TENDER ROMCOM LETS YOU DOWN GENTLY

I, ME AUR MAIN

STARRI NG: John Abraham, Chitrangda Singh, Prachi Desai, Raima Sen, Mini Mathur

DI RECTED BY: Kapil Sharma

What do you with a selfobsessed guy like lshaan who shoulders no responsibility except that to his iron-board torso and matinee-idol posturings, who takes everyone from Mom, Sis and girlfriend to success, friendship and karma, for granted?

John Abraham plays the kind of narcissist whose life is just waiting to fall apart. It does soon enough, leaving him well, high and not quite dry.

For much of its economical playingtime, /, Me Aur Main glides along innocuously in an urbane corporatised haze where women are allowed to be successful alongside men, though that success comes with a price.

Hence to no one's surprise, Anushka (Chitrangda) locks lshaan (John) out of her home and life. lshaan doesn't waste a moment in moving into a new apartment where he begins anew with flirty neighbour Gauri (Prachi Desai).

This is dangerously thin ice for a desi romcom to tread on. The principal characters do not aspire to any higher ground of existence beyond what they are allotted by writers.

Director Kapi l Sharma's film derives some succour from urbane dialogues that the characters throw at one another at work and in parties.

Indeed the most interesting character to be obtained in this romcom is that of lshaan's frosty saree-clad, self-styled diva boss Beena (Raima Sen) who takes over the business and has poor l shaan by his balls.

It is interesting to see John play a complete jerk, the kind unfortunately girls of a certain age do fall for.

John plays the trashy lshaan without reservation -you wonder how this self-serving ass will fina lly get his comeuppance.

The payback comes in unexpected ways. The way an executive lifestyle and its sterile relationsh ips are kept afloat in the film, are proof of intelligent minds energising this endeavour which strives to titillate but gradually falls into the terrain of torpidity with no hope of a rescue.

John as the commitment-phobic cad skims over the smooth surface unable to nail the character beyond the occasional smirk and the constant gleam in the eye.

His character evolves gradual l y, though, with fatherhood fuelling a sudden change of heart that would have been more convincing had lshaan's growth from self-obsession to caring been charted a bit more boldly.

Dwelling in the domain of surfacelevel emotions,/, Me Aur Main tickles our fancy just enough so we do not walk away with a sense of betrayal.

John works hard to give character to his amoral character. His mumbling monologue at the end with his newborn is touching.

Chitrangda smoulders with her bridled sex appeal exuding oomph without letting any of it spill over.

Prachi literal ly plays the girl next door with a warmth that wraps around John like a cosy shawl in winter

Television anchor Mini Mathur and Raima Sen provide colour and character to a script that needed more motivation and a larger sense of responsibility in showing its protagonist go from irresponsible to the committed.

I, Me Aur Main is an inoffensive, tender rom-com about a selfish jerk and the two lovely ladies who come into his life. With an endearing threesome of principa l actors who aren't afraid to play flawed, this film should have left us floored. Instead it just leaves us pleasantly underwhelmed.

SUBHASH K JHA

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ARIES tvlarch 21 - Apri l 19

You will find help from a co-worker who tries to help you deal with a problem, but the cards indicate that it may cause more confusion. Try not to feel upset or angry, as it won't help. There can be romance in the air when someone reveals his or her true feelings for you. A Scorpio plays an important role. This month you will be feeling a little restless and overenthusiastic, so try and relax and let things flow.

TAURUS April 20 - tvlay 20

You will manage to keep quiet about things that are upsetting you and this reticence will pay off. The cards indicate that a close friend will need to talk to you and will reveal some personal information. You will be thinking about a love relationship and wanting to know where you stand. There will be a very strong desire to ask your partner for a commitment, but Tarot advises take things slow and steady, and everything will work out.

GEMINI tvlay 21 - June 20

The cards indicate that you will need to be patient at work this month. Make sure that you think about your best interests, as very often you do not always think about yourself and your own needs. Make decisions wisely. There is a real need to get things done and resolutions should be found. Lower back pain could be an unfriendly visitor this month. There is a kind of nagging pain: get it checked out, says Tarot.

CANCER June 21 - July 20

The cards indicate that you will be all too willing to try and help everyone out at work. A great new romance is on the cards for you, so be sure to make your moves. Financially you will be looking at some investments, and will come across some lucrative deals. There is a block of land near water that will catch your eye. You need to make sure you check the oil, water and brake fluid in your car.

LEO July 21 - Aug 22

This month, you will find that you have become a shoulder to lean on. You will be giving loved ones your support and attention. Your caring, patience and support will be appreciated. It is a busy time for you at work, so make sure you give yourself a break. You will be planning to purchase a new car. There may be news of an engagement, foresees Tarot Clear out your wardrobe and throw out things you do not wear.

VIRGO Aug 23 - Sep 22

The cards show that you will be feeling very social this month. At work, you will progress as a team. You will also be meeting up with friends and will not feel like a hermit. There will be some lovely evenings spent with loved ones who will rely on you to take care of a family matter that is causing stress. There may be an Aquarius involved, Tarot suggests. You may be thinking about buying a new pet.

LIBRA Sep 23 - Oct 22

The cards show that you will be seeking harmony in the workplace this month. You are advised not to get involved in any office politics, easier said than done. Loved ones will look to you for advice and support. Take a deep breath. You will be able to help everyone out and still have time for yourself, Tarot knows. There will be some nagging health issues around an elderly member of the family. A blood test is required.

SCORPIO

Oct 23

- Nov 2 1

The cards indicate that this is the month to follow your instincts in business matters. It is in your nature to tell the truth so stick to it, and don't try to cover up as you will be found out. Love takes on a real twist as an old friend will resurface and wantto begin a relationship. You too will have strong feelings. Just follow your heart. Tarot foresees a legal matter as needing your attention.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 22 - Dec 21

The cards indicate a time when you will need to be very honest and open with a close friend. Your romantic life slows down this month, but don't get discouraged. This break will give you time to relax and focus on yourself. You need to keep going to the gym or working out, as you are not feeling too healthy right now, Tarot suggests. Check on your diet and work schedule and make sure you are getting enough rest.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 19

The cards indicate a great time for you at work. A great new opportunity will be presented to you. Your intelligence and efficiency will shine through. Don't be shy when it comes to meeting new people this month. Your sweet, sensitive side will bring you close to someone with a lot of connections. You will be attracting a lot of attention from the opposite sex. Be careful of those around you, warns Tarot.

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - ~eb 18

The cards show here that you need to allow your practical side to lead you in decision-making as the month begins. J Do not make any hasty purchases. A relationship will move quite swiftly, and you will realise that you have a lot in common with that special person. There may be talk of an engagement. Tarot urges you to look after your health this month. You may join an evening class to learn a hobby.

PISCES ~eb 19 - tvlarch 20

"'lf The cards indicate that this month will be a time when you will feel a little trapped. You will take time out to relax and enjoy time with your loved ones, giving yourself a break from it all. Virgo and Sagittarius play important roles. You may be thinking about travelling for a while and just finding out what you want to do in life. Tarot suggests you will come across a soul mate to share your dreams.