Dostana is a 2008 Bollywood romantic comedy directed by Tarun Mansukhani and produced by Karan Johar. The film stars Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles, with Bobby Deol and Kirron Kher in supporting roles.
The movie is known for its unique and bold storyline, exploring themes of friendship, love, and mistaken identity with a fun and entertaining approach. It received positive reviews from critics and audiences, mainly for its humor, performances, and music. Let’s dive into the review of Dostana.
Story and Screenplay
The story revolves around Sameer (Abhishek Bachchan) and Kunal (John Abraham), two straight men who pretend to be a gay couple in order to rent an apartment in Miami, where they meet Neha (Priyanka Chopra), their beautiful and charming roommate. As they all become best friends, both Sameer and Kunal fall in love with Neha but are unable to express their feelings because of their false identity.
Meanwhile, Neha starts dating Abhimanyu (Bobby Deol), her boss, creating a love triangle filled with comedy, confusion, and emotional moments. The screenplay is fresh, fun, and engaging, with a blend of humor and romance that keeps the audience entertained throughout.
Acting Performance
Abhishek Bachchan delivers a fantastic performance with perfect comic timing and charm. His chemistry with John Abraham is one of the highlights of the film.
John Abraham, apart from his stylish looks, also does well in his role, handling comedy and emotional scenes with ease.
Priyanka Chopra is stunning as Neha, bringing warmth, humor, and depth to her character. She shares great chemistry with both the male leads.
Bobby Deol plays a small but significant role, portraying a mature and responsible character effectively.
Kirron Kher, as Abhishek’s dramatic and funny mother, adds to the film’s humor with her excellent comic timing.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Director Tarun Mansukhani does a commendable job of blending humor, romance, and emotions. The film is well-paced and never feels slow or boring.
The cinematography beautifully captures the vibrant city of Miami, making the film visually appealing.
The editing is sharp, keeping the film crisp and engaging. The dialogues are witty and memorable, adding to the film’s charm.
Music and Background Score
The music, composed by Vishal-Shekhar, is a major highlight. Songs like “Desi Girl”, “Jaane Kyun”, and “Maa Da Laadla” became instant hits and are still popular today.
The background score is light and complements the film’s fun and vibrant mood.
Positives and Negatives
Positives:
- Great chemistry between the lead actors
- Fresh and entertaining story
- Memorable music and songs
- Beautiful cinematography and stylish visuals
- Good blend of humor, romance, and emotions
Negatives:
- Predictable climax
- Some jokes may not work for everyone
- The love triangle resolution could have been better
Box Office and Public Response
Dostana was a box office success, becoming one of the top-grossing films of 2008. Audiences loved the film’s humor, stylish presentation, and entertaining performances.
Critics also praised its fresh concept and modern take on relationships, though some felt the film could have explored its themes with more depth.
Final Verdict
Dostana is a fun-filled and entertaining Bollywood comedy with great performances, fantastic music, and plenty of laughs. It’s a perfect watch for those who enjoy lighthearted and stylish rom-coms. While not a perfect film, its charm and humor make it worth watching.
Rating: 3.5/5
