Govinda shines, but this Bollywood satire ends up trapped in the clichés it mocks.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Happy Ending skews mildly negative to mixed, with most reviewers finding it a passable but unremarkable one-time watch. Govinda's comic performance is the most consistently singled-out highlight across reviews, with several critics noting his scenes as the film's strongest moments. The most common criticism is that the film fails to deliver on its premise as a Bollywood satire, instead falling into the very romantic-comedy clichés it sets out to mock, resulting in a hollow and overlong final product. A handful of more generous reviewers appreciated its witty dialogue and lighter tone, but the majority felt it did not live up to the directors' earlier work.
11 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 38 critic reviews · may contain errors
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Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
If you expect Happy Ending to get somewhere, you are watching the wrong film. Do not expect the world from Happy Ending and you might actually find in it enough enjoyable patches to make a trip to the multiplex worth your while.
Top critic
Film review ·
Happy Ending isn't half as clever as it needed to be...I suspect that somewhere in there was a genuinely sparkling and subversive love story. Sadly, it never emerges.
Top critic
Film review ·
This is a film that wants to be many things all at once - a rom-com between a fading star and the next big thing, also a clever satire on Bollywood. It's overlong at 135 minutes, and on occasion dreadfully boring. Saif Ali Khan can still pull off goofy humor better than most others, but how many times does he have to play the same part before we can all agree that he's too old for this schtick?
Top critic
Film review ·
A series of been-here, seen-this moments and a wasted opportunity...
Film review ·
If you are willing to move over the mandatory mush and sugary love stories, this quirky Happy Ending will serve you well!
Film review ·
At times Happy Ending is a savagely wicked ,sinfully irreverent smart and sassy rom-com. At other times, it just doesn't move. And because the co-directors know how to hold our attention even when his protagonist is stricken by ennui, we can safely assume that some sharp writing skills are at work here even when there isn't much happening on the surface.
Film review ·
...is a happy, lovingly smart and witty tease on romantic comedies that rightly demands a 'commitment' from its audience to have a 'dekho' this weekend at the multiplexes. 'Happy Watching'.
Film review ·
Happy Ending makes fun of all the films which have made it our bucket list of classic love films and does so without a hint disparaging malice. Yogi and Yudi played by Saif and their well-placed complimentary, smart-alecky camaraderie, along with the poker faced humor of Govinda makes this film a peachy yet relevant and essentially a droll, chucklesome watch. There aren't many 'fur and feathers' films which go down well with me, this is one of the sparse few which qualify as exception.
Film review ·
Happy Ending's a fun film with a melodious, modern take on individuals and pyaar. It's an NRI movie that side-steps dilemmas and pain. And it's probably the first Hindi film where the heroine cheekily tells the hero, "Show your boobs!", performed with polished elan. Wrapping Hollywood ribbons on a Bollywood heart, this is a nice ending - and a good start.
Film review ·
HAPPY ENDING is a film which leaves you with a happy feeling. It drags in parts but is worth a watch, at least for Saif's performance.
Film review ·
In an era of mindless 100 crore films showcasing exaggerated kicks, punches, unnecessary item numbers and impractical love stories, Happy Ending is refreshing, pleasant, different and worth a watch!
Film review ·
If you wish to walk out of the cinema with a smile on your face, Happy Ending should be on your 'to-watch list' for the weekend.
Film review ·
The film offers a generous dose of laughter, some stunning locations that are a treat to watch and a refreshing comeback of Bollywood's 'Hero Number One', among others. Directors Raj Nidimoru, Krishna DK have managed to provide a fresh perspective to an otherwise drab storyline. So while the film mocks other films that cater to the 'masses' (their words, not ours) and aim at giving you three hours of paisa-wasool entertainment, Happy Ending follows the same trail too. Does that make it a paisa-wasool entertainer then? Oh yes!
Film review ·
As Armaan Ji says, "300 rupaiye mein logon ko zindagi mat sikha!" Now, if that's not a master class on making big money in Bollywood, I don't know what is. If only Raj-DK had kept it as short,simple and precise, this would be recommended as a two-time watch. In its current avatar, one should be more than enough.
Film review ·
Average fare, but an extra half-star for inventive dialogues; for reminding us that his timing is intact, if only just.
Film review ·
The Bollywood script getting written within this film somewhere starts tallying with the hero's own story. This clever move allows us to flit between a formula pic and an unconventional rom-com. Sadly this is also one of the many reasons Happy Ending's ending comes a good half hour before everything could've ended, for better or worse. But, as an audience, at no point do you totally lose interest. If you keep your expectations in check, this one is definitely worth checking out in the theatre.
