Have you been craving a fun, light-hearted romantic comedy that doesn’t follow the usual Bollywood formula? Well, I just caught Trisha On The Rocks in theaters, and it might be exactly what you’re looking for. This charming Gujarati film brings a fresh perspective to the genre, mixing cultural nuances with universal themes of love and self-discovery.
The Plot
Trisha On The Rocks introduces us to Trisha, a vivacious young woman played by the talented Janki Bodiwala. One fateful night, Trisha meets Vishal (Ravi Gohil) at a party. Their worlds couldn’t be more different. Trisha is outgoing and unconventional, while Vishal comes from a more traditional background.
What follows is a delightful rollercoaster of misunderstandings, cultural clashes, and unexpected chemistry. The film takes us on a journey through Ahmedabad as Trisha and Vishal navigate their growing feelings for each other while dealing with family expectations and their own preconceptions.
The story feels authentic and relatable. It doesn’t shy away from addressing the realities of modern relationships in Gujarat, but it does so with a light touch and plenty of humor. I found myself laughing out loud one minute and deeply invested in the characters’ struggles the next.
Standout Performances
Janki Bodiwala shines as Trisha. She brings an infectious energy to the role, making Trisha feel like someone you’d want as your best friend. Bodiwala’s comic timing is impeccable, but she also handles the more emotional scenes with subtlety and grace.
Ravi Gohil holds his own as Vishal. He manages to make what could have been a stereotypical “straight-laced guy” character feel nuanced and sympathetic. The chemistry between Bodiwala and Gohil is palpable, making their on-screen romance feel genuine and sweet.
A special mention goes to Hiten Kumar as Trisha’s father. Kumar brings depth to what could have been a one-note “disapproving dad” role. His scenes with Bodiwala are some of the most touching in the film.
Direction and Cinematography
First-time director Krishnadev Yagnik shows a deft hand in balancing the film’s tone. He keeps the pacing brisk without sacrificing character development. Yagnik also has an eye for visual comedy, with several cleverly staged scenes that had the audience in stitches.
Cinematographer Pratik Parmar deserves praise for capturing the vibrant energy of Ahmedabad. The film showcases both the city’s modern face and its rich cultural heritage, making the setting feel like a character in its own right.
Music That Enhances the Story
The soundtrack, also composed by Krishnadev Yagnik, is a standout element of the film. The songs are catchy and fit seamlessly into the narrative. “Monarita,” sung by Binny Sharma, is a particular earworm that I found myself humming long after leaving the theater.
Aishwarya Majumdar’s soulful rendition of “Lai Ja” and “Thehre Ye Lamhe” adds emotional depth to key moments in the film. The music enhances the story without ever feeling like it’s interrupting the flow.
Cultural Authenticity
As someone familiar with Gujarati culture, I appreciated how the film incorporates authentic details without resorting to stereotypes. The dialogue feels natural, mixing Gujarati and Hindi in a way that reflects how many young people in the region actually speak.
The film also touches on intergenerational conflicts and changing social norms in Gujarat, but it does so with sensitivity and humor rather than heavy-handedness.
A Few Minor Quibbles
While I thoroughly enjoyed Trisha On The Rocks, it’s not without its flaws. At 172 minutes, the film runs a bit long. A tighter edit could have made the pacing even snappier.
Some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. This is a common issue in romantic comedies, but it would have been nice to see a bit more depth in the secondary cast.
The Final Verdict
Trisha On The Rocks is a delightful addition to the growing canon of regional Indian cinema. It proves that Gujarati films can hold their own against Bollywood productions in terms of production value and storytelling.
The film offers a perfect blend of laughs, heart, and cultural specificity. It’s the kind of movie that leaves you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.
If you’re looking for a fun night out at the movies, especially if you’re a fan of romantic comedies or interested in Gujarati culture, I highly recommend giving Trisha On The Rocks a watch. It’s a charming reminder that love stories can be both familiar and fresh at the same time.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Trisha On The Rocks is currently playing in theaters across Gujarat and select cities in India. It’s a perfect choice for a date night or a fun outing with friends. Just be prepared to leave the theater craving some Gujarati snacks and humming “Monarita” for days to come!