Masand: 'Mod' is one hard slog

Cast: Ayesha Takia, Rannvijay Singh, Raghuveer Yadav, Tanvi Azmi

Director: Nagesh Kukunoor

In an idyllic hill station tucked away somewhere in the Nilgiris, lives a spirited young girl who repairs time-pieces for a living. She sends her father out in the street because he won't give up drinking, but wakes him up from his roadside sleeping place with a hot cuppa each morning. This Little Ms Perfect is Aranya (played by Ayesha Takia), the heroine of director Nagesh Kukunoor's 'Mod', an inconsistent but well-intentioned love story that unfortunately doesn't work.

Ayesha Takia, Rannvijay Singh starrer 'Mod', directed by Nagesh Kukunoor will hit screens on October 14, 2011.
'Mod' is Nagesh Kukunoor's first romantic film, starring Ayesha Takia and Rannvijay Singh.
Rannvijay Singh of 'Roadies' fame will be seen in the male lead for the first time in 'Mod'.
'Mod' is an emotional love story of two mismatched people, played by Rannvijay Singh and Ayesha Takia.
Ayesha Takia is Nagesh Kukunoor's Rakhi sister. Apart from 'Mod' both of them have worked together on 'Dor' as well.
Previously, Rannvijay Singh was seen in supporting cast in films like 'Action Replayy', 'London Dreams' and 'Toss'.
Ayesha Takia made her debut with 'Socha Na Tha' and has done some really popular Bollywood films since then. 'Taarzan', 'Wanted', 'Dor' to name a few.
Rannvijay Singh's character in 'Mod' is named Andy. He plays a sweet, geeky role in the film.
Director Nagesg Kukunoor on the sets of his upcoming film 'Mod'.
Ayesha Takia has proved herself several times as an actress. Let's see how her chemistry with Rannvijay Singh works in 'Mod'.
Nagesh Kukunoor claims 'Mod' is an old fashioned love story with new treatment and some mystery attached with characters. Ayesha Takia, Rannvijay Singh are in the main lead of the film.
Ayesha Takia, known for her girl next door image will be next seen in Nagesh Kukunoor's 'Mod'.
Nagesh Kukuumoor claims Rannvijay Singh can be called the surprise package of the film 'Mod'.
Director of 'Mod' Nagesh Kukunoor admits that he wants to work with bigger stars, but only when the script demands. In 'Mod' we will see Rannvijay Singh and Ayesha Takia in lead.
From being a rugged, biker boy, Rannvijay will be seen as a soft, shy and sensitive guy in 'Mod'
Nagesh Kukunoor who has just completed his first love story 'Mod', believes in staying away from the formula films.
For the first time Ayesha Takia has paired up with Rannvijay Singh for 'Mod'. Their chemistry looks great.
Director of 'Mod', Nagesh Kukunoor has made films like 'Hyderabad Blues', 'Rockford', 'Iqbal'and 'Dor' in past, 'Mod' will hit screens on October 14,2011.

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Aranya is pursued rather endearingly by shy suitor Andy (played by Ranvijay Singha), who reveals he's been crushing on her since they were in school. But shortly after she loses her heart to him, Aranya discovers Andy may not be who he claims.

Kukunoor infuses the film with charming characters, like a Kishore Kumar-obsessed musician, and an obesity-battling gift-shop owner. There are some quaint ideas too: Aranya refuses to own a mobile phone because it gives you brain cancer, she says. Andy wants to give her the world's best kiss, but doesn't quite know how to when she puckers her lips. Despite these little moments, and the presence of at least two solid actors in Raghuvir Yadav and Tanvi Azmi, 'Mod' is a test of your patience because the screenplay is a complete drag.

The film unfolds lazily well after the twist has been revealed; and the central conceit isn't even true to its own logic. There are plot holes the size of craters here. Ayesha Takia has a calming presence, but Ranvijay Singha, despite his earnest efforts, simply doesn't have the chops to carry off such a complex part.

I'm going with two out of five for Nagesh Kukunoor's 'Mod'. Let down by sloppy writing, this is one hard slog.

Rating: 2 / 5

Write your review: 'Mod'

Winners:

Bharat , Chennai

KS Sundaram, Bangalore

Varun Jain, Agra

Venkatramana C, Chennai