Film review ·
It is definitely a good watch, especially if you go with your loved one. It has clean humour, without any glaring sexual innuendos and would be a good film to watch with your family as well!
Film review ·
Happy Ending can hold your attention throughout its length except some not-so-necessary intimate scenes. There is enough in the story to provide you a good dose of entertainment, you just don't need to expect too much.
Film review ·
Having churned small-scale films like "99", "Shor in The City" and "Go Goa Gone", this fare did come across a struggling attempt to paint a larger canvas for the directors. However, the side-splitting humour and the well-crafted narrative is a plus and ferries the boat pretty well. The witty one-liners by Govinda, Saif's inimitable charm and "G Phaad Ke" are the high-points of the film.
Film review ·
Romcom seems like an easy genre to execute but clearly is not everyone's cup of tea. With a good budget and good looking actor it's easy to make a good looking film but it's tough to make an entertaining one. Happy Ending is a decent one-time watch.
Film review ·
The title of the film does not justify its ending. It is too predictable and falls flat in the end. You can watch the film if witty comedies entertain you. Another reason to watch the film is Govinda, Ranveer and Kalki. All in all, it is an average film with not so happy ending.
Film review ·
Happy Ending is barely 'hatke'...Endings, says Yudi, are hard as he explains why there is a stack of unfinished manuscripts on his shelf. The makers also struggle to reach their own version of a happy ending.
Film review ·
...if you don't have a problem with a misogynist point of view, can deal with regressive writing, the film might work for you. Besides the film has a decent first half, some smart lines and Above All, a dancing Govinda.
Film review ·
It is sure disappointing that a film which gives you hopes of being an intelligent, witty satire, ends up being as predictable and soppy as the film it intended to make fun of.
Film review ·
Happy Ending is recommended for anyone who is even slightly interested in romantic comedies. That however does not take help the fact that you would want more out of these two directors than just give you something 'regular'. For one, I would have liked if the film had more to do with the writer trying to figure his story rather than his love story.
Film review ·
You have to give points to Happy Ending for at least trying to be different, even if not whole-heartedly. There are a few points in the film where you catch yourself inadvertently thinking a little deeper about love and its place in our world today. For me, that by itself is an achievement. Sure, I might not need a film to get me thinking about love and relationships, but it feels good when one gets you to.
Film review ·
If you have nothing better to this weekend, book your tickets of Happy Ending, or wait for the movie to come on TV. You will not miss anything, if you miss Happy Ending.
Film review ·
Happy Ending, at its core, is pretentious and doesn't quite live up to expectations, save for Govinda, who lights up the screen with his mere presence and those legendary moves. In a film that every cast member is so desperately trying to fit in, he is the only one who actually manages to convince us that he truly belongs there and he knows it.
Film review ·
It's disappointing that director duo Krishna DK and Raj Nidimoru (Go Goa Gone) have come with as film that is pretentious and hollow, embracing the very cliches it makes fun of. After all, it's unfair when a pot calls the kettle black.
Film review ·
'Happy Ending' which aspires to be a romantic comedy has an insipid romantic track and a very, very flimsy humour track as well.
Film review ·
Of the 136 minutes run-time, only the last 20 minutes or so are bearable and resemble anything of what a film should be. For the rest of the time, we are treated to a documentary with even Saif Ali Khan's wife coming on screen.
Film review ·
Maybe the cinematography will entice you enough to finally make the trip to the U.S. of A. Maybe you fall for 'Mileya'. As you walk out of the halls, whichever way you fell, Happy Ending wasn't matched up to what Paaji advised nor was it a comedy about romantic comedies. But you laugh, on occasion because you were warned.
Film review ·
...the star of the show is undoubtedly Govinda. There's a reason why he's called the king of comedy. Whether it's flipping his sunglasses at random, or shoving Hollywood DVDs at his new scriptwriter, or paying for instant six-pack abs, he's got it down perfectly. Even his disco number is 'kickass.' Unfortunately, we can't say the same about the movie.
Film review ·
Essentially, Happy Ending is a cheeky film with a run-of-the-mill urban romance at its centre. And it's the mediocre love story that spoils the mood.
Film review ·
Happy Ending is not a bad movie, it just could have been better. It is a decent watch that'll offer you some laughs here and there, with some popcorn and coke, Happy Ending makes for a watchable movie.
