Mere Brother Ki Dulhan

Rating : 7/10
Release Date : 9th September, 2011
Time : 145 minutes
Director & Writer : Ali Abbas Zafar ; Music : Sohail Sen
Starring : Imran Khan, Katrina Kaif, Ali Zafar, Tara D’Souza, Parikshit Sahni, Kanwaljit, Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, Arfeen Khan

You pretty much know the story, given the title and the promos. While there are a few twists and turns, they are of the minor, storm in a teacup rather than shake the world variety. However, to their credit, the journey is fun, light hearted, enjoyable and despite your knowing the destination + some weak acting by Imran, we’re in a pretty good state by the time we get to the end credits.


Imran, a sorted type, is entrusted by big brother Ali Zafar (completely mixed up, based in London type) to find a good Indian bride for him. Katrina, a rebel, rock star in her earlier years (when her and Imran’s paths had crossed), now seems like the perfect choice. Except that Imran falls for her.



Fizzy moments include Katrina’s internet interview of Ali Zafar, with the final question having the maximum impact on the audience and the interviewee. Imran’s best friends (Rohit / Shumit), who lighten up the scene with remarks like ‘Bhabhi badi frank hain’ or even ‘oye angrez ki aulad, main tera bachpan ka dost hoon.’ when Imran protests a bit too violently on being discovered (the final bit here about a ‘missing you’ card in the VIIth took the remark to another level). Rohit, after a lot of digging, I've realised is played by the multi-talented Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub, who also played the title accused in NOKJ. Its sad though, that in our star obsessed reporting, such a fine character actors name doesnt even get a mention...



Katrina continues to silence detractors with her assured performances. Ali Zafar continues to show immense promise. Imran was weak here, especially in terms of facial expressions. Missed the natural acting of a Delhi Belly, which I think was his most competent performance so far. And while Tara D’Souza does well, I think she was miscast a bit for this part, needed someone with a little more oomph.



Some surprises, including a couple at the end make it more interesting. I like the way they kept it light, non-sentimental (would’ve been very easy to go the other way in some scenes). The peppy songs, which rip off a lot of recent hits in their picturisation, help. Its quite a taboo topic in India, took some guts to make it and in this era of moral policing, worth a watch just on those grounds alone.