'Milenge Milenge': Kuch to hai!

Review
The gap between the commencement of this film and its eventual release is quite substantial and that's pretty evident when you look at its promos. Especially the way the lead actors look. The camera doesn't lie, right? Perhaps, that's a prime reason why 'Milenge Milenge' doesn't propel you to rush to a nearby cineplex and grab a seat, despite the fact that its lead stars are at the prime of their respective careers and enjoy a solid fan-base.
But never judge a book by its cover. Sure, you march into the film with zilch expectations, expecting a dated product with a hackneyed plotline, but as the reels begin to unspool, you realize that it does have a story to tell. So what if 'Milenge Milenge' borrows from the John Cusack - Kate Beckinsale starrer 'Serendipity' [2001]. The Indianisation by writer Shiraz Ahmed is quite engaging at places.
The 'recipe' for that perfect love story is simple [at least that's what most film-makers believe]: Cast a good looking pair, choose a tried-and-tested story [read, make a mix of 'Ek Duuje Ke Liye', 'Q.S.Q.T', 'Maine Pyaar Kiya', 'D.D.L.J', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'], garnish it with sweet/cute/romantic/delightful situations, add a couple of energetic songs [at least two/three Hit songs are a must] and shoot the movie at panoramic locales. Presto, prem kahani tayyar ho gayee!

But 'Milenge Milenge' has 'kismet' keeping the lovers apart. Imagine a love story where the lovers have already expressed love for each other, but some force beyond their control gets in their way and keeps them apart till the end of the film. The script indulges in bringing its leads together, but also makes sure that they stay far away from each other till minutes before the film is about to conclude. Sure, this thought sounds interesting on paper, but there's a flipside to it. With Facebook, Twitter, Google and also cellphones at one's disposal, is it difficult to trace anyone in today's times? Naah, not anymore!
Final word? 'Milenge Milenge' may be dated, but watch it for the chemistry between its lead pair. Perhaps, this 'Jab We Met' jodi may never team up ever again!
'Milenge Milenge' starts off like one of those countless love stories, with mandatory songs and lovey-dovey scenes aplenty, but the twist minutes before the interval is so well executed that it suddenly raises the bar of the film. Naturally then, you expect the post-interval portions to charter a new path.
The second half has its share of engaging moments, but, very frankly, it tends to get repetitive and melodramatic as well. The entire track of a particular Rs. 50 currency note and the book with Kareena's name and phone number on it, although novel, hasn't been portrayed too effectively. Even the finale -- when Shahid reaches out to Kareena -- isn't convincing. Like I pointed out earlier, what binds the film together is the chemistry between the lead pair and a few charming moments.

Satish Kaushik's handling of a few sequences is commendable. Himesh Reshammiya's musical score is quite good. 'Kuch To Baaki Hai' and the title track are good compositions. Cinematography is okay.
Both Shahid and Kareena play the hopeless romantics to the hilt. Their [then] off screen chemistry comes across very well on screen. Although the film was shot several years ago and Shahid looks boyish all through, his performance is consistent and believable. Kareena is equally convincing. Aarti Chhabria has nothing to do. Delnaaz Paul [Kareena's friend] and Sarfaraz Khan [Shahid's friend] get ample scope and are noticeable. Satish Shah is hardly funny. Kirron Kher sparkles in a brief role. Himani Shivpuri is wasted.
On the whole, 'Milenge Milenge' has the charismatic lead pair, who are very popular with the youth, as its USP. But the problem is its dated look. Having taken a long time to reach the theatres, it will have to rely on a solid word of mouth to lure the audiences into cineplexes.