Teri Baaton Mein Review: Shahid Kapoor-Kriti Sanon's Film Struggles with Genre Fusion

Shahid Kapoor's portrayal as a charming lover is polished, though his affectionate gestures still evoke admiration, especially alongside Kriti Sanon's Sifra, an advanced robot who remarkably embodies human traits.

However, this charm falters intermittently as 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya', with its cumbersome title, often descends into a perplexing blend of genres and clichéd characters: a fusion of sci-fi, sentimental romance, and traditional Indian family dynamics. It's a frustrating mix.

The narrative follows suave Aryan (Shahid Kapoor) and his friend Monty (Ashish Verma) as they delve into robotics, eventually leading Aryan to encounter Sifra in the USA, under the watchful eye of his guardian aunt (Dimple Kapadia). The film casually designates scenes as 'USA', avoiding specific locations.

Set in America, the plot unfolds with a commitment-phobic Aryan and the captivating female robot, sparking inevitable chemistry amid musical interludes and romantic encounters. Despite Aryan's awareness of Sifra's true nature, he finds himself enamored by her, even as she embodies the traits of a traditional Indian wife, obediently acquiescing to his every whim.

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Oh, one might ponder a mature exploration of relationships, grappling with existential dilemmas about man and machine, ethical quandaries in crafting emotionally sentient robots, and the intricacies of control. However, the filmmakers playfully redirect, landing us squarely in the familiar 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun' landscape, complete with a medley of family members, engagement, music, and obligatory Manyavar suitings. A sigh-inducing twist indeed.

In a bid for family entertainment, the film includes cringe-worthy scenes of men ogling low-cut blouses and tasteless wife jokes. Monty, the Hero’s Best Friend, follows the age-old trope of making the hero shine. When will this tired device be abandoned?

The film's wittiest lines belong to Kapoor, who shines when he sheds his hero persona and simply connects with the audience. Yet, the movie veers off course from his strengths, toggling between genres like robot-com, robot-horror, and others.