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Vicky Donor is a pleasant package
Dhruvi Shah
Mumbai
EVEN BEFORE the film begins, a slide informs us that the World Health Organisation recognises the shortage of sperm donors the world over. The film in question is Vicky Donor.
There are no fancy opening credits. Names appear in white text on a black background, a total of four take the lead; Ayushmann Khurrana, Yami Gautam, Anu Kapoor and Dolly Ahluwalia.
Dr Chaddha (Anu Kapoor) runs an infertility treatment clinic and sperm bank. Married couples that have trouble conceiving come to him with a lot of hope and expectations. The hope that they will have children and the expectation that their sons will go on to become Dhoni and their daughters Aishwarya. Careers are decided even before they’re sure of the possibility of children. Unfortunately for Dr Chaddha, there aren’t enough sperm donors and enough samples in the bank.
So it’s perfect timing when he chances upon Vicky Arora (Ayushmann Khurrana). After a lot of convincing, Vicky Arora turns Vicky into a sperm donor and the hilarity begins.
There are quite a few pluses. Given the sensitivity of the subject, we were pleasantly surprised at the absence of cheap humour and vile jokes. In fact, the humour is situational and even has cultural roots.
The cast is fresh and delivers lighthearted performances. Ayushmann Khurrana who has been around on television for at least 5 years is completely charming on the big screen.
His accent is authentic, comic timing bang on and music sense appealing. Kamlesh Gill who plays Vicky’s grandma deserves a special mention. She does full justice to the beautifully written character of a modern,progressive elder that every home requires.
The soundtrack is pleasing, especially Paani da rang, both renditions, one of which is also Ayushmann’s.
The way Vicky and Ashima’s (Yami Mehta) marriage has been treated is what earns the film brownie points.
Minuses, if any, are that there could be too much Punjabi dialogue for a layperson to understand. But that fades into the storytelling and narrative. The film does take a melodramatic turn in the second half in keeping with Hindi film tradition. But it seems to work, so lets not make too many bones about it.
The best part is that the film throws light on a subject that deserves attention and doesn’t scream while doing so. Watch Vicky Donor for it will definitely bring a smile to your face.
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