Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, is available for streaming on Netflix.
A still picture from Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar.
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar is a misguided attempt to recreate the romantic comedies of the late 2000s and early 2010s, with a protagonist who is unlikeable and lacks any sense of growth or development throughout the movie. Director Luv Ranjan seems to be stuck in the past, with outdated ideas and themes that fail to connect with the sensibilities of modern audiences.
The movie's protagonist, Mickey (Ranbir Kapoor), is a blabbermouth who lacks any discernable qualities to be a successful businessman, yet inherits his family's businesses and sits in the top chair. He spends his time working as a "breakup doctor" who helps couples part ways without drama.
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In Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, Mickey plays the role of a "breakup doctor" who is the antithesis of Will Smith's "date doctor" character in Hitch. While Hitch helps his clients find love and form lasting relationships, Mickey assists couples in ending their relationships. The movie is essentially an inverted version of Hitch, but unfortunately, it lacks the charm, humour, and sensitivity of the latter.
Mickey falls in love with Tinni (Shraddha Kapoor), but their relationship quickly falls apart. After Tinni decides to break up with him, she seeks the help of a "consultant" to facilitate a smooth breakup. However, she is unaware that the consultant is actually Mickey. Taking advantage of this fact, Mickey engineers a series of failures for Tinni and finds amusement in her misfortune. His actions are callous and selfish, demonstrating a lack of empathy and consideration for Tinni's feelings.
The film's attempt to recreate the romantic comedies of the past falls flat, with outdated themes and an unlikable protagonist. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a transformative effect on the world, and filmmakers need to be mindful of the impact that current events will have on the collective consciousness of audiences. While there is a place for romantic comedies in trying times, they need to be thoughtful and relevant.
It is unlikely that today's audiences will find entertainment or meaning in a film centred around the shallow and callous behaviour of a privileged individual who enjoys breaking up couples as a hobby. Such themes and characters lack the depth and relevance needed to resonate with viewers. As audiences become more discerning and demand more from the movies they watch, filmmakers need to step up and deliver stories that offer a meaningful and engaging perspective on the world we live in, rather than relying on stale tropes and shallow characters.
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar is streaming on Netflix.
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