Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video might not be the easiest of titles to remember, but it becomes memorable through the vibrant performance delivered by its lead Rajkummar Rao. Diving into a story situated in the culturally rich town of Rishikesh, director Raaj Shaandilyaa attempts to encapsulate the charm of 1990s India with his distinctive style of humor—an area he’s well regarded for through his television career crafting low-brow, yet engaging comedy skits. However, while Shaandilyaa’s gaze zeroes effectively on peculiar cultural mores, his vision for a cohesive screenplay seems to falter along the way, leading to a cinematic experience that struggles to leave a lasting impression.
In this narrative, Rajkummar Rao portrays Vicky, a male mehendi artist—an uncommon yet significant career choice, often overshadowed by other professions within his community. Vicky’s life takes an amusing twist as he marries Vidya, played by Triptii Dimri, who holds the prestigious position of a doctor. This intriguing dichotomy between their professions sets a stage for exploring the dynamics that arise when societal expectations clash with personal aspirations. As each handles their respective ‘art’—Vicky painting intricate designs on hands, and Vidya literally taking the pulse of the town—their relationship faces an unforeseen challenge. Mirroring the increasingly digital obsession of the current generation for documenting every aspect of life, their decision to record a highly personal video on their wedding night becomes the trigger point for a whirlwind of comedic events.
The narrative takes a twist when this private CD goes missing due to a burglary, plunging the newlyweds into a frenzied search amidst escalating fear. The comedy amplifies with the introduction of a police officer, humorously portrayed by Vijay Raaz, whose physical discomfort adds an extra layer of hilarity. Interestingly, Vicky’s sister, Chanda, embodied with a comic vigor by Mallika Sherawat, returns from Bombay and gets entangled in this complex mix. Her comedic disposition provides an added spark, indicating Mallika’s eager re-entry into the cinematic landscape. While the wig Raaz sports may seem an unnecessary contribution to the humor, his natural comedic timing remains undiminished.
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Rajkummar Rao emerges as the anchor, embracing his role with an endearing blend of charm and wit—an attribute drawing parallels with his character from the acclaimed Stree series. His portrayal once more as ‘Vicky’ underscores a deliberate attempt to capture and expand upon familiar elements that endeared audiences previously. Yet, for all the charm Rao exudes, there’s a noticeable gap filled by the supporting cast including the delightful ensemble of veterans like Rakesh Bedi, Tiku Talsania, and Archana Puran Singh. The film shrouds itself with a wave of 90s nostalgia, accompanied by the familiar voices of musical stalwarts Kumar Sanu, Daler Mehndi, and Alka Yagnik, striving to blend humor with a slightly sentimental air.
Yet, here lies the film’s discrepancy. While the comedic tapestry is textured with enthusiastic repartees and animated punchlines, Shaandilyaa’s approach sometimes veers towards treating the storyline as an extended gag. The fundamental emotional premise repeatedly gets overshadowed by his relentless pursuit of clever wordplay and jibes, sometimes missing the mark, particularly when interspersed with jarring elements of horror or misplaced social commentary. As a result, while the comedic framework tries to tickle continuously, the film runs out of steam, becoming a series of sketches rather than a cinematic journey.
The awkward union between the comedic and the poignant threatens the film’s continuity, leading to moments where audiences may feel detached as the logic within the storyline begins to falter. Despite aiming for sky-high aspirations in humor, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video risks losing its emotive grip in a bid to constantly evoke laughter—from humor that sometimes borders on the insensitive, to plot transitions that seem unconvincing. Consequently, its effect dwindles, leaving a film that, while earnest in ambition, delivers mixed results. Currently available in theatres, it stands as an enthusiastic yet unpolished gem within the realm of Hindi cinema that some might cherish for its comedic efforts, albeit fleetingly.
