The year 2004 has been a period of trials. From producers to directors to actors and actresses, everyone has tried his or her hand on some thing new. If the beginning of the year saw Aishwarya playing a vamp in 'Khakee', then the year ends with 'Dil Maange More' with a love quadrangle. Yes, director Anant Mahadevan brings back the experimental love story that was last seen decades ago in Dev Anand starrer 'Teen Deviyan' with Nanda, Kalpana and Simi Garewal in the lead. Dev had the privilege to romance with three heroines in 'Jewel Thief' (Vyjayanthimala, Tanuja and Helen).
Director Anant Mahadevan in his debut film 'Dil Vil Pyar Vyar' dealt with an experimental love story. Even the way the film was narrated to viewers was very different. The year of experimentation in Bollywood ends with his new film 'Dil Maange More'. The film has the kisser boy Shahid Kapoor serenading with three beautiful and bubbly girls -- Ayesha Takia, Soha Ali Khan (Saif Ali Khan's sister makes debut with this film) and Tulip Joshi who was last seen in 'Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai'. The film also sees the entry of a new producer Nikhil Panchamiya in Bollywood.
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This altogether new gang of budding artistes wants to make big people host the party in this film. He also tries to bring light and mischievous moments without clarity though. With 'Dil Maange More', comedy films also make a full circle in the year that saw situational comedy do a comeback. As has been in the past closing Fridays of a year don't draw much crowd as everyone gets busy in parties and yearend celebrations. However, if a film has humor it does click, as had been the case with 'Munnabhai MBBS'.
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Anant Mahadevan finds a new age Dev Anand in Shahid Kapoor while dealing with his second film. Shahid plays Nikhil, a young and charming boy from a small town. He loves life, games and also the lovely girl who loves to be loved Soha Ali Khan (Sharmila Tagore's daughter). Neha is beauty with the brain, a rare combination in Bollywood films. She wants to do something in life.
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So, she moves to Mumbai. Nikhil too follows her. However, he comes across another good looking Shagun played by Ayesha Takia. Shagun too sets her eyes on Nikhil. Meanwhile, enters Sara played by Tulip Joshi. She and Nikhil work at the same place. Now, Nikhil loses his heart to three. What leads to this confusion is the crux of the film and true to its name, 'Dil Maange More' (Heart wants more).
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It is said that debutant producer Nikhil Panchamiya read almost five dozen scripts with Anant Mahadevan before zeroing in on 'Dil Maange More'. If this was his liking then he better take a refresher course at comedies. His choice for the film's story is not welcome as the audience looks for an entertainer. The script may look grand in writing but not on screen. The film could have done better had Anant Mahadevan concentrated more on development of love feeling between the key characters. Javed Siddiqui's ink seems to have leaked in between. Anant tries as an avid narrator but loses his grip because of lack of punch in the story.
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Shahid Kapoor once again shows that his selection of films is not proper. He does have guts to make it big on screen. If he wants to succeed Hrithik, he needs to brush up his abilities for the role selection. He acts well, dances well and emotes well too. The recent controversy about his lip locking with Kareena ran him down too. Soha Ali Khan fails to impress in her debut. She faces the camera without proper training.
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Even her diction is not proper. Ayesha Takia who was supposed to be launched in 'Socha Na Tha' with Abhay Deol is two films older now. As in 'Tarzan-The Wonder Car', she shows in 'Dil Maange More' that she is the next chirpy girl after Preity Zinta. It is Ayesha who steals the show this time. Tulip Joshi does not have much to do in the film and fails to impress at all.
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Oldies like Smita Jaykar, Zareena Bahaw and Kanwaljit Singh act aptly but in vain. This is the biggest weak point of the film. Music by Himesh Reshamiya has the feel of a teenager film and he succeeds in creating few more tapping numbers. 'Dil Maange More' is just an average film that is destined to sink midway. The closure of schools and colleges will also affect its patronage.
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