Radio... “love on air”, “it’s complicated”, “the 3rd film by Quentin Ta... oops, with Himessbhai in the lead”. The Tarantino faux pas probably because of the film being fractured into 15 chapters with titles like 'Talaq aur Ganpatiji', 'Damaadji', 'Naqli Prem Kahani', 'Paranjabi Lassi aur Mystery Girl', 'Matinee Show aur Matar ka Keeda', etc. And no, I didn’t make up the last one. To add to the confusion, chapter 2 is written as chapter 7, then rewritten as 2 with a cancellation and then... well, it’s complicated!

The ‘it’s complicated’ tag line plastered throughout the film is probably a reference to the state of mind of all the characters in this film; their interpersonal and professional relationships. Let me explain: An RJ cuts a music album with his co-RJ cum best friend cum silent lover becoming his backing vocalist, but singing the lead in the first song. It’s not clear if this is a film about an RJ (Himessbhai aka RJ Vivan aka Dr Love) dealing with the demands of his industry, or about him dealing with his divorce (the ex-wife regrets her decision), or about him figuring out what a new mystery girl is doing to his life, or is it about the irony of a relationship problem solver who is himself clueless about the women in his life, or about moving on from one relationship to the next with a clean slate, while still being cordial and cool with his lost lover, or is it... well, it’s complicated. And no, the screenplay has none of the deftness such a seemingly layered character requires.

Still, to director Ishan Trivedi's (7 1/2 Phere) credit, the complications are interestingly portrayed with some stylised back and forth cuts (meeting Shanaya, the divorce, Damaadji, the constant reminders of the inherent differences between the two women), some interesting sequences (Vivan being randomly born in the backseat of an ambassador, the shootout at Lokhandwala dinner invitation, the boyfriend acceptance dilemma), some wonderful handheld cinematography (shots of coffee being made, an eagle flying about the city, stylized silhouette office sequences), the chaptering of the film with interesting titles, all in all putting forth the plot in a novel manner, but sadly making it a bit tedious for the viewer, making the film drag on a bit pointlessly, despite the under-2 hour length, making us wonder about how long it takes for love to be blossom between two people, how many times will RJ Shanaya be referred to a 'star', how many times the dish antenna mechanic will be at work and how many plates will have to break. In a bid to deal with all its complications Radio just complicates itself, but at least Trivedi does give it his heart, so kudos for a little out-of-the-box work there.

The performances are quite natural and endearing, especially Shehnaz Treasurywala (you are missed darlin’!) as the ever optimistic, over jumpy and overly-random Shanaya, she is pleasing on the eyes and extremely adorable when she laughs and jumps around, but does fall a bit short in the emoting department though and remains fake-teary-eyed throughout. Sonal Sehgal in her debut feature does a very convincing job of the assertive and regretful ex-wife: she looks stunning, the Punjabi twang is endearing, and she gives it her all. Zakir Hussain as the Punjabi father is the standout performance with the best lines delivered with admirable ease: well done. Rajesh Khattar as the radio station head is evil bordering on the irritable and the rest of the office crew and family fit in alright.

Now to the man himself... Himesh bhai the composer, Himesh bhai the singer, Himesh bhai the actor, that is the order in which his various ‘acts’ have to be placed. A fab soundtrack with a great blend of racy, slow, spunky, mellow, peppy, soothing... its got it all, with each one flowing into the next seamlessly. Getting a copy of the OST is highly recommended. Himesh bhai the singer also leaves his nose behind and belts out each number with heart and soul firmly in place. And finally, only if the same emotion of the composer/singer was preserved in his performance, it could have kept one hooked onto the film as well. There is just so much of Himesh bhai in the film that it encroaches RJ Vivan's space and despite of a fresh look (post cap and straight hair), a decent attempt at underplaying (too much at times), and a shot at making his detractors stand up and take notice, it is difficult to accept two lovely women going all out to win his heart. His poker faced look just does not do enough, and most of his expressions end up being clichéd and clueless. He looks a bit old for the character too and words like “baggage”, “denial” and “Facebook addict” are just not his style. But Himesh bhai does give it another shot and I guess he will not stop until Himesh the actor does strike a chord with supposed fans and not so loving viewers. Until then, acting will remain like the tag line of this innovative-yet-falling-short-in-its-entirety effort... IT’S COMPLICATED! So until next time Himesh bhai, mann ka radio bajne do zara!