Yeh Dooriyan

Indian Express rating:*

Divorcee. Archaic word,denoting a divorced woman,appearing in a certain kind of matrimonial ad. This 80s theme,of how a woman with an ex husband and two children,can never be accepted by a younger man’s family,belonged to a certain kind of film in the 80s. What is it doing out there,swanning around on the screen in this day and age ? So maybe this is a comedy?

Enter Deepshikha,who proudly claims responsibility for all departments of the movie,including producing,directing,acting. She plays Simi,who heads a dance studio,pals up with two gals who go by the names of Bobby and Nikki,and talks down to young hunk Raj (Arora),who makes sheep’s eyes at her. At other times,she dons diaphanous red and says,I need a drink! Halfway through the movie,I shared that sentiment. Strongly.

The funniest part: the arrival of Irate Mom of Raj,just when sonny boy is cosying up to Simi and showing off a pink lipstick mark on his puffed chest. Irate Mom to son : hamaari society mein kya izzat rah jayegi? Stunned silence. Simi dives towards Irate Mom’s feet. Irate Mom only sneers. Bye aunty,says Simi. Said aunty looks even more stunned. Who’s this calling her aunty? We don’t blame her,because the two ladies look like they are practically the same age.

Into this mix,the ex-husband arrives,all contrite. Come on kids,he tells his children. We’ll go— and you wait to hear what doting daddies tell their very young children when they hold out the promise of fun outings,namely beach,picnic,the zoo—shopping! After which,he begs Simi to go out with him,where they encounter a jealous Raj. Ex husband : tum mere bachchon ki ma ho,boyfriend rakhte huey sharam nahin aayi? Rakhte? As in keep? Oh well.

shubhra.gupta@expressindia.com