On the occasion of Easter eggs & bonnet hats, I would like to wish all my friends a peaceful & hopeful Easter. Since we had a long weekend, thanks to the elections apart from Good Friday; I decided to check out debutant Abhishek Varman's "2 States" based on Chetan Bhagat's novel by the same name. Apart from the promos, the main reason which urged me to check it out were the protagonists & the brilliant music which has been topping the charts.

Since many of you would have read the novel, I guess there isn't need for a detailed outline. Anywaz the tale is about Krish Malhotra (Arjun Kapoor) & Ananya Swaminathan (Alia Bhatt) who fell for each other during their time at IIM Ahmedabad. By the time of graduation, they decided to take their relationship to the next level knowing very well that their cultural differences would pose a challenge. Even their efforts to break the ice between the families falls flat as their parents vehemently rejects their idea of consummation of their relationship. What subsequently follows is how Krish & Ananya tries to placate their parents.

Chetan Bhagat novels may not quite score from a literary point of view but there is no denying the fact that it is a potpourri of Bollywood masala. Abhishek Varman has ensured all those ingredients has been aptly picturised on celluloid. Though the film feels a tad long towards the latter half, I still totally enjoyed it. There is no doubt that there are numerous cliched assumptions about people from both the North & South, but it has been tastefully depicted without going over the top. Abhishek's take on Krish's family has been immaculate though he leaves numerous questions unanswered about Ananya's folks. The major plus point of the film is undoubtedly the music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy which was brilliant & in sync with the situations. Binod Pradhan has done a good job with the visuals but the editing could have been better.

Alia Bhatt was fantastic as Ananya as she seemed an absolute natural, though she reminded me of Kareena Kapoor in the initial portions & reiterates the fact that she is the one to lookout for in the future. Arjun Kapoor has done a decent job but it would have been better off if they had chosen Ranbir Kapoor (who happened to be one of the initial choices). Amrita Singh & Revathy both rocked in their respective roles while Ronit Roy reprised his role from "Udaan" in an impressive manner.

Verdict: The attractive promos,catchy songs & extended weekend should make it an overwhelming favourite at the box office. In all likelihood, the film will turn out to be a profitable venture for Karan Johar & Sajid Nadiadwala. It doesn't proclaim of being an intellectual or different movie but the elements has been integrated in a manner which makes it for an enjoyable watch. So check it out!!!

Rating: 3.5/5

Regards...Ben

2 States. Based on the book of Chetan Bhagat where he touches the details of cross cultural marriage in a humorous way, 2 States remains faithful to the idea and as a movie experience also it does not disappoint. Arjun and Alia showcase easy chemistry. Alia looks charming and does better than Arjun in emotional scenes. As their parents, Amrita Singh, Ronit Roy, Revathy and Shivkumar do quite well. I felt southern India flavor of movie was captured more effectively than northern flavor. The rough father-son relationship between Arjun and Ronit is done upright. First half breezes through while second half drags a bit although nice music and quirky dialogues helps you keep going through melodramatic scenes. Abhishek Varman as writer of adapted screenplay and director impresses in his first outing. Movie does not quite dazzle you but makes your two and half hours worth spending in the theater. I am going with good 7 out of 10 for 2 States. Last year it was Kai Po Che, this year it is 2 States, Chetan Bhagat is having quite a good time at celluloid along with books.

its a very awsum movie ....i just loved from start to the end its amzing...cant stop laughing...but ananya dosent suit the tamilian character