AAP KI KHATIR has lively moments galore,yet it’s flawed

Rating:- * *

Inspired by so many films, both foreign and Indian, Dharmesh Darshan’s just-released film “Aap Ki Khatir” is a mixed bag. It has plenty of lively moments and yet, in totality, it is unlikely to satisfy discerning cinegoers.

London-based Anu [Priyanka Chopra] who’s living in Mumbai after her break-up with Danny [Dino Morea] has to return to London to attend the marriage of her stepsister Shirani [Amisha Patel] to New York-based Gujarati businessman Kunal [Suniel Shetty]. Imagine Anu’s shock when she finds Danny also there: he happens to be a good friend of Kunal. To make Danny feel jealous, Anu hires an escort, Aman [Akshaye Khanna], to accompany her to the wedding as her new beau. Surprisingly, skeletons tumble out of the cupboard: Shirani was involved with Danny after he broke off with Anu.

Before long, Aman realizes that he's in love with Anu.

The first half of the film is full of entertaining and lively moments, in particular the banter between Akshaye Khanna, Priyanka and Anupam Kher but, thanks to the poor screenplay the second half is a spoilsport.

Dharmesh Darshan's direction is nowhere near RAJA HINDUSTANI and DHADKAN. Dialogues are pithy and music of Himesh Reshammiya is melodious.

Performances? Akshaye is the soul of the film, Priyanka is good here & there. Dino is perfectly cast; he looks suave and carries the role with effortless ease. Amisha does a decent job. But it's Lilette Dubey who excels as the mother.

On the whole, the film just passes muster.