Unlike his earlier film “Lunchbox” (also about an unlikely romance), which became a surprise hit at the box office, Batra’s latest offering doesn’t quite hit the sweet spot.

That’s an easy quality to underrate, as is the modest but careful craftsmanship and muted but honest performance style that makes “Photograph” — a film itself about the rewards of patiently building on first impressions — a winsome diversion. At the same time, it’s hard not to wish for an occasional hot surge of uncivil emotion in this mellow May-December romance between a hard-up street photographer and an introverted student from opposing social realms.

It’s a snapshot into a shared moment in time, an improbable and unlikely one. 

But how can a film be an ode to films without doing what films do best?

Most would argue that Rafi and Noorie may never be together is real life.

And maybe that isn’t an incorrect assessment.

Their love story is so unrealistic, it only belongs in a movie. 

‘Photograph’ is sensitively rendered but staid…

…with Photograph I was also left feeling a sense of void and dissatisfaction, in that it barely scratches the surface of what could have been a far deeper engagement. It chooses to provide just passing snapshots that don’t come together as a memorable album. The situations themselves feel consciously set-up, more deliberate rather than flowing along spontaneously.

Tries to be understated, but is ultimately underdeveloped