One name that binds three stories together in three different cities and at three different time periods - that's what Bejoy Nambiar promised in the trailers for ‘David’ and that's EXACTLY what he delivers. Maybe we're to blame for looking so hard between the lines for a clear link, but the lack of it was frustrating and made our viewing experience less enjoyable than we'd hoped for.

What’s it about?
David is the protagonist of three stories set in London in 1975, Mumbai in 1999 and Goa in 2010. While Neil Nitin Mukesh plays a terrorist's henchman, Vinay Virmani is a guitarist looking to make it big in the music industry and Chiyaan Vikram is a drunkard whose mother is in search for a suitable bride for her son.

The story involving Neil Nitin Mukesh is beautifully shot in black and white. Everything from the costumes to the sets reminds you of an era gone by. Our favourite of the three narratives, Neil's story keeps you guessing right till the very end. Neil takes the cake, putting in a remarkable performance. He gets the look and attitude of a mysterious gangster just right. His chemistry with Noorie (Monica Dogra) is electric. Monica also gets a pat on her back for a strong and confident performance, especially in the marriage sequence.

Vinay definitely looks the part of a wannabe rockstar and shines in a few emotional scenes, but is average otherwise. His relationship with his student Neelam (Lara Dutta) is also confusing.

Vikram’s one-sided love story with the deaf and mute Roma (Isha Sharvani) provides relief in an otherwise heavy film. It's a humourous and cute track, entirely different from the other two stories. Still, Tabu as Frenny, David’s friend and agony aunty, is adorable. Scenes that include her and Vikram are some of the best moments in the film. Other gags feel forced. Saurabh Shukla as Vikram’s dead father is funny at first, but ends up becoming a joke that's been stretched for too long.

Three good stories with good actors (and entertaining cameos) and you can't go wrong, right? Alas, despite the perfect set up and promising starts, all three stories end on bum notes and when the connection between the three is finally revealed, it seems plain silly.

What to do?
‘David’ is best enjoyed as three short films, because it never quite comes together as one.

in.com rating: 3/5

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