I, Me aur Main: Let down by inconsistencies

I have to confess I didn’t go into Kapil Sharma’s “I, Me aur Main” with too many expectations. The posters certainly did nothing to pique my excitement. But 30 minutes into the film, I was intrigued. This wasn’t a run-of-the-mill story; the protagonist was someone you would want to hit on the head within the first half-hour.

John Abraham plays that protagonist — Ishaan Sabharwal, a prototype of the (dare I say it) typical Indian make — pampered and protected by the women in his life and made to believe he can never put a foot wrong. Ishaan lives off his rich girlfriend Anushka (Chitrangada Singh), going so far as to refuse to pay the milk bill since he doesn’t drink it.

Anushka tolerates his self-centred ways but decides enough is enough and cuts off all ties when he stops short of committing to her. Stranded, Ishaan moves into another house, blaming Anushka for his plight and wallowing in self-pity.

But his friendship with chirpy neighbour Gauri (Prachi Desai) changes his perspective, and he realizes he isn’t necessarily the centre of the universe.

Sharma’s film has the germ of a great idea and scriptwriter Devika Bhagat certainly seems to have set out to make the modern Indian rom-com. In parts, the film even gets there. Some scenes, like the one between Ishaan and his mother, where she talks about her relationships and the one at the end with Ishaan and Anushka are refreshingly original.

But like an errant driver, Sharma seems to veer off the track too often, lending an uneven feel to the whole film. Ishaan’s transformation is sudden and his change of heart feels rushed.

Prachi Desai’s character is too shrill, in contrast to Chitrangada Singh, who plays the role of the hurt but mature woman to the hilt. John Abraham is commendable in his role as Ishaan, bringing sensitivity to the role of the man-child who doesn’t want to grow up.

“I, Me Aur Main” is let down by inconsistencies in its tone and direction but it might still be worth your while if you don’t go in with too many expectations.