Film review ·
What's with Govinda being the scene stealer in two back to back films and not being given enough scenes to steal. His ability to laugh at himself full throttle meant I couldn't look at anyone else when he was on screen. More of him and the slobbish Yogi and I'd be recommending this film. In it's current state, go see it if you've seen all the hollywood offerings because it is meant purely for us multiplexers.
Film review ·
Happy Ending not entirely hit bang on this new developed saying but definitely takes a dig on movies, which are deemed to be non-sensible just to satisfy the 'entertainment' lust of the audience who doesn't bother to put much brains to find logics. A light-hearted yet a satirical take are what director duo of Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. keep in their mind before they begin with Happy Ending and yes they succeed in giving us an end product.
Film review ·
Despite being a bona fide romantic comedy, the film goes beyond it. The movie is a mix of humour, a double fun dose of Govinda and Saif. While Govinda enthrals the audience by delivering funny dialogues with a dead pan face, Saif Ali Khan creates humour with his usual quirkiness.
Film review ·
Happy Ending is a dull fare, meant mainly for the good multiplexes in the big cities. But its fate in the ordinary multiplexes, in single-screen cinemas and in centres other than the big cities will be far from good. Overall, it will entail heavy losses to all concerned.
Film review ·
Govinda steals the show. He obviously relishes the role of the animated, absurd, irreverent ageing Bollywood hero—doubly zany since he is on the comeback trail himself. The scenes in which he appears are unremittingly funny—and possibly the reason Happy Ending was not entirely a waste of time.
Film review ·
The only happy ending here is when you walk out of the theatre, having survived the ordeal that is this film.
Film review ·
The promos -- with its kitschy Paaji Tussi Such a Pussycat song -- promised a quirky entertainer from the makers of the poignant Shor in the City and the fun Go Goa Gone. But what it becomes, at the end of it, is the kind of film it thinks it's making fun of.
From our readers
5 ratings · user score 4.4
Happy Ending, is a Rom-Com film by Raj Nidimoru, Krishna DK. Deals with the story of individuals wanting to have fun of romance, but having commitment phobia. This plot has been experimented many times in the past, some have worked and some have not worked. And this movie Happy Ending lacks romance as well as comedy. It has comedy in bits and pieces, whereas romance as such is not at all felt throughout the movie. Yudi (Saif Ali Khan) is a one-time wonder writer of a book. After writing the book, 5 ½ years have gone by and he had 8 ½ girlfriends also. He is living off royalties. He believes in enjoying life with fame, money and girls. He breaks off with the girls when they start proposing (The very first scene has Kareena proposing Saif, followed by his walking out of the relationship). Montu (Ranvir Shorey), Yudi's friend loves to party with him, but he has to actually seek permission from his wife for the same. And there is Yudi's alter ego synonym Yogi (Saif Ali Khan) who keeps questioning Yudi's every action, throws words of wisdom. Vishakha (Kalki Koechlin), is madly in love with Yudi. She puts a Tracker app on his mobile so as to track his whereabouts. Yudi feels suffocated in her love and keeps avoiding her. Yudi's king-size life gets a blow when his vehicle is towed away by the publisher, and his contract has been given to Aanchal Reddy (Ileana D'Cruz). Yudi is helped by his publisher friend to write a story for a film with Armaan (Govinda) in the lead. Armaan explains to Yudi that he wants a 'Kick-Ass' script for his movie. Armaan wants a Romedy which can become a blockbuster all over the world. Yudi tries to flirt with Aanchal and learns that she is also commitment-phobic (who actually churns out romantic best sellers but does not believe in the concept of love). Rest of the movie revolves around, how Yudi and Aanchal approach their relationship. They also spend time together to write stories. What is it that brings Aanchal and Yudi closer (probably nothing)? What happens when two commitment-phobic people get together in life? Is there any Happy Ending in their relationship? Happy Ending movie lacks the passion. First half is dreadfully boring. Saif Ali Khan lacked the charm he had in Love Aaj Kal, Hum-Tum. Ileana definitely looks very pretty on screen, but that is it about her performance. Kalki has done justice to her obsessive character. Divya (Preity Zinta), Yudi's ex-girl friend has nothing much to do. Govinda gives some laughter moments with his cosmetic surgery and six pack abs scene. Ranvir is absolutely wasted. Music is not at all impressive. Movie has been mostly shot at Los Angles, San Francisco. Happy Ending lacks the punch of Happiness and Passion. Doesn't have the depth.
