Pyaar Ka Punchnama has some laughs, little pyaar and no punch

Women are emotionally manipulative, unreasonably demanding, derive sadistic pleasure when their man is in trouble and are always the party to be blamed for a bad relationship. Pyaar Ka Punchnama — all 160 minutes of it — screams that gender skew out loud.

If Luv Ka The End, two Fridays ago, had trained all its angst against the men, then Pyaar ka Punchnama aims all its punches at the women. Result? Every woman in the film is painted by the same “I-am-a-manipulative-bitch-and-I-love-it” brush.

Can a story of three bachelor boys looking for a better life and a new love in a harsh metropolis not invoke Dil Chahta Hai in some way or the other? In fact, Pyaar Ka Punchnama works best when it derives bits and pieces — the male bonding, the beer parties and even a Goa hitchhike — from what has now become the Bible for all based-on-bachelor films in Bolly land.

It is this to-ing and fro-ing between Dil Chahta Hai and to some extent, American Pie, that keeps the first half alive as first-time filmmaker Luv Ranjan gives us a peek into the lives of Vikrant, Rajat and Nishant aka Liquid (kyunki woh bahut phailta hai!). Living life kingsize in a bachelor pad in upscale Delhi, the three men earn big and spend big. However, each of them is looking out for the same thing — love.

It is when they fall in love that trouble sets in — for the film and for the audience. As the women enter the scene, Pyaar Ka Punchnama degenerates from a yuppie film with promise and potential into a mangled and maudlin mess. Rajat moves in with a girl he has just met, only to have his life and freedom under remote control. Liquid — in a throwback to Omi Vaidya’s Milind in Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji — is manipulated by his attractive colleague who dents a hole in his pocket and his heart. Vikrant, the least emotionally vulnerable of the trio, finds himself pushed against the wall when his model girlfriend runs back into the arms of her former flame, every now and then. What starts out as a fun ride of laughter, jokes and camaraderie gives way to fights, tears and emotional manipulation. And stifled yawns.

If the first half is fun, then the rest of Pyaar Ka Punchnama is a prolonged story of fight-break up-make up-make out. For all of you who have carefully re-read the last bit of the last sentence, make no mistake. If the promos gave the indication of it being a sex comedy, there is not so much as even a proper kiss in Pyaar Ka Punchnama. And they call it a new-age film!

If Pyaar Ka Punchnama is watchable in parts, then credit must be given to the three debutant leads. Especially Divyendu Sharma as the simpleton Liquid, who delivers a knockout performance. Awkward in the beginning, Kartikeya comes into his own as the film progresses. His five-minute-long soliloquy on women and their habits is the most laugh-out-loud sequence in the film. In the mood for some serious eye candy at the movies this weekend? Look out for Rayo. That guy is smokin’ hot.

Pyaar Ka Punchnama also rides, to some extent, on the strength of its dialogues. No-holds-barred Dilli lingo is the language of choice, most unprintable. Statutory warning: Be prepared for a lot of bleeps. The lyrics are as wacky. “Chaddi dhoondne ko hum bhi Googlatey (Google, sillies!).

Wish they had given as much thought to the rest of the film.

Also releasing:404

The film: A psychological thriller with an intriguing title, 404.

The director: Prawaal Raman, better known for directing RGV horror flicks like Darna Mana Hai, Darna Zaroori Hai and Gayab.

The theme: 404 has an interesting storyline that revolves around one hostel room, No. 404.

The story: Abhimanyu, a bright medical student, defies seniors and ragging to stay in a haunted hostel room that has been kept under lock and key after Gautam, a student, committed suicide in it. It is said the boy’s spirit still resides there. Soon, Abhimanyu begins to see Gautam’s spirit.

The thrill: Are Abhimanyu’s experiences real or is his mind playing tricks? The plot incorporates some unexpected twists as the psychological thriller culminates in a riveting climax.

The players? Director Nishikant Kamat (he’s made Dombivali Fast and Mumbai Meri Jaan) plays a professor who denies the paranormal and embraces science. Abhimanyu is portrayed by debutant Rajvvir Aroraa. Imaad Shah scores the music and also has an important role. Other cast members are Satish Kaushik, Tisca Chopra and Mukesh Bhatt.