Dipti Nagpaul-D’Souza does the math on which on-screen couple is likely to create magic at the movies

Katrina Kaif-Ranbir Kapoor
Ajab Prem ki Ghazab Kahani
With promos on air, bets are already being placed on this pairing as the Next Big Team on screen. In fact, together, they are such a rage among the audiences that rumours blame their chemistry for the apparent trouble brewing between Kapoor and his real-life girlfriend Deepika Padukone. Director Rajkumar Santoshi explains that the couple is able to connect with the young audiences because of their innocence and energy. “They fit the part they play of the young, goofy couple,” he says. The fact that Kaif and Kapoor became great pals during the shoot only adds to the magic they yield on-screen. “I didn’t know what to expect from Ranbir when we first started shooting but his affability warmed me up to him. In fact, one day we were shooting for 22 hours at a stretch and there was still one scene we had to finish before wrapping up. I was so exhausted I broke down. No one but Ranbir noticed. He came up, cracked some jokes to cheer me up. He didn’t have to but that’s the guy he is and that’s the equation we now share,” gushes Kaif.

Room Temperature: ****

Mugdha Godse-Neil Nitin Mukesh
Jail
Both Mugdha Godse and Neil Nitin Mukesh are only a handful of films old. Though their performances in the past have been appreciated, neither has managed to evoke any oohs and aahs for starring opposite their co-star, but maybe the freshness will work for them. In Jail too, the audience expects a moving performance from the promising actors but there is no palpable chemistry between the two. “It could be because the movie bears dark shades,” reasons trade analyst Taran Adarsh. Mukesh admits that it is true to an extent but adds that in the part before he is convicted in the film, the audiences will see him connect with his on-screen lady love. “A few scenes between Mugdha and me do establish the emotions but it’s not in your face since the theme of the movie is not glamorous,” he quips.

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