Saif Ali Khan is in every single frame. And he shimmers, with his 'dude' like costumes and brattish, dapper look. He plays Yudi, a broke writer who has a studio apartment in plush Los Angeles. Now hold your horses before I blurt out more deductions, and this is just the first five minutes. He chases skirt as a full time job, but doesn't believe in commitment. This is the crux of the clichéd story we have vowed not to talk about. Frames pass by with bits of average humor and drama, and another writer turns up. Aanchal (Ileana) is the female version of Yudi, who is originally a fake, but you shouldn't worry about it (even the writers don't). A phony weirdo (Govinda) comes out of nowhere and asks penniless, one-book old writer Yudi to pen a script which shouldn't be "hard-hitting and fine as life." This is like a film inside a film, and it sucks big time. If all other sequences of the film except the ones with Govinda in it were to be trimmed out, I would have personally marched to the production studio and burned the prints of the film with gasoline and then proudly be incarcerated for arson. And then somehow I'd have written a review from inside the prison. Now Govinda is fine with his portrayal, I loathed his character for mocking reality. Yeah, he and his dialogs spark and take potshot at the reality bits of film-making - the Southern film remaking machinery in Bollywood, plagiarism, et al. But, along with all that we had to put up - his physique and blown-off, heavily expletive- ridden songs, I almost had a panic attack myself, just like Yudi constantly has in the film. Ranvir Shorey is the only character that I enjoyed watching; his funny dialogs actually made him look like a hero from a Pritish Nandy production, but it was satisfactory. Koechlin was fine. And surprise, surprise - Preity Zinta has finally come out of the cave and portrays so realistically the role of a cleavage-revealing, thigh-flashing, generously saggy boobed mother of triplets. I almost thought, looking at her physique, that she really gave birth to the triplets for the sake of the role. Cinematography, editing, and all those stuffs that Bollywood usually doesn't bother about while making a film were fine. It is evident that the makers wanted to come up with a film that would reflect the Y, the X, and the selfie generation clubbed together, but the recipe is so outdated and stale that if it were to be found in the recesses of popular website 4chan, it would not surprise me. BOTTOM LINE: Raj & DK have carved out a film using resources from various facets of traditional life, re-enacting them in a foreign location, spicing normal dialogs, casting hot actors, tinging it with generic essences of romance and commitment-phobic expressions to conclude in a corollary that evinces how broke and expended all the people connected with the project really are, which includes Saif and excludes puppet Ileana.
Shah Rukh Khan's HAPPY NEW YEAR released on October 24 instead of January 1. KILL DIL released on November 14 instead of February 14. And now Saif Ali Khan's HAPPY ENDING releases today(November 21) instead of December 31! Movie titles have lost making sense or being relevant. The question is how India's largely dehati audience deciphers the meaning. Maybe the Hinglish title makes them think it is an English flick and keep away from it. And rightly so. This time around, everyone unanimously decide to keep away. Womaniser Yudi Jaitley(Saif in double role - Yudi / Yogi!) is suffering from a writer's block. A happy-but-commitment-phobic guy, he meets his similar'soul mate' Aanchal Reddy(Ileana D'Cruz). U'd say it is indeed happy ending! In walks a fading Bollywood star Armaan(Govinda) who wants to revive his kaput career and decides only a sleek script can save him(read his slim career). And he promptly puts his heavy-weight(literally) not behind but over Yudi. The writer is now completely blocked and even a good-looking heroine(Ileana) is unable to unblock this nose, noose or whatever. Govinda should take it easy. It is not easy to have two flops(KILL DIL, HAPPY ENDING) in quick succession. Saif can find his solace in Kareena Kapoor. BTW, she too is there in the movie. Saif too is over the hill and blockbusters can't be expected of him. He looks stressed.(Keeping Kareena'happy' all the time may not come easy.) Ileana may get one or two Hindi movies but she doesn't seem hot. This is her hat-trick flop(Phata Poster Nikla Hero; Main Tera Hero, Happy Ending). If you've watched English TV series Californication(2007-2014), you'll find where Saif derives his inspiration(from Hank Moody). Did you see Sweet Liberty(1986) then you'll find the inspiration(Michael Caine) for Govinda's character. The 3-4 fewer viewers r happy when the movie ends. Probably they r waiting for the next Hinglish titled movie, where they can rightly put their over-used(read worn-out) sandals to good use!
Raj & DK delivers the same old love story in a new form..... Govinda had nothing to do in this film.... Still its a one time watch
Credits
Hindi films like Happy Ending
Go Goa Gone
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Do Knot Disturb
2009
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Dil Chahta Hai
2001
Kal Ho Naa Ho
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Main Tera Hero
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