A decade later, Befikre's approach to adult storytelling remains a watershed moment in how Indian cinema handles modern relationships.
Verdict
Befikre attempts to showcase adult relationships without apology, but fails in execution. While the cinematography captures Paris beautifully, the film lacks the maturity needed to justify its premise. A missed opportunity for Indian cinema to truly grow up.
Rating: 2/5
Many of us grew up watching DDLJ and absolutely adoring the film. No matter how Befikre we claim to be, we are still the same breed who believe in Raj-Simran kind of romance. This in no way means that we do not understand flings or non-committal relationships. Therefore it’s high time that our film-makers stop trying to make people fall in love at the end of the film.
#Befikre in no way promised to be different. It’s songs and trailers reminded of movies like Salaam Namaste, Hum Tum, Neil and Nikky and many other Yash Raj Films. Being “crafted” by Aditya Chopra, may of us had many hope from the movie but the man gave us huge disappointment.
Coming to the flaws of Befikre, Ranveer Singh gave similar performances in Band Baaja Baarat and Dil Dhadakne Do. In fact, the end makes you remind of the similarities in the role even more. It won’t be wrong to say that it’s good that the actor is back with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Vani Kapoor looked pretty and “thin”, her hard work was evident but then isn’t that what screws up an actor ? Acting should look effortless and that is where the actress lacked majorly. Cinematographer, Kaname Onoyama did some good work by capturing nice frames and choosing the right kind of shots. Perhaps his belongingness to Paris gave the film a rich and appealing look. He in many ways saved some grace for Aditya Chopra.
Now coming to the biggest flaw of the entire Yash Raj legacy. They think that if a song is good then it’s their moral duty to show the entire piece in the movie and make the actors dance on them. You like your songs, we get it, but please… crop them a bit sometimes.
Befikre wasn’t promoted well on and off social media to an extent that many didn’t even know that the movie released today. When was the last time you remember a movie belonging to a huge brand not trending on twitter? If the movie was a little good it could have managed to create a hype by itself but then, of course, it didn’t.
If you are free this weekend, don’t waste your precious time on this movie. After #BeFikre Yash Raj Films need to start #FIKREing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Befikre worth watching in 2025?
Befikre remains a curiosity for those interested in how Indian cinema has evolved since 2016. However, its weak storytelling and forced narrative make it a skip unless you’re analyzing YRF’s filmmaking choices during that era.
Why did Befikre fail despite good cinematography?
While cinematographer Kaname Onoyama captured Paris beautifully, the film’s core weakness was its script and direction by Aditya Chopra. Beautiful visuals cannot compensate for predictable storytelling and repetitive performances from the lead actors.
How does Befikre compare to other Yash Raj Films rom-coms?
Befikre falls short of earlier YRF romantic comedies like Hum Tum and Salaam Namaste. It attempted to tackle adult relationships maturely but ended up regressing to the formulaic happy-ending romance that Indian cinema had already perfected.
Did Ranveer Singh’s performance stand out in Befikre?
Ranveer Singh repeated his Band Baaja Baarat and Dil Dhadakne Do performances without bringing freshness to the role. His character arc felt recycled, making his return to Sanjay Leela Bhansali projects seem like a necessary career course correction.
What lesson should Indian cinema learn from Befikre?
Befikre’s ultimate lesson is that Indian audiences have matured beyond forced romance narratives. Modern filmmakers must craft stories where flings and non-committal relationships conclude realistically, not retreat into traditional happy endings for mass appeal.
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