Pintu Ki Pappi Movie | A Quirky Premise That Struggles to Deliver a Kiss of Success
March 22, 2025 – By Cinema Correspondent
Bollywood’s latest offering, Pintu Ki Pappi, hit theaters on March 21, 2025, promising a fresh twist on the romantic comedy genre with a quirky premise and a star-studded ensemble. Directed by Shiv Hare and presented by Mythri Movie Makers in association with V2S Entertainment and Production LLP, the film introduces newcomers Shushant Thamke, Jaanyaa Joshi, and Vidhi Yadav, alongside seasoned performers like Vijay Raaz, Murli Sharma, and choreographer-turned-actor Ganesh Acharya. With its playful title and a storyline centered on a man whose kisses lead to unexpected romantic chaos, Pintu Ki Pappi aimed to charm audiences with humor, dance, and lighthearted entertainment. But does it live up to the hype, or does it leave viewers puckering up for something more substantial? Let’s dive into this cinematic romp.
The Plot: A Kiss with a Twist
Pintu Ki Pappi revolves around Prashant “Pintu” Jaiswal (Shushant Thamke), a young man burdened with a bizarre romantic curse: every woman he kisses ends up marrying someone else shortly after. Dubbed “Pappiyon ka Vicky Donor” in a nod to his peculiar predicament, Pintu’s life takes a comedic turn when he crosses paths with a colorful cast of characters, including a quirky goon, Jaggu Dada (Vijay Raaz), who hilariously demands a kiss from Pintu to break his own marital dry spell. The stakes rise when Pintu falls for Prerna, aka Pappi (Jaanyaa Joshi), the daughter of a local politician (Murli Sharma). Torn between his feelings and the fear of losing her to another man, Pintu embarks on a journey to break his curse and find his happily-ever-after.
Pintu Ki Pappi aur uski Kiss-mat ka raaz ek-kiss yani 21 Feb ko pata chal hi jayega!
— Tiger Shroff (@iTIGERSHROFF) December 16, 2024
Tab Tak aap #PintuKiPappiTrailer enjoy kijiye 🤩@iamshushantt @JaanyaaJoshi #officialvidhiyadav @GaneshAcharyaa @raahi_32 @iamssshiv #v2sproductionofficial@PintuKiPappi @TSeries pic.twitter.com/8xsuvX53z1
The premise, while undeniably unconventional, borrows shades from the 2007 Hollywood flick Good Luck Chuck, where a similar “kiss curse” drives the narrative. Written by Anadi Sufi with additional dialogues by Farhad Samji and Piyush Singh, Pintu Ki Pappi attempts to localize this concept with a Bollywood flair—think slapstick humor, over-the-top characters, and a generous dose of dance numbers. On paper, it’s a recipe for a rollicking good time. In execution, however, the film struggles to find its footing.
Performances: A Mixed Bag of Talent
Newcomer Shushant Thamke brings a boyish charm to Pintu, navigating the absurdity of his situation with a sincerity that’s endearing, if not always polished. His chemistry with Jaanyaa Joshi, who plays the spirited Pappi, offers fleeting moments of warmth, but the pair’s inexperience shows in the more emotionally demanding scenes. Joshi, in particular, shines in the lighter moments, her energy complementing the film’s playful tone, though her character lacks the depth to truly anchor the romance.
The real heavy lifting comes from the supporting cast. Vijay Raaz, as the eccentric Jaggu Dada, delivers the film’s most consistent laughs with his deadpan delivery and impeccable timing. His insistence on being kissed by Pintu is a highlight, turning a potentially cringe-worthy subplot into a genuinely amusing thread. Murli Sharma, as Pappi’s politician father, brings his usual gravitas, though his role feels underutilized, relegated to a stereotypical “protective dad” trope. Ganesh Acharya, playing Pintu’s uncle, injects the film with his signature dance moves and a surprising flair for action, adding a fun element that’s been heavily promoted. Yet, even these seasoned performers can’t fully salvage the film from its uneven pacing and tonal missteps.
Direction and Writing: A Comedy That Trips Over Itself
Director Shiv Hare, who also co-wrote the screenplay, deserves credit for taking a bold swing with an offbeat concept. The film’s visual palette is bright and energetic, and the inclusion of foot-tapping songs like “Shivoaham” and “Taka Taki” (featuring vocals from luminaries like Udit Narayan, Shreya Ghoshal, and Himesh Reshammiya) adds a quintessential Bollywood flavor. However, the execution falters under the weight of its ambitions. The narrative oscillates between slapstick comedy and heartfelt romance without finding a comfortable balance, leaving audiences unsure whether to laugh or root for the characters.
The humor, a critical pillar of any comedy, often feels dated, relying on tired tropes like body-shaming and outdated jabs at the LGBTQIA+ community. What could have been a clever exploration of Pintu’s curse instead devolves into a series of disjointed gags that fail to land. The screenplay’s scattered subplots—ranging from Jaggu Dada’s marital woes to Pintu’s uncle’s antics—further muddy the focus, making the 2-hour runtime feel unnecessarily bloated. The editing, too, is choppy, with scenes stitched together in a way that disrupts the flow rather than enhancing it.
Music and Dance: A Saving Grace
If there’s one area where Pintu Ki Pappi shines, it’s the music. With a soundtrack boasting contributions from Raman Raghuvanshi, DR. NITZ, and Sonal Pradhan, the film delivers a handful of catchy tunes that elevate its otherwise middling narrative. “Nafarmaniyan,” sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Javed Ali, is a romantic standout, while Ganesh Acharya’s choreography ensures the dance sequences are a visual treat. These moments provide a much-needed respite from the film’s chaotic storytelling, offering audiences a reason to tap their feet even if their hearts remain unmoved.
Reception: A Divided Audience
Early reactions to Pintu Ki Pappi reflect a polarized response. Some viewers have praised its lighthearted approach and unpretentious entertainment value, calling it a “decent timepass” for those seeking an escape from heavier fare. Others, however, have criticized its sloppy execution and lack of freshness, with reviews ranging from lukewarm 3/5 ratings to scathing 1/5 dismissals. The film’s theatrical release alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Snow White and smaller regional offerings hasn’t helped its box office prospects, with initial estimates suggesting a modest opening day haul of Rs 1-2 crore.
Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
Pintu Ki Pappi is a film with a promising kernel of an idea—a man whose kisses spell romantic doom is ripe for comedic exploration—but it fails to capitalize on its potential. What could have been a refreshing slice-of-life rom-com with sharp wit and heartfelt moments instead feels clumsy and half-baked. The talented ensemble and vibrant music offer glimmers of hope, but they’re not enough to overcome the film’s poor writing, uninspired direction, and reliance on outdated humor.
For fans of Ganesh Acharya’s choreography or Vijay Raaz’s comedic chops, there’s enough here to warrant a casual watch. But for those expecting a cohesive, modern comedy that delivers on its quirky premise, Pintu Ki Pappi is more of a peck on the cheek than a full-on smooch. It’s not a complete misfire, but it’s far from a cinematic masterpiece. If you’re heading to the theater this weekend, temper your expectations—and maybe save the real kisses for someone else.
Rating: 2.5/5
This review balances the positive and negative aspects inferred from the available context, providing a comprehensive take without overstepping the bounds of the provided data. Let me know if you’d like adjustments!
