Anushka Sharma’s Phillauri begins well enough but soon falls prey to its languid pace. It only comes alive when Anushka and Diljit Dosanjh are together on screen in Dam Dam. Then it makes you sigh for what could have been if the whole film had the same energy.

The fundamental problem with Phillauri, I believe, may be one of miscasting. Raza Murad, the man with the greatest voice of all, is around but doesn’t get to speak much. Sharma, similarly, is perfectly suitable as a ghost when gliding around or trying to blow out a chandelier bulb, but, despite sparkly translucence, she has no aura. It is in flashback that she sparks brightest, when she listens to a record for the first time, or when she allows herself to grin at the idea of shamelessness. Life becomes her.

It is a light-hearted, average love story. Watch it, if you must, for Anushka Sharma and Diljit Dosanjh.

Funny how after dodging dramatic vigour like a shortcoming, even at places where it would be viewed as benefit, Lal succumbs to a gimmick of a climax. The special effects are seamless but for a story that circles around a spirit it’s a pity how little one sees of it in the movie. 

Anushka Sharma’s spirited act is the only reason you might want to give this dull boring romantic drama a chance.

Phillauri’s concept is good and novel. But the delivery is what North Indians call KLPD. The climactic payoff at the end comes way too easily. It’s just lazy writing after a point. If only Shashi emerged in the writer’s room before filming began and smacked some imagination into Anvita Dutt’s head.

After NH10, the promos of PHILLAURI promised some fun but it sadly ends as a pun on itself in trying to do so many things in one film, a comedy that too supernatural one and an old fashioned romance that forces the friendly spirit to hang out from the screen wondering who is suppose to take charge of the proceedings.

A film like this is frustrating, to be frank. The narrative is refreshingly written, brimming with breezy humour. But it is ironic that the haunting spirit is lacking, both metaphorically and literally speaking.

In terms of writing, directorial execution and acting, yesterdayhas zest and today does not in this inconsistent albeit sweet spook story.

The film has flashes of brilliance, but the tedious sequences go on for so long you think you have aged when you emerge out into the sunshine.

Phillauri has some spirited performance from its lead actors, unfortunately, the same spirit has not gone into the making of the movie. What’s started off as a promising film ends up as a boring and a tiresome hotchpotch by the end. Going by the nearly empty theatre hall where I watched the movie and the muted response the movie received at the end, I am sure #ShashiWasThere is actually scaring people away from the screens. Highly Avoidable!

Movies like Phillauri make me wonder about talented actors, producers with a said vision, music, special effects – some bits underdone, some overdone and some like story – not done at all. And how not all departments put together can compensate for the one that is way off the mark.

The computer graphics in this movie is notable, barring the climax which feels overdone. It’s the predictability of the story that lets this film done. You know what’s coming long before it plays out and that makes it tedious and soul-destroying.

This romantic comedy has a heart of gold. Sadly it breaks a little too early leaving you with an underwhelming feeling by the end. The spirit is in the right place but it’s the humans who err.

Phillauri despite some genuinely good performances failed to stir any emotions or strike any chord.