The last Indian Netflix release of 2023 is finally here. Kho Gaye Hum Kahan landed on the platform on an unusual day of the week i.e., Tuesday.
Apart from an observation, that doesn’t mean anything.
The film, on the other hand, is an understated, companionable flick that you can stream with your buddies or reminisce them while watching alone.
Just a little over two hours in length, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan is actually aimed at being a film to welcome the New Year.
Does it deliver on all these fronts? Read my review to find out.
Kho Gaye Hum Kahan Synopsis
In an Insta-frenzy world, three friends in their mid-twenties deal with life’s jitters that even put their union at risk.
Directed by Arjun Varain Singh, the movie stars Adarsh Gaurav (Neil), Ananya Panday (Ahana), and Siddhant Chaturvedi (Imad Ali) in lead roles while Kalki Koechlin plays an extended cameo.
Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti have written the film along with the director.
What Works for Kho Gaye Hum Kahan?
Movies centered around friendship often follow a predictable pattern of banter, conflict, separation, and reunion.
While Kho Gaye Hum Kahan may not completely break free from this formula, it crafts a vibrant world that resonates with today’s youth immersed in their phones and influencer culture.
The movie introduces three friends who share a world.
Imaad is a stand-up comedian, struggling to commit to his ‘Tinder dates,’ while Ahana, on the verge of getting married, is ditched by her boyfriend.
Neil, the third wheel of this tricycle, is a gym instructor, who has big plans but few resources.
The storyline is stitched carefully, allowing the threads to fall into place in due time.
It effortlessly rips off social media influencers and, on a personal level, I found it highly satisfying (no pun intended).
You can feel the writing department has put a lot of effort into presenting modern-day youngsters without resorting to cliches.
The stand-up comedy segments are funny and also original, barring a few jokes.
Siddhant Chaturvedi effervescently steps into the shoes of a stand-up comedian and hones his onstage body language.
Furthermore, the emotional points in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan are dotted at the right places. They may not evoke tears but the scenes are enough to captivate and hold your attention.
Furthering friendly ambiance, the film doesn’t ever alter its core of bonhomie and togetherness.
Strangely, there are no flashy melodramatic conversations to fulfill this elemental feature, and still, the movie remains high on the sentimental front, thanks to the chemistry between the lead trio.
Try as you may, you will be forced to compare the lighting in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan with that in Gehraiyaan.
Moreover, I loved the background score. It helps in creating buildups with the right sound. The electric bass effect is particularly used quite well.
All these factors come together to form a jaunty screenplay that leaves a sturdy impact by the time the movie ends.
You will feel fulfilled and nourished on a deeper level.
Lastly, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan is intended to leave a message you will not be able to resist and applaud.
How are the Performances?
Siddhant Chaturvedi portrays Imad Ali. He has the most charming comportment among the three leads. Lately, it has become a notion that any film Siddhant is a part of must be high on substance.
The kind of goodwill he has attained with so few years in the industry speaks volumes of his talent. In Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, the actor rounds up a very healthy undertone.
His slightly spicy traits enhance the relatability factor.
Ananya Panday is a natural as Ahana in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. She plays her part to perfection and gives attention to the nitty-gritty of the character.
Her focus on unpretentious expressions, genuine dialogue delivery, and screen activity help elevate Ahana’s impact on the audience.
Adarsh Gaurav as Neil shows his versatility when compared to his earlier outings like The White Tiger and Guns and Gulaabs.
This time, he ditches the shy guy image and has a rugged physique. Add to it Gaurav’s brilliant take on casual, no-holds-barred attitude and you get a character you’re likely to enjoy more.
I think he himself felt a lot closer to Neil and hence, the authenticity he brings is probably unmatched to his previous releases.
What Doesn’t Work for Kho Gaye Hum Kahan?
Well, the middle phase might not satiate some of you. Also, those looking for an entirely out-of-the-box idea will be disappointed.
Kho Gaye Hum Kahan has modern packaging aimed at the current set of youngsters who are more interested in following someone else’s lifestyle rather than embracing their own.
Stream or Skip?
The film justifies its friendship fiesta outlook and delivers on all fronts. If nothing, you should watch Kho Gaye Hum Kahan for its well-intended message.
It will make you reflect on: What have we become after having the privilege to use the internet, which once used to be a dream?
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