Apart from being based on a morally dubious plot, the film splatters all over itself as it moves into the second half, with no entertainment in an all-uphill losing battle by a witless Viren trying to fend off a terribly excited avalanche. It has its moments in a bit of humor in the first half, in some great acting by young Ayesha Takia and in some melodious songs, but there’s nothing that makes you caw in glee after like 30 minutes.

Socha Na Tha is an endearing effort to give a virgin twist to the boy-meets-girl theme. And though Abhay Deol is not quite the new dude to watch out for he does hint at a talent that could emerge in the future.
At a time when the old guard is collapsing in a hysterical heap we can only be thankful for the gift of freshness albeit designer-freshness.

All said, given that every formula worth a ‘family film’ — about a young boy who meets a young girl as they live (or don’t live) happily ever after — has been flogged to death, this fresh, sparkling and lively resurrection that can at least hold you for the paid-up hours deserves the see-grade. Don’t expect a classic, but I think you should go for it.

Socha Na Tha, which deals with the middle class shtick of arranged marriages and career confusion, is surprisingly hip. Its language, a mix of Hindi and English which does not sound like a Zee News bulletin, is contemporary and so are the characters, except the hard-drinking Christian father straight out of Bobby.