Lovers flocking to the theatres this Valentine's Day weekend to watch romance, served Bollywood style, are in for a pleasant surprise. 'Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu' isn't desi rom-com cookie cutter fare, but serves up a slice of real life amour, with all the spit and polish of a Dharma product.  Fetching star cast? Check. Foreign locales? Check. Token songs, Hinglish lines, happy ending? Check, check, check. What, you were expecting differently? This is still a Karan Johar production though director Shakun Batra's effort certainly has soul. 

What's it about?
Imran Khan plays Rahul Kapoor, a straight-laced 25 year old who lives in Las Vegas but has just lost his job and is unaware of how to break the news to his stuffy parents. On Christmas Eve, he runs into Riana Braganza, an older woman and a bubbly hairstylist who's fresh out of a relationship. After a night of drunken debauchery that includes getting hitched at a Vegas chapel, a friendship blossoms between the two but Rahul eventually begins to feel something more for his new BFF.

Although good in an outburst scene, Imran could make much more of his role but with a perpetual pout and brows more expressive than his eyes, his act is weak. Kareena's character Rhiana is Geet (from 'Jab We Met') rehashed, only with red highlights, a high street wardrobe and a scooter. But hallelujah, Bebo the actress, and not the pretty set prop, is back and her infectious charm brings her character to life. The supporting cast are also a treat to watch, with special mention for Ratna Pathak Shah who plays Imran's vapid mother and all the actors that make up the Braganza clan.

What to do?
With an unexpected though delightful twist at the end and performances you can relate to, 'Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu' makes for a fun watch. And don't worry single folks, you'll be able to stomach it too.

in.com rating: 3.5/5