Directed by Reema Kagti

When I heard the storyline – six couples, honeymoon to Goa, a mystery biker and a stellar cast - I was expecting a laugh-out-loud movie from the get go. The movie had all the ingredients for a split-your-sides comedy. But for me it was bordering on slapstick. I do give credit to the young debutant director for trying something fairly new, that is not so typical Bollywood. A good Hollywood comparison would be Meet the Fockers. If you liked that movie, chances are that you might enjoy this as well.

Story/plot Six newly married couples of different shapes, sizes and age board a Pepto Bismol pink bus which has Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. written all over it in blue. They’re off to Goa for a blast of a honeymoon. First of all, why would you want to go to your honeymoon with five other couples? Anyway, that’s their problem. So here’s a glimpse at the couples. Mr. and Mrs. Perfect - A couple that never has a difference of opinion. They do synchronized swimming, if you please. And wear same shirts.  Mr. and Mrs. Bollywood - Girl is a dreamy eyed 20 something who thinks life is a Bollywood movie. Lots of opportunities here to make her funny, instead she becomes annoying. Mr. and Mrs. Bengali - They were my favorites. Guy is a conservative, uptight Bengali boy who may forget his wife, but not oiling his hair. Wife is a “I want to be free” soul who wants to break free of all traditions and her 70s style saree.   Mr. and Mrs. 55 - They’re the senior couple, bundled along with these young couples. Undoubtedly the odd ones out, but they have a fun spirit. Mr. and Mrs. ‘I hate you’ - Girl feels trapped in this wedlock. She brings in the fresh new angle of elopement.  Mr. and Mrs. Dot com - These two found each other on the internet. Little wonder they take each other by surprise, as is the case with a lot of internet products. As they explore Goa in a touristy fashion, their secrets get revealed behind closed doors. On paper, this does sound a story exploding with possibilities. Right? But somehow, the possibilities remained possibilities. They never got tapped to their fullest potential.

Cast Needless to metion, Shabana Azmi as Nazid was pure joy to watch. Kay Kay Menon was pretty funny too, especially when he tries to blow the petals off of a Bougainvillea tree to create a shower effect. Sandhya Mridul is emerging as a neat actress. But nobody was explored to their fullest potential. Sigh…

Music Nothing much to write about.

Things I liked Bold take on the gay theme, married wife eloping with her ex, the final song on the boat. 

Things I did not fancy The over-the-top fantasy element, below the belt jokes by the driver and his crew, the saree blowing away in the wind – not to my taste. 

Aesthetics Again, nothing much to write about.

My two Cent If you want a taste of something not so typical Bollywood – boy meets girl, love triangle, family drama etc - then go for Honeymoon Travels. But you could take care of a few chores while you watch this - like iron some clothes or cook an easy dinner for the family. All in all, my Hollywood friends might be intrigued and even tickled by the quirks of these Indian couples. This movie was full of potential – but it was one big lost opportunity at best.