Dil Dosti Etc. - On Demand :-)

Glossy college-based flicks come in plenty but how often have you wondered where are the kind of colleges we get to see in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Main Hoon Na. Where are the boys who wear the latest brands of clothes and watches and girls who dance around in mini skirts? If you think Dil Dosti etc. is yet another such film, you are in for a big surprise. The film-makers have done their research well. The story is rooted in reality. For once, we see the campus as it is, we see real hostel rooms, real u-specials, real ragging and real student elections and of course real students who wear clothes that are normally worn in colleges.

Set against the backdrop of Delhi University Campus, Dil Dosti Etc. follows the story of two students namely Apurv, played by Imaad Shah and Sanjay Mishra, played by Shreyas Talpade. Apurv is the rich boy who takes life each day as it comes. He believes that one can learn more about life in the kothas rather than in a closed classroom. He dabbles in relationships, not knowing what he wants from them.

Sanjay Mishra, on the other hand is a focused youngster. He campaigns and contests the student's elections with a lot of zeal. For him not only is campus politics a serious issue but also love and friendship. Hailing from Bihar, Sanjay harbors conservative ideas and is unable to understand the frivolous thinking of Apurv. However, that being the case, one fails to understand why Sanjay Mishra challenges Apurv to "get" three girls before he wins his elections. This seems to be in stark contrast with Sanjay's beliefs and the reason for this is not explained clearly in the film.

The film was promoted with the by-line "When you are young, you believe the opportunities are endless". However as the movie progresses, it brings home the point that opportunities are not endless. Apurv's flippant attitude cost him Sanjay's friendship. Sanjay's rigid views cost him his love and eventually his life.

The characters are extremely believable in the movie. Imaad Shah as the casual, laid-back rich boy looks quite convincing. Shreyas has delivered yet another good performance as the gutsy student politician. The ladies in the film do not have much to do still Smriti Mishra manages to capture your attention as the prostitute. The movie does become slow in parts but is redeemed by good performances and dialogues.

Dil Dosti Etc is a college flick with a difference. Watch it and be transported back to your college days.