Dil To Baccha Hai Ji is too long for a light-hearted comedy, and the dialogue is pedestrian. Still it’s not a complete waste of time; there are some laughs to be had. I’m going with two-and-a-half out of five for director Madhur Bhandarkar’s Dil To Baccha Hai Ji. Don’t go in expecting too much, and perhaps you won’t be too disappointed.

Huff. This could’ve been a pure romp, sex comedy. It’s mysteriously rated A by the censor board. The stuff seems neither deliciously bad for its inspired lunacy, nor delightfully good for its sensible humour. The indifference truly annoys you by the end of it. Well, that sucks.

The screen is cluttered with secondary characters that pop in and out without bringing anything to the story other than add to the mess. And that’s what Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji is, a silly jumble of misspent potential and hollow creativity.

Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji has an interesting story but the characters and situations aren’t fleshed out enough. There is an inherent clumsiness and in places the film feels long and leaden. Still, if you keep your expectations low, it makes for mildly diverting entertainment.

Nevertheless, there’s enough mood and attitude in the film to make for a pleasant viewing. And there’s Mohit Chauhan too. Check out his melodious ditty, Abhi kuch dino se, which forms the leitmotif of the film. Very hummable.

A visit to the theatre may well not be worth it. A television premiere might be a better option.

On the whole, Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji is an enjoyable entertainer. It leaves a smile on the viewer’s face and that is its biggest victory. The youth will love it and a section may even repeat it. Its business is expected to be the best in the big cities and the multiplexes. The producers have already made a profit by selling the various rights, and given the merits, the distributors will also make comfortable profits.

Madhur should rather stick to realistic cinema or improve immensely before attempting something different next time. DIL TOH BACCHA HAI JI doesn’t win your dil.

What works big time for Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji is that besides being a romantic comedy, it touches upon a number of social issues too. But of course, it does sell itself as a comedy film which it really is. For a first dabble, Madhur scores high. The situations are not only immensely funny and the one-liners are a complete killer. However, it does lose track midway after which you do tend to lose interest until it finally picks up yet again.