Star Cast: Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Adarsh Gourav, Rohan Gurbaxani, Kalki Koechlin
Director: Arjun Varain Singh
Watch or Not?: A Good Breather Watch, Just Without Expecting Much!
Where To Watch?: Netflix
Runtime: 2 hours 14 minutes
Kho Gaye Hum Kahan
Introduction
Netflix’s “Kho Gaye Hum Kahan” is a thought-provoking film with social relevance that invites introspection and connection, resonating with viewers on a personal level. Whether it’s the exploration of our reliance on social media, the act of a pretentious lifestyle, the challenges in finding genuine relationships, or the struggle to recast friendships into professional connections, the movie delves into the complexities of contemporary life. Touching upon themes where you may connect with a character, if not all. Kho Gaye Hum Kahan weaves a compelling story that is timely and relatable but, unfortunately, feels half-baked. The lacking point is the depth isn’t deep enough to make you go, wow! The storyline is either hastily sketched or excessively self-absorbed.
Plot Summary
The film unfolds with a classic Seinfeld vibe, thrusting us into the world of Imaad Ali (Siddhant Chaturvedi), a stand-up comedian, as he takes the stage. Centered around three friends residing in Mumbai, their diverse backgrounds paint a vibrant picture. Ananya Pandey, now a corporate professional with an MBA. Siddhant Chaturvedi, hailing from a wealthy background as a stand-up comedian, and Adarsh Gourav, a gym instructor, together make Mumbai life look cool, bonded by a strong friendship.
The first half delves into character development and their individual struggles. Imaad, engrossed in Tinder flings, shares a flat with his friend Ahana, who herself is navigating the quest for social media validation post a challenging breakup. Meanwhile, Neil, the gym instructor, dreams of celebrity endorsements while struggling to find his freedom.
As the story progresses, the trio decides to turn their friendship into a professional relationship, only to discover how personal challenges and insecurities strain their bond. Tensions rise between Imaad and Adarsh, leaving Ahana caught in the crossfire while grappling with her own relationship woes. The narrative unfolds, shedding light on the destructive effects of social validation and their addiction to social media. Kalki makes an appearance as Imaad’s Tinder date, adding a twist to the tale.
Without giving away spoilers, the movie addresses the sensitive issue of child abuse, emphasising its impact on boys and the lifelong scars it can leave. The emotional climax of the film brings the friends together.
The movie ends on a heartfelt note, showing a situation where friends come together to care for each other again. The film, without being too preachy, teaches us that it’s important to appreciate and say thank you to real friends and family, not just online followers who are often faceless and not real.
Kho gaye Hum Kahan: Direction
Arjun Varain Singh, having previously assisted Zoya Akhtar on Gully Boy, delivers a significant debut with this film. He skillfully captures the ordinary aspects of everyday life while drawing connections to the online world. Arjun maintains a believable flow throughout the movie. Whether portraying the shift in the movie story, the film’s direction leaves little room for flaws. However, there are moments when it feels less atmospheric and more dull or rehearsed.
The gigs featuring Imaad lack the comic side and are utilised more as pivotal moments for the story’s development. While numerous scenes and the overall setup convey a sense of realism and connection, the film avoids excessive glamour, making it relatable.
Kho Gaye Hum Kahan: Character Development
Ananya Panday has shown significant improvement compared to her previous films, delivering a commendable performance. Siddhant Chaturvedi and Adarsh Gourav excel in their respective roles, bringing a terrific presence to the screen. Despite having limited screen time, Kalki Koechlin manages to leave a lasting impression.
Ananya Panday: The character suits her well, and it’s evident that she has established a genuine connection with it. As an actress, she has visibly invested a significant effort to bring the character to life, avoiding any monotony throughout.
Siddhant Chaturvedi: Imaad’s character undergoes a compelling development in the story; starting on a modest note, it progressively builds up, culminating in a strong and satisfying conclusion.
Adarsh Gourav: He continues to make waves as a remarkable actor. His natural talent shines through, and in this instance, the authenticity in his performance forges a stronger connection with his character.
Kalki Koechlin: She proves to be reliably impactful in her special appearance. Her brief moments on screen contribute to a character with a distinct, artsy, and independent vibe.
Kho Gaye Hum Kahan: Script and Dialogue
Arjun Varain Singh collaborates with Zoya Akhtar for the story in this directorial venture, while Reema Kagti handles the screenplay. On the positive side, Tanay Satam’s camerawork distinguishes itself by giving character to even the simplest details, maintaining consistency throughout the film. Nitin Baid’s editing skillfully manages the duration, ensuring a smooth pace. The script captures relatable elements but lacks a more profound impact. While the writing about the social dilemma is apparent, the reasons behind it are not strongly portrayed, hindering the desired mark. With the removal of repetitious situations, the script could have enhanced the overall experience, as the film occasionally becomes predictable. The humour aspect also falls short of its potential.
Kho Gaye Hum Kahan: Musical Score
The song “Ishq Nachaawe” is undeniably a vibe. Rashmeet Kaur’s voice is the most pleasant surprise, resonating deeply. The entire album is suitable for a long road trip, echoing the movie’s youthful freshness in its lyrics, music, and vocals.
Kho Gaye Hum Kahan: Audience Appeal
Social Commentary: The film delves into various social aspects, exploring our reliance on the social media realm, societal validation, acceptance, childhood traumas, and more. Each character grapples with a dilemma between doing what is Right and what is Liked.
Heartfelt Moments: Emotional connection peaks during the conclusion of Imad’s character, providing a poignant wrap-up to his story.
Kho Gaye Hum Kahan: Final Words
It’s a charming, authentic, and somewhat predictable story of friendship entangled in the disorderly young city life. While it revolves around relatable struggles, the movie neatly resolves everything in a typical cinematic fashion. It’s an enjoyable watch without high expectations and an easy viewing experience that won’t leave you disappointed.
Kho Gaye Hum Kahan: Movie Trailer
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