Qarib Qarib Singlle
Title: Qarib Qarib Singlle
Release Year: 2017
Director: Tanuja Chandra
Starring: Irrfan Khan (Yogi), Parvathy Thiruvothu (Jaya)
Plot Summary
"Qarib Qarib Singlle" is a contemporary romantic comedy-drama that explores the idea of second chances in life and love, focusing on two individuals with contrasting personalities who embark on an unexpected journey across India. The film is a refreshing take on modern relationships, filled with humor, adventure, and poignant moments exploring love, loss, and self-discovery.
Introduction
The story begins by introducing Jaya Shashidharan, a 35-year-old widow living in Mumbai. Jaya is a straightforward, organized woman who works in an insurance company and leads a seemingly mundane life. Despite being financially independent and self-sufficient, she leads a lonely life, still coping with the loss of her husband, Manav, who passed away eight years ago. Her friends, concerned about her solitude, encourage her to step out of her comfort zone and explore new possibilities in life, especially in the realm of romance.
Encouraged by her friends, Jaya decides to give online dating a shot. She signs up on a dating website called "Ab Tak Singlle" and starts browsing through profiles. It is here that she encounters Yogi (Yogendra Kumar Devendra Nath Prajapati), an eccentric, free-spirited, and carefree man in his early 40s. Yogi is a poet and a charming storyteller, though somewhat delusional about his popularity and attractiveness. Despite their apparent differences—Jaya's cautious nature versus Yogi's laid-back, adventurous attitude—she agrees to meet him out of curiosity.
The First Meeting
Jaya and Yogi's first meeting at a café in Mumbai is awkward yet humorous. Yogi's flamboyant personality clashes with Jaya's reserved demeanor. Yogi shares exaggerated stories about his past relationships and his life as a poet, which Jaya finds amusing but hard to believe. However, Yogi's candidness and quirky charm eventually win her over, and he intrigues her. During their conversation, Yogi mentions three of his former girlfriends who, according to him, are still not over him. Jaya challenges him to prove it, prompting Yogi to propose a spontaneous trip to meet these ex-girlfriends and revisit his past. Reluctantly, Jaya agrees, thinking it might be an interesting adventure and a way to break the monotony of her life.
The Journey Begins
The journey begins with Jaya and Yogi setting out to meet their first ex-girlfriend, Radha, in Dehradun. The train journey sets the tone for their evolving dynamic, filled with banter and lighthearted teasing. Despite their differences, a bond starts to form between them. Upon reaching Dehradun, they find that Radha is now married and has moved on with her life. This realization is a surprise to Yogi, who had expected his ex-girlfriends to still hold feelings for him. The meeting ends amicably, but Jaya begins to see Yogi's vulnerability and his need for validation.
Their next destination is Jaipur, where Yogi's second ex-girlfriend, Anjali, lives. During this leg of the trip, the tension between Jaya and Yogi begins to soften as they learn more about each other. Jaya opens up about her late husband, and Yogi shares his own past experiences. They arrive at Anjali’s house, only to discover that she too has moved on, now living a content life with her husband and children. Anjali’s indifference toward Yogi makes him realize that perhaps his memories of these relationships are idealized and not grounded in reality.
As they travel to their next destination, the scenic beauty of India becomes a backdrop for their evolving relationship. They engage in deep conversations, revealing their insecurities and fears. Jaya starts to let go of her inhibitions, influenced by Yogi’s spontaneity and zest for life. Yogi, on the other hand, begins to understand the depth of Jaya’s pain and loneliness, growing increasingly empathetic towards her.
A Turning Point
The third and final stop on their journey is Gangtok, where Yogi's last ex-girlfriend, Ritika, resides. By this point, Yogi and Jaya have developed a strong camaraderie. However, a misunderstanding creates a rift between them. Jaya overhears Yogi talking to Ritika on the phone and assumes he still harbors feelings for her. Hurt and confused, Jaya decides to leave without informing Yogi.
Feeling abandoned, Yogi realizes the depth of his feelings for Jaya. After a series of mishaps and comedic encounters, he sets out to find her and finally locates her at a local hotel. They have a heartfelt conversation where Yogi confesses that meeting his ex-girlfriends made him realize that he has been living in the past and that Jaya has helped him see a future beyond his memories. Jaya, in turn, acknowledges that Yogi’s carefree attitude has inspired her to embrace life again.
They decide to meet Ritika together, and Yogi learns that Ritika too has moved on. This final encounter brings closure to Yogi, allowing him to fully let go of his past. For Jaya, it marks the end of a journey that has helped her rediscover herself and open up to new possibilities.
Conclusion
The film concludes with Jaya and Yogi at a railway station, where they part ways, but not before sharing a tender moment that hints at a possible romantic future. The ending is deliberately left open, allowing the audience to interpret whether Jaya and Yogi end up together or continue their separate journeys with a newfound sense of self and freedom.
"Qarib Qarib Singlle" is a lighthearted yet profound exploration of love and relationships in the modern world. It challenges conventional narratives around romance, focusing instead on personal growth, acceptance, and the beauty of unexpected connections. Through its charming leads and scenic travelogue, the film invites viewers to embrace life’s uncertainties and to find love and happiness in the most unlikely of places.
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