Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Public Review: A Nostalgic Trip to the 90s that Misses the Mark

In the ever-evolving world of cinema, few things are as polarizing as comedy. Some films make you clutch your sides in laughter, while others leave you scratching your head, wondering what went wrong. Raaj Shaandilyaa’s Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video falls somewhere in between it aims to tickle your funny bone and take you on a trip down memory lane, but stumbles along the way.

This 2024 release, set in the 90s, attempts to merge nostalgia with humour, but does it succeed? Let’s dive into the heart of the movie and explore why it leaves more to be desired.

Plot Overview: A 90s Romance Gone Awry

At the center of Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video is a simple, relatable premise that promises to unfold into a light hearted comedy. The story follows Vicky (played by Rajkummar Rao), a local henna artist from Rishikesh, and his childhood crush, Vidya (Triptii Dimri), a doctor. Set in 1997, when Rishikesh was still part of Uttar Pradesh, the film kicks off with Vicky’s successful attempt to break off Vidya’s engagement to a lawyer named Bittoo, a victory that sets the stage for their whirlwind romance.

The couple’s eventual wedding is an ode to 90s nostalgia, from the samuhik vivah (mass wedding ceremony) to the beloved tradition of recording the event on a video camera. And it’s this very wedding video that becomes the linchpin of the story.

In a quirky twist, Vicky persuades Vidya to record an intimate moment on their honeymoon in Goa. However, the tape containing their private video is stolen when their second-hand CD player is taken in a burglary. What follows is Vicky’s frantic quest to retrieve the CD, a task that spirals into chaos with a cast of eccentric characters and endless confusion.

Characters: Quirky but Underutilized

The movie is brimming with colourful characters, each more outlandish than the last. However, the eccentricities often feel forced, leaving the audience bewildered rather than amused.

Vicky: Rajkummar Rao shines as the henna artist-turned-detective, displaying his impeccable range of emotions. Vicky is determined, endearing, and caught in a series of comic misadventures as he tries to recover the lost CD. His desperation to hide the theft from Vidya leads to a series of misunderstandings, which Rao plays with his signature flair.

Vidya: Triptii Dimri, known for her powerful performances in films like Bulbbul and Qala, delivers a sincere performance, though her character feels underdeveloped. Vidya’s profession as a doctor, mentioned in passing, is never explored in the film, and she’s mostly relegated to the role of the suspicious wife who’s kept in the dark about Vicky’s blunder.

Chanda: Mallika Sherawat as Chanda, Vicky’s sister, brings a spark to the screen. A character reminiscent of her role in Welcome, she’s a hot-blooded woman who’s notorious for eloping, only to return home time and again. Chanda’s presence adds some comic relief, particularly in scenes involving her flirty interactions with the local police inspector, Laadle (played by Vijay Raaz).

Despite the promising setup, the film squanders its cast’s potential. Supporting characters like Vicky’s grandfather (Tiku Talsania), Vidya’s mother (Archana Puran Singh), and the police inspector (Vijay Raaz) are reduced to exaggerated quirks, while others seem to exist solely for comic effect, with no meaningful contribution to the story.

Nostalgia Overload: A Tribute to the 90s

If there’s one thing that Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video gets right, it’s the 90s nostalgia. The film is littered with references to the era Kumar Sanu’s timeless melodies, Daler Mehndi’s energetic cameos, and a distinct sense of old-school Bollywood charm. For those who grew up in the 90s, the film hits the nostalgia button hard, recalling everything from wedding videos to childhood crushes.

Even the smallest details, such as Triptii Dimri’s makeup and jewelry, are meticulously designed to transport viewers back to the decade. The cinematography also embraces the aesthetics of the time, with everything from the clothing to the decor reminiscent of simpler days.

However, while these nostalgic elements are delightful, they often feel like a crutch. The film relies heavily on the 90s vibe to carry the weight of the narrative, and when the novelty wears off, there isn’t much left to keep the audience engaged.

The Comedy: Where It Falls Flat

Comedy, as they say, is subjective. However, even the most forgiving viewer might struggle to find consistent laughs in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. The humour starts off promising, with quirky dialogue and a few clever punchlines, but quickly descends into a series of predictable gags.

At its core, the film attempts to follow the classic Bollywood formula of “comedy of errors,” where one mistake snowballs into increasingly ridiculous situations. But instead of escalating into a clever or witty climax, the film becomes repetitive, with the same jokes being recycled.

One particularly painful segment involves a cemetery scene a nod to Rao’s hit film Stree where the characters are haunted by a ghost. The entire sequence feels shoehorned in, adding little value to the story and leaving the audience confused rather than entertained.

In addition to this, the film’s pacing is erratic. At 152 minutes, it overstays its welcome, with certain scenes dragging on for far too long. The shift from comedy to melodrama in the latter half of the movie only adds to the disjointed tone.

Direction and Execution: A Missed Opportunity

Raaj Shaandilyaa, known for his success with the Dream Girl films, struggles to replicate the magic in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. While his previous films balanced crude humour with mass appeal, this one feels like a step back.

The direction is unfocused, and the screenplay is riddled with inconsistencies. Characters come and go with little explanation, and certain plot points are introduced only to be abandoned later. The climax, in particular, feels rushed and leaves several questions unanswered.

The editing is another weak point. The film jumps abruptly from scene to scene, making it feel like a patchwork of sketches rather than a cohesive narrative. Had the film been tighter, with a clearer sense of direction, it might have delivered on its promise.

Verdict: A Disappointing Throwback

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video is a film that could have been so much more. With a talented cast, an interesting premise, and a healthy dose of 90s nostalgia, it had all the ingredients for a fun, light hearted comedy. But poor execution, uneven pacing, and lacklustre humour drag it down.

For fans of Rajkummar Rao and those looking for a trip down memory lane, the film might offer some moments of entertainment. However, for most viewers, it will feel like an outdated attempt at humour that struggles to find its footing.

In the end, the film’s message about respecting personal boundaries feels tacked on, and its promise of a sequel might leave audiences groaning rather than cheering.

FAQs

1. What is Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video about?
The film follows Vicky and Vidya, a newly married couple whose private video is stolen. The movie is a comedy of errors as Vicky attempts to retrieve the stolen CD without letting Vidya find out.

2. Who are the lead actors in the movie?
Rajkummar Rao plays the role of Vicky, while Triptii Dimri stars as Vidya.

3. Is the movie set in the 90s?
Yes, the film is set in 1997 and heavily relies on 90s nostalgia, with references to the music, fashion, and culture of the time.

4. Is Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video worth watching?
While the film has some nostalgic appeal and strong performances from its cast, it ultimately falls flat due to inconsistent humour and a disjointed narrative.

5. Will there be a sequel to the movie?
There is a hint at the end of the film that suggests a possible sequel, although nothing has been confirmed as of now.