Starring: Govinda, Ranveer Singh, Parineeti Chopra, Ali Zafar
Directed by Shaad Ali
Rating: **
The title of the film itself says it all. Kill Dil boasts of precisely a one-line story: how a sharp-shooter falls in love and undergoes a change of heart even as the Don, who has brought up this orphan, is not happy with the romantic turn of events. It’s a predictable tale, with some expected characters, an obvious trajectory and an abrupt end. However, I didn’t find it quite as unbearable as most people seem to have. Few they may have been, but there were enjoyable moments and witty lines. Most of all, the one to hold it together well is Ranveer Singh.
As the shooter with a heart, Ranveer performs with an infectious sense of fun reminiscent of a young Govinda. His repartee and give-and-take with Parineeti Chopra also works fairly well, though Parineeti herself looks most ungainly in a horribly slipshod wardrobe. Ali Zafar, as Ranveer’s trusted friend, is never able to rise above being a sidekick.
The one to look forward to most had been Govinda. A wonderfully graceful dancer and superb comic actor, Govinda, now in his 50s, is still awaiting his reinvention. This role doesn’t quite do justice to him. Nonetheless he manages to own the screen, inhabits the scenes with ease and confidence. His timing is pitch-perfect and the face is home to many a fleeting expression. Watch out for him in the ‘Pushpa I hate tears’ moment. Also, look out for a blink and you miss, chuckle-worthy presence of Nirupa Roy.
