Parvati Balagopalan’s debut film, Rules: Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula, was a fresh and frothy romcom about a modern-day Cinderella finding her Prince Charming. She continues in much the same vein in Straight. It’s the kind of film you had rather catch on TV, one that would have escaped notice had it not been for the accompanying publicity and promos. In fact, the promo says it all, leaving little else to discover in the film itself. The theme here is that of confused sexuality. Virgin restaurateur Pinu Patel (Vinay) is unable to comprehend the way he swings, caught as he is between chef Kamlesh (Anuj) and cashier Renu (Gul) and not too happy attempts at alliances. Balagopalan does have a bunch of oddball characters on paper but the goofiness doesn’t get fully explored, nor is the humour played out well. The mainstay is Vinay in the lead role, competent and likeable as usual, but slowly getting slotted in a certain niche in a particular kind of film. Hope he resists.
High Fives
Bollywood
1. Aloo Chaat
2. Gulaal
3. Little Zizou (English)
4. 13B
5. Dhoondte Reh Jaoge
Hollywood
1. Knowing
2. I Love You Man
3. Duplicity
4. Race to Witch Mountain
5. Watchmen
Rock Albums
1. No Line on the Horizon (U2)
2. Dark Horse (Nickelback)
3. Scream (Chris Cornell)
4. The Fray (The Fray)
5. Not Without a Fight (New Found Glory)
Courtesy: Film Information
