You will definitely like it, might even love it, but will not "enjoy" it

Rating: 9/10 (21 December 2011)

If you were drawn to the theatre by the catchy posters and the perfectly hummable music or even the "new look" Ranbir, you will not be disappointed.
The cast seems designed to cast/propel Ranbir into limelight. Shammi Kapoor with a cameo would be happy to see another Kapoor join the league of great actors that we know the Kapoor-stable has produced Ranbir is brilliant in all roles he has depicted – the Jatt college-goer, the troubled artist and the pained lover Nargis sure has a long way to go before she establishes herself; her dialogues appear fake – sometimes with no emotion and at other times, over-dramatic. I was left wondering why Aditi Rao and Nargis didn't swap roles
The cinematography leaves little scope of improvement. Shots of the lake in Kashmir to the customary European buildings and orange rooftops, from frozen jungles to the European meadows, the movie has it all captured in its best form.
The screenplay and direction is non-linear. Very few directors have successfully captured non-linear movies. Imtiaz Ali does it brilliantly. The movie shifts from one flashback to another to present without warning. Probably maintaining consistency of Ranbir's look was the motive. The motive was well served – despite rapid shifts in time-lines, the movie appears seamless.
The story is not that great but then I suppose it was not meant to be. No pretences here – its just a troubled rock-star's love story
And why haven't I talked of the music – well, there is little I can say about it You have to listen to it to know more. It will suffice if I said, ITS MAGICAL!! Rahman came into the industry with the magical Bombay – this definitely takes that bar far beyond any other in recent years. Oscar or no Oscar, the music is definitely you will take back with you. I'd be shocked if you leave the hall not humming one of the many tunes from the movie Mohit Chauhan has done it again Kun Fayakun, Naadan Parindey are absolute gems. Saada Haq is as rebellious as can be – sorta imbibes the image of 'rock' And when its Rahman, you gotta expect a mixture – there's sufi, folk and even a Czech gypsy tune (Hawaa Hawaa)
Overall, the movie could've been shortened by half an hour or so and still would have achieved the same level of appreciation. If anything, the stretched second half could have been done away with. But a definite must watch