Qarib Qarib Singlle | Movie Review

Qarib Qarib Singlle is the story of Yogi (Irrfan) and Jaya Shashidharan (Parvathy Thiruvothu). Yogi and Jaya have completely conflicting personalities. While Yogi is a rich businessman who is modest about his wealth, carefree, and lives in the present, Jaya works in insurance, and feels the need to keep people around her happy. Yogi has three ex-girlfriends, while Jaya has been married once before, an arranged marriage. Jaya’s husband was in the Army and died 10 years ago.

After a frustration that almost leads to pulling her hair off, Jaya joins a dating site under a slightly similar pseudonym. She meets Yogi here, and what follows is a journey that is both crazy and hilarious. With missed trains and missed flights, the camaraderie between Yogi and Jaya builds to a point where it puts a smile on your face. But during this retracing of past relationships, where exactly is this camaraderie leading us?

Directed by Tanuja Chandra, Qarib Qarib Singlle marks Malayali actress Parvathy Thiruvothu’s entry into Hindi cinema. Given that she is a seasoned actress down south, it’s no surprise that she holds her own opposite Irrfan in the movie. There are a few moments here and there where I found her acting to be exaggerated, but when you look at it in the bigger picture, it’s completely forgivable.

And Irrfan! Any movie with Irrfan on the poster is bound to be a good one. His script selection skills are exceptional and his acting chops are a force to be reckoned with. He is an actor who has built his career with more hard work than many people in the industry. It’s no wonder the world has taken notice of the energy within him. A versatile actor, he gives every character he plays a twist of his own. And Qarib Qarib Singlle is no less.

Made on a low budget, Qarib Qarib Singlle is not a script that anyone other than the current lead pair could have pulled off. While Irrfan is goofy to the point of being adorable, Parvathy brings freshness to the script with her portrayal of a single, easily irritated, conflicted woman. Irrfan doesn’t need to do hugs and kisses to show romantic emotion. And that is probably what makes him one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema.

Qarib Qarib Singlle is littered with superior, subtle jokes that will have you cackling in agreement. For example, when Jaya books an Ashram for a hotel and he asks her why, she tells him to enjoy the atmosphere and do Yoga. With an incredulous smile on his face, Yogi says, “Subah 6 baje toh murge Yoga karte hai.” And there are numerous such gems littered across the movie.

All in all, Qarib Qarib Singlle is a fresh movie that doesn’t fail to hold your attention for the major part of the story. Engaging, sweet, and cute with the right amount of sass. I’d have liked the end to be drawn out just a few minutes longer. But maybe that’s only because I wasn’t ready to let go of the movie so soon!

Rating: 4/5 stars

Until next time, keep reading, keep watching and add melodrama to your life! 🙂

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