Helicopter Eela Mid Movie Review: Kajol's loud acting has run its course
Helicopter Eela Mid Movie Review: The first half of Helicopter Eela traces Eela's journey in 1994, before becoming a mother. Kajol has her moments when you really feel the pain Eela goes through but the loud acting is not endearing as it used to be.
After the disaster that was Dilwale, Kajol was majorly missed in Bollywood. The 90's Bollywood Queen has been loved for her performances over the years. However, her expressionist and loud technique has run its course and that is evident in Helicopter Eela. Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, Helicopter Eela is about a mother Eela, who gives up on her dreams of being a playback singer to take care or better yet be a Helicopter mother to her son Vivan (played by Riddhi Sen). When Vivan inspires his mother to make something of her life and live for herself, his words come back to haunt him as she enrolls herself into his college.
The first half of Helicopter Eela traces Eela's journey in 1994, before becoming a mother. The storyline relies heavily on recreating the 90's musical era with appearances by Babul Supriyo and Ila Arun. However, the trip down memory lane feels a bit draggy at times. The real action starts in the present day set up. Kajol has her moments when you really feel the pain Eela goes through but like I said, the loud acting is not endearing as it used to be. (Still a major K3G Anjali fan!). Eela's husband Arun (Tota Roy Chowdhury) does not have a meaty enough role and his disappearance is too abrupt to feel empathy with. Riddhi makes his Bollywood debut with this film and is the calm and composed contrast of Kajol. Hence, he helps balance out the film.
There are some tender moments that really tugs at your heartstrings, like the scene where Vivan speaks to a boy who lost his father, inspite of never meeting him. With the tender moments, there are also the obvious jokes which are a major buzzkill. There is also continuity issues with 1994 Eela and present day Eela.
The first half is just the appetizer and the main course will definitely be in the second half. Here's hoping the dessert will be worth it.