedy.

The screenplay is excellent, but in bits and pieces. It is more like it jump starts and then the creative teams did not know what to do further, so they threw in a background song! The highlight of the movie post interval, is Kavin Dave, Bruna Abdullah & Anju Mahendru.

Sameer Soni, doing an excellent rip off on you know who is good. His namesake, Sameer Dattani, as the finace Raj is decent.

Aamir Ali as the HERO within the film, doing a take off on an off-screen Salman and onscreen Shahrukh is first rate. Pooja Ghai, unfortunately isnt.

Ketaki Dave is okay, but one thanks that there was no Kirron Kher to fill in the role of the clichd sensible mother of either protagonist!

Sonam has been presented very well, but there is not much of a performance from her. Especially post interval, she has nothing to do but mope.

Imran is the star of this product. Although he cannot cry and has limited dancing abilities, he has acted very well. His comic timing is good. He comes across as a natural on screen as the Casanova who doesnt believe in love. It is a treat to watch him. Especially the scene in which he is talking to Sameer Soni about professing his love to Sonam, his expressions are priceless.

The movie on the whole tends to get boring at quite a few places. Although the intention was good to do a spoof on all Karan Johar/ Sanjay Leela Bhansali, / Aditya Chopra movies, using the clichd themes as the backdrop of shooting a film within the film, but past a point, it cannot carry the movie further. Had it been an all out spoof then it would have been a different matter. Still, it should appeal to the younger audiences because of Imran Khan, trendy set up and somewhat peppy music. (Vishal Shekhar can do and have done much better!).

Does it have the Y Factor Naaa!

Rating 4.5 / 10.

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The hero doesn't love love story's, the herione believs in them immensely and as film turns out the hero starts believing in love, sounds like clic... read more

The hero doesn't love love story's, the herione believs in them immensely and as film
turns out the hero starts believing in love, sounds like cliched story, Dil Chahta Hai,
Hum Tum, here is the same story handled in a cool manner adapting it to the current
career-oriented disc-going money-matters generation.

Jey, its Jey not Jai, sounds cool hai, played by Imran Khan, is a budding director,
currently playing an assistant to director Veer (Samir Soni). We are told by him only,
that he left his parents because his dad wanted him to join family business and he
always aspired to be a director. Now he is currently stuck up assisting a director whose
genre of movies (love storys), he hates the most. He can't stand any love
dialogue/scene/, still he works under him , dont' know what was he contributing and
why was he kept in such coveted positions. Surely, but due his lack of concentration he is asked to report to Simran (Sonam Kapoor) a diehard love buf, who joins as a art director. Well bitterness turns to friendship, and girl and guy can never be friends forever.

Simran, who is engaged to childhood sweetheart Raj (Sammir Dattani), forgets about
her engagement and proposes J, but J hasn't seen her with the love angle ever. Things
fell sour among them, and eventually it goes the same way as any other love story.

Director Punit Malhotra has given a cool attitute to an old story so that it can fit among
the current youth audiences. Playing a spoof on Karan Johar's style of cinema and
getting the funding from Karan Johar himself, the film has its fun moments. Simran's
fiancee likes white flower, doesn't drinks on weekday's, Imran's friend (Kavin Dave)
making chart of hot v/s ill-mannered.

Performance wise, the cast has done a decent job. Imran strives for perfection (even he
can't dance good as does his uncle amir) and Sonam, looks picture perfect for the role
of girl who belives immensely in love. The chemistry between her and Imran comes
out refreshing.

The film has a refreshing angle to it, even after not so refreshing story. The dialogues
are cool and witty. Music is the best part of the film and Vishal Shekhar are given full points for coming out again with something very different than already present in their repertoire.

The climax lacks the thrill. Even with the banal story, but a cool treatment to the film,
the film is entertaining. However, the film lacks the dramatic & enjoyable end a typical
love story could have done, take Imran's own film 'Jaane TU ya Jaane Na'. It surely is
ain't any other love story, it is a bit less than them.


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