'October' movie review: An emotional ride, albeit a bit slow

Living a carefree life as a hotel intern, Dan's (Varun Dhawan) life revolves around his friends. A sudden turn of events weaves together another intern, Shiuli (Banita Sandhu) and Dan's lives in a bond that changes his life forever. The makers had said, 'October' is not a love story but rather a story about love. And likewise, Dan seems to be obsessed with Shiuli and eventually falls in love?
Varun Dhawan is one of the most bankable actors in Bollywood, with his last film Judwaa 2 delivering overwhelming business. In 'October', he is trying something entirely different - away from his image in masala potboilers like Judwaa 2, Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Dilwale. 
Dan is a simpleton without any aim or ambition in life but finds one after an unfortunate incident. The emotions are just right on the big screen when Varun is in the hospital and is curious about how things are moving. Most part of the film plays out in the hospital, so be prepared to hear some medical jargons and see some blood. 
Just like Badlapur, he takes us on a ride through an array of emotions and his honesty comes across on the screen. 

With movies like Pink, Piku to his credit, expectations are high on Shoojit Sircar on delivering yet another blockbuster. Joining him is writer Juhi Chaturvedi, who delivered the quirky Vicky Donor with him. 
It is daring of Banita Sandhu to take a role of suffering patient in her debut film, knowing there wasn't much for her to perform. She gets some scenes in the first half of the movie but they aren't enough to leave an impression. But you do empathise with her character and want to know whether she will ever step out of the hospital.
Her mother, played by Gitanjali Rao, develops a special bond with Dan and leaves some moments for us in the film.  
Shantanu Moitra's melancholic music in the film cushions it well. The movie is predictable but you still want to know how the climax unfolds. We missed a heartbeat and left with a heavy heart as it ended. 
The movie hall was divided when it came to the reviews of the film. While some thought this was Varun at his best, few complained about it being a medical documentary. For me, the movie has its heart in the right place with a perfect emotional quotient. Kudos to the team for not going overboard with melodramatic scenes. 
Maybe the movie is not for everybody. But it is a Varun Dhawan- Shoojit Sircar collaboration you can't afford to miss. 
 

Movie: October

Starring: Varun Dhawan Banita Sandhu and Gitanjali Rao

Directed by Shoojit Sircar
Rating: 3/5

(Now playing at theatres in the UAE)