By SHIVAM SHARMA 
Rajkummar Rao and Tripti Dimri share the screen for the first time in Vicky Vidya Ka Wo Vala Video. The film, directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, promised to be a quirky and entertaining ride based on its trailer. But does it live up to the hype? Before you head to the theater, here’s a detailed look at what this movie has to offer.
Movie Overview
- Title: Vicky Vidya Ka Wo Vala Video
- Release Date: October 11, 2024
- Director: Raaj Shaandilyaa
- Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Tripti Dimri, Mallika Sherawat, Vijay Raaz, Archana Puran Singh, Tiku Talsania, Mukesh Tiwari
- Language: Hindi
- Platform: Theatrical Release
Plot: A Promising Concept That Falls Flat
Vicky Vidya Ka Wo Vala Video revolves around a rather unusual storyline—newlyweds Vicky (Rajkummar Rao) and Vidya (Tripti Dimri) decide to record their wedding night on video as a personal keepsake. However, things take a wild turn when a thief steals their VCR, which holds the tape. What could have been a fun mix of comedy, thrill, and suspense instead becomes a chaotic, unfocused narrative.
Set in Rishikesh in 1997, before Uttarakhand was separated from Uttar Pradesh, the film initially engages with its nostalgic setting. Vicky, a mehndi artist, and Vidya, a doctor, get married in a group wedding and head off to Goa for their honeymoon. But soon, the missing tape becomes the central point of a bizarre investigation led by a bumbling police officer (Vijay Raaz). As secrets unravel, the film tries to balance between a comedy of errors, supernatural twists, and social commentary—yet it stumbles in all directions.
Genre Confusion: Too Many Ingredients Spoil the Dish
Director Raaj Shaandilyaa, known for the success of Dream Girl, sets the tone early with lighthearted comedy centered around the missing tape. But as the film progresses, it gets weighed down by an odd mix of supernatural elements and forced moral messages. The sudden shifts in tone—going from comedic to eerie to socially relevant—are jarring, leaving the audience perplexed.
What starts as a humorous chase to find a missing video spirals into a convoluted mess. The tape, which is supposed to be at the center of the story, feels like an afterthought by the end. The film’s chaotic storytelling takes away any tension or excitement it might have built, and you’re left wondering where it all went wrong.
Performances: Rajkummar Rao Shines Despite a Weak Script
Rajkummar Rao, as always, gives his best, playing the character of Vicky with the sincerity and charm we’ve come to expect from him. He’s a natural at portraying small-town, relatable characters, and here, he attempts to elevate the material given to him. Unfortunately, even his nuanced performance can’t fully redeem the film’s weak script and uneven pacing.
Tripti Dimri, despite playing the role of a doctor, doesn’t have much impact in the film. Her character lacks depth, and the narrative gives her little room to showcase her acting chops. Similarly, Mallika Sherawat, who plays Vicky’s sister Chanda, has an intriguing presence, but her backstory is left underdeveloped, making her character feel incomplete.
The supporting cast, featuring comedy stalwarts like Tiku Talsania, Archana Puran Singh, and Vijay Raaz, is largely underused. These actors, who have proven their comedic timing in the past, seem lost in a poorly structured screenplay. Their roles, rather than adding humor, contribute to the disjointed nature of the film.
Forced Add-Ons: Misplaced Music and Random Twists
One of the film’s most unnecessary elements is an item song featuring Shehnaaz Gill. It feels like a last-minute addition, contributing little to the story or the overall viewing experience. Even Shehnaaz’s typically engaging screen presence doesn’t manage to lift the mood of this forced sequence.
Vijay Raaz and Mallika Sherawat provide some temporary relief with their comic timing, but even their scenes become repetitive and tiresome as the film drags on. Ashwini Kalsekar’s guest appearance adds little to the plot and comes across as more crude than funny.
To make matters worse, the film’s climax includes a heavy-handed monologue about the ethics of profiting from personal videos, which feels out of place and unnecessary. Daler Mehndi’s upbeat track “Bolo Na Na Na Re” provides a brief moment of energy, but it’s not enough to salvage the overall viewing experience.
Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
Vicky Vidya Ka Wo Vala Video had the potential to be a quirky and entertaining film with its unique concept and talented cast. However, it falls victim to poor execution, a muddled narrative, and a lack of clear direction. Rajkummar Rao’s strong performance is the only silver lining, but even he can’t carry the film through its multiple missteps.
If you’re a Rajkummar Rao fan, you may still enjoy his performance, but for most viewers, this film doesn’t offer enough to justify a trip to the theater. With its confusing genre shifts and unconvincing plot twists, Vicky Vidya Ka Wo Vala Video leaves audiences feeling more frustrated than entertained.
Rajveer Sekhawat