Released on March 4, 2005, Socha Na Tha brought a refreshing change to Bollywood’s romantic genre. Starring Abhay Deol in his unconventional debut and Ayesha Takia in one of her most endearing roles, the film offered a contemporary twist to the classic boy-meets-girl narrative. Imtiaz Ali, in his directorial debut, showcased a deep understanding of urban relationships, one that would go on to define his signature storytelling style.
Socha Na Tha offers the comfort of muted mobility. Much of the movement in this slight concoction of urban chic is self-serving and ultimately futile. However, it remains fun in a fizzy, fleeting way. Except for the occasional vulgarity, Ishan Trivedi’s dialogues are supple and tongue-in-cheek. Yet, like much of the plot, the words serve more as emblems of contemporary connectivity rather than capturing real people in authentic interactions. Whether it’s the hero breaking into a jig at a traffic jam or the heroine making a face in the mirror, it’s clear that these not-unlikeable youngsters are merely playing cute for the camera.
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Socha Na Tha: A Youthful Romance with A Familiar Touch
The entire ambience of Socha Na Tha exudes the kind of enthusiastic youthful energy that Farhan Akhtar conceptualized in his trendsetting urban fable Dil Chahta Hai. In fact, the film’s central theme of a carefree young man unexpectedly falling for the match arranged by his parents closely mirrors Farhan’s film, where Saif Ali Khan’s character develops feelings for Sonali Kulkarni after initially agreeing to meet her under family pressure.
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Ayesha Takia’s Standout Moment
One of the most endearing moments in the film is the “check-out-the-wannabe-bride” sequence. Ayesha Takia, with her eye-rolling enactment of the humiliating process of being paraded before potential grooms, adds an amusing yet poignant touch. While this sequence shines, not all moments in the film translate as effectively on screen as they might have on paper. The witty, urbane humor woven into the story of a confused 20-something’s search for true love has its bright moments, but they often get lost in the larger, somewhat meandering plot. The charm of the film lies in its refreshing details and well-crafted dialogues, but the overall execution lacks the cohesiveness one might expect.
Abhay Deol’s Unconventional Debut
Part of the film’s inconsistencies can be attributed to Abhay Deol’s performance. Designed as an ‘unusual’ debut vehicle for him, Socha Na Tha portrays his character as a blend of Saif Ali Khan and Aamir Khan from Dil Chahta Hai. Overconfident and work-shy. Deol makes an earnest effort to embody this persona, though his awkward body language, a signature trait of the Deol family which sometimes detracts from his performance. However, he has several moments where he shines, particularly in the sequence where he barges into his future in-laws’ home, attempting to convince them that their Catholic daughter, Karen (Apoorva Jha), wouldn’t be safe in his Hindu family.
This scene, cleverly written and audacious in its approach, humorously inverts communal tensions into a comedic interlude. Yet, the film often falls into the trap of being too self-aware. The narrative frequently highlights the writer’s cleverness rather than allowing the story to unfold organically. By the time Viren (Deol) and Aditi (Takia) share a non-sexual hug, only to be caught by her furious brother, it becomes evident that the film is trying too hard to be smart. Despite its flaws, Socha Na Tha has its redeeming qualities. The climax, where the ever-obedient Aditi musters the courage to leave her engagement and run to Viren, is one of the film’s well-executed moments. The scene carries an effortless, free-spirited energy, staying true to the film’s tone.
However, the film often feels overly self-congratulatory. Much like Ken Ghosh’s Ishq Vishq, Socha Na Tha explores youthful romantic confusion with a cheeky charm. Unlike Anant Mahadevan’s Dil Maange More, which gave the protagonist’s love dilemmas an idyllic touch, Socha Na Tha plays out more like a sequence of ‘scenes’ rather than a cohesive journey of a young man’s transition from frivolous courtships to mature romantic decisions.
In the end, Socha Na Tha remains a charming, if somewhat flawed, debut for Imtiaz Ali. Though it borrows elements from previous urban romances, its moments of wit, fresh performances and lighthearted storytelling ensure that it remains an enjoyable watch, even 20 years later.