Plot:
Anaya, a divorcee, tries her luck again at marriage when she finds Rohan, a software engineer in London, through a matrimonial site.

Rating:


Team:
Director: Lokesh Vijay Gupte
Cast: Sonalee Kulkarni, Santosh Juvekar, Hemant Dhome
Writer: Ashwini Shende Bagwadkar

Review:
A sweet film on its surface, Date Bhet is a simple romantic drama from Director Lokesh Vijay Gupte. The story is very predictable and so nothing really engages you with what’s going on.

The film starts with Anaya (Sonalee Kulkarni) is looking for a fresh start after an ugly divorce with Siddharth. She stumbles upon a software engineer Rohan (Hemant Dhome) who works in London. He sends her a ticket to London in order to take her out on a date as he can’t come back to India. Excited to meet Rohan, Ananya instantly agrees to visit him.

Upon arrival she meets a cab driver Abhishek (Santosh Juvekar) who also runs a food truck there. She instantly connects with him on her cab ride to Rohan’s house. But as soon as she enters the house, all her expectations are lost. She meets a dirty, man child who needs constant care. She tries to work it out with Rohan but falters at every step. And so, she finds reprise in the form of Abhishek who helps her enjoy the city of London. Slowly things start to mix up as she falls in love with him. The questions of her families trust and her decision-making start to arise and this is where the story picks up pace.

The performances of the star-studded leads don’t really hit the spark. Santosh Juvekar as the romantic heartthrob doesn’t work and nor does Sonalee Kulkarni as the confused sweet woman. Hemant Dhome is the only one who slightly manages to do justice playing the role of a man child. His comic timing takes out a few gags from you.

The story is very predictable and to be honest very boring. Rom-coms don’t really work if you have zero chemistry. The corny dialogues and the constant recalls to iconic Bollywood one liners are just irritating. The background music is ordinary and feels out of place. The cinematography is questionable. With the scenic London architecture and gardens at their helm, they fail to capture the essence of the beautiful city.

All in all, Date Bhet is an ordinary rom-com with no charm and no romance. Not worth your time and money.