Danish Aslam's 'Break Ke Baad' is a simple rom-com which works primarily because of some smart and funny lines. Since it's a Kunal Kohli Production, like Yash Raj and Dharma Productions, he tries to get the basics right with slick production qualities. He creates a colourful canvas starting with a flashy North Indian wedding, complete with 'sangeet' and 'mehendi' and follows it up with a quick move to Australia for higher studies.
The basic premise - childhood sweethearts Abhay (Imran Khan) and Aaliya (Deepika Padukone) suddenly have to face the challenges of a long-distance relationship. Aaliya - independent, rebellious, adventurous and a little selfish wants a break when the long-distance factor starts making things complicated. Abhay- committed, supportive, yielding and a little clingy is determined to make the relationship work no matter what.
The director has managed to get some commendable performances from his cast. Imran as the loyal boyfriend is totally endearing. Deepika as the rebel without a cause is convincing as the brat and also manages to look very hot. Of the supporting cast Lillete Dubey and Yudhishtir are a treat to watch, Shahana Goswami however is wasted in a role where she has little to do than look angry most of the time.
Abhay and Aaliya are film buffs and while having a normal conversation with each other they have a tendency to borrow lines from Hindi film dialogues, most of it makes the interaction very funny and inadvertently filmy. While the actual 'break ke baad' part in the film drags a little, the love-story thankfully steers clear of heightened melodrama. What I also like about the film is that the realization of "being in love" doesn't come at the cost of sacrificing everything else that's important to the lead characters as individuals. The director has done a good job of marrying a love story and story about self-discovery together.
What works for the film is that anyone who has ever been a long-distance relationship will identify with at least some aspects of the film, especially if they have been on different time zones. Who hasn't dealt with insecure partners who need an hour by hour account? Or conversely, partners for whom space means completely switching off from your loved ones? Vishal-Shekhar's music is a little disappointing except the 'Adhoore' number. The film is a fun one-time watch, it isn't anything spectacular but has some really nice moments.
