Growing up we've all heard of stories about couples running away and getting married. While we may not hear a lot about it recently, at least in big cities, in smaller towns it still is a phenomenon. Mix that with technology and you have Running Shaadi, where writer Navjot Gulati and director Amit Roy pen a tight little romcom. And it's not just about eloping. The egalitarian relationship that the leading pair share is commendable yet believable. He buys sanitary napkins for her, they discuss premarital sex, abortions and other 'sensitive' topics casually, like how most young people do. A headstrong girl and a wild child at heart, Nimmy is totally in on Bharose's latest, risky business venture; a matrimonial website that helps couples elope. Until the first half, the film convinces you about their absurd business concept. But it's in the second half when the film really takes off and takes you along for a joyride. The twists, albiet expected, are entertaining and the comedy is very relevant; there's always a chuckle around. The characters are believable and face realistic dilemmas in their lives.
The real fun part though are that supporting cast. Be it Cyber with his subdued, subtle role as a nerdy side kick, or Bharose's English spouting Bihari uncle played by Brijendra Kala or his to-be brother-in-law and his family or the many couples who the trio help elope --- they are all hilarious. The story is funny and irreverent and the performances up to the mark. The music never gets in the way of the story and the length, at 1 hour 55 minutes is just right. While the constant beeping out of the .com at the end of the title is a tad irritating, you can let that slide considering the film was stuck in limbo for three years.
( 3 / 5 )