Queen of Hearts

Review

If I was asked to rate Priyanka, Kareena, Katrina, Anushka and Kangana on the basis of acting talent, I would perhaps place Kangana on the lowest rung. Not anymore. The ‘Queen’ has stolen my heart with her virgin Rajori act in the movie Queen, finely directed by Vikas Bahl.

The movie sets to establish that the one thing that makes for good cinema, much like good food or good writing, is the honesty with which it is created. Also for any movie to click, all the pieces of a jig-saw puzzle- like direction, acting, screen play, songs etc need to fit in seamlessly. In Queen, they do.

The movie begins with a dejected Kangana embarking on her solo honeymoon to Paris and Amsterdam. From here on, it is a bitter sweet comical journey of self discovery and empowerment for the protagonist. Significantly, the supporting characters played by a hitherto unknown cast, tug your heartstrings as much as Kangana does. 

There is an adorable Punjabi family supporting the heroine Rani Mehra all along. There is Rajkumar Rao, playing the chauvinist hero to the subtle perfection. There is a leggy Lisa Haydon brightening up the screen with her gorgeous presence. And when Lisa leaves the screen you wonder ‘how the hell will this movie survive’? But it does. Because then you have three men sharing a room with Kangana who melt your heart with their vulnerabilities. There is a handsome dependable Russian, quirky adorable Japanese and a quiet calm Frenchman. Not to forget the ‘Oh-so-hot’ Italian restaurateur who offers a job to Kangana.

I loved the fact that there is no praising or drumming of any culture, even though we sample the best and the worst of both worlds. The story retains its warmth even as the screenplay moves forward along with the music. Okay, so you don't remember  the songs (other than the title track, 'London thumakda'), but you don’t feel the weight of the songs. In fact, Asha Bhonsle's 'Hungama Ho Gaya' is in perfect pitch in a night club.

That said, the director needs to be credited for capturing the subtle nuances. Like when Rajkumar Rao says ‘I Love You’and Kangana returns with an innocent ‘Thank You’. Or when Kangana prepares to brush lips for the first time, or even when Kangana deadpans while wearing her brassiere under a bed sheet.All said, the movie rests on the no-nonsense innocence of Kangana that she brandishes in this movie. 
 Queen is a fun trip along with a relatively unknown cast worth more than the gravity defying cast of the 100 crore club. Go watch it. Worth your money and worth your while.