In the age of Tinder and Whatsapp messaging, it is easy to imagine that the slow paced build up of romance is a thing of the past. Onir's Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz seems to hark back into time by combining poetry and technology to create a new tale for romance. The trailer of the film, featuring Zain Khan Durrani and Geetanjali Thapa, captures some of the troubles of romance in the technological age, as well as the trouble of protecting copyright.
The trailer begins with a glimpse of RJ Alfaaz (Durrani), who hosts a radio show in Kolkata. His voice earns him the fandom of Archie (Thapa), a young woman in search of love through Tinder. Fate brings the two together when Archie accidentally calls Alfaaz, and ends up striking a friendship, by forwarding him his own poems. Soon, the two set out on a whirlwind romance without having seen each other. The time for the rendezvous also arrives with its own doubts about the technological relationship. All this with 'Pehla Nasha' from Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992) playing in the background.
The trailer captures some unique points, including the struggle of the poet Alfaaz to maintain control of his poems being used as Whatsapp forwards. There is also the touch of Archie's insecurity about her vitiligo. But these topics form the background of a story that revolves around the two characters' romantic adventure in the world of technology. The light, frothy feel of the trailer is comforting, and quite appropriate for a Valentine's Day release, but might require some serious substance to back it up.
The film is directed by Onir, and produced by Yoodlee Films. Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz will hit the theatres on 16 February.