Indian audiences have come to a stage where today we'e ready to accept just about every issue and every situation on screen (with a hint of realism of course), whether it is homosexuality, live-in relationships, or teen pregnancy. Audiences look forward to their opinions being challenged from various perspectives and portrayals of a given situation and Teree Sang is a film amongst those that challenges our thoughts. Satish Kaushik known for giving us the 'ideal' commercial Bollywood flicks returns to screen with his latest venture that somewhat deviates from his usual style, not completely of course, but it definitely has a fresh new touch we've never seen Kaushik apply. Debutant Sheena Shahabadi and Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar star Ruslaan Mumtaz come together on screen in this experimental venture about love, relationships and most of all responsibilities.
Read on to find just how successfully Satish Kaushik's new touch is or whether he should have stuck to his old ways.
With an extensive media coverage on its intriguing storyline I'm sure that the synopsis of Teree Sang is no hidden secret from many of you, but simply for the benefit of the lesser informed I'll summarise what Teree Sang has in store for you. Dealing with the lesser talked about but very much relevant issue of teen pregnancy, Teree Sang is the story of Kabir (Ruslaan Mumtaz) and Mahi (Sheena), who in their attempts to wave away the boredom that every teenager feels their life has become, get into a mess that they really weren't prepared for. As they prepare to be one of the youngest parents their society has seen Kabir and Mahi face a battle against names too many to mention. How they emerge out of this battle and how they grow into adults from innocent teens is what Teree Sang is all about.
It's rather rare to come across a film with a story that gets to the point without wasting much time and that is the main reason why Teree Sang works. You and I both probably knew what the crux of the film was so it would have been rather frustrating had the makers 'beated around the bush'. Within 5 minutes the filmmakers revealed the potential love story about to sprout and its potential problem, that being the difference in Kabir and Mahi's social class.
The screenplay is innovative and realistic for the most part. The first half and second part of the second half are both brilliant, it's the middle portion that lets you down. With an impactful start you really thought this film would avoid clichés however the script took a full 'u' turn when the characters pulled a Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak on us! No joke they did! A beautiful house in the village, the classic labouring hero, the ideal 'housewife' material heroine and of course with inserted scenes of the blood thirsty parents (well at least one pair of them was). So, had it not been for this clichéd, 90s flashback in the middle portion the script like the screenplay would have been full proof. But as I mentioned because the screenplay doesn't drag even these clichéd portions are over quite efficiently.
Cinematography and camera work is real and effective. In many portions it highlights the situation and takes the performance of the actors to another level with its appropriate mix with a great background score.
Ruslaan Mumtaz oout does himself leaving you in awe, not believing that he's merely one film old. The actor obviously has worked hard on this role and it surely shines on screen. His character is a developing one and you see him gradually turn into something else to what he was introduced as, so naturally the credit must be given to this fine young actor who pulled off that transition with such realism and ease. Sheena Shahabadi was the golden choice for this role. The role was extremely demanding physically and no existing actress could even dream off matching up to the look of Mahi. Half of Sheena's job to convince us was done with her sheer looks and the other half was done by her confident performance. This debutant is a definite keeper! Enhancing these two talented stars' performances are a group of fantastic supporting cast consisting of Rajat Kapoor, Satish Kaushik, Neena Gupta and Sushmita Mukherjee. Let me assure you that each of them have something unique to offer once they're on screen!
The two actors deserve special mentions for a couple of very outstanding scenes. Firstly, there's the revelation of Mahi's pregnancy, which is not only beautifully shot but also very beautiful performed without over dramatics and yet depicting the dilemma of the characters. Secondly, there's Mahi's phone conversation with her father, which easily could be the highlight of the film. Thirdly Ruslaan, Satish Kaushik and Neena Gupta's scenes as a family are simply adorable! You truly get sucked into their wild world where many things are lacking except one, that is love.
Sachin and Jigar's music has been outstanding just on its own and thankfully the picturisation was not a letdown. They were effectively incorporated as montage piece for most of the time and didn't draw away from performance but in fact enhanced them.
Ruslaan Mumtaz himself said in his exclusive interview with Bollyspice, the film does not attempt to be preachy and caters to almost every opinion a person may have on the issue. The portrayals of each character and their characterisation has been so perfectly researched and written that you seem to identify with each of their point of views. You understand what Mahi and Kabir are going through, what Kabir's parents are going through and even what the grey shaded character of Rajat Kapoor is going through. So despite the fact that it deals with quite a 'touchy' issue the film can still be enjoyed by the whole family. It's got lessons for everyone.
All in all Teree Sang is truly a hidden gem. The film rises above all expectation and although with some very obvious flaws it manages to impress. If you're looking for something different, tired of the commercial masala flicks and need a serious break for something that is not too light-hearted but not too dark either then Teree Sang is right up your alley!
Indian audiences have come to a stage where today we'e ready to accept just about every issue and every situation on screen (with a hint of realism of course), whether it is homosexuality, live-in relationships, or teen pregnancy. Audiences look forward to their opinions being challenged from various perspectives and portrayals of a given situation and Teree Sang is a film amongst those that challenges our thoughts. Satish Kaushik known for giving us the 'ideal' commercial Bollywood flicks returns to screen with his latest venture that somewhat deviates from his usual style, not completely of course, but it definitely has a fresh new touch we've never seen Kaushik apply. Debutant Sheena Shahabadi and Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar star Ruslaan Mumtaz come together on screen in this experimental venture about love, relationships and most of all responsibilities. 
It's rather rare to come across a film with a story that gets to the point without wasting much time and that is the main reason why Teree Sang works. You and I both probably knew what the crux of the film was so it would have been rather frustrating had the makers 'beated around the bush'. Within 5 minutes the filmmakers revealed the potential love story about to sprout and its potential problem, that being the difference in Kabir and Mahi's social class. 
Ruslaan Mumtaz oout does himself leaving you in awe, not believing that he's merely one film old. The actor obviously has worked hard on this role and it surely shines on screen. His character is a developing one and you see him gradually turn into something else to what he was introduced as, so naturally the credit must be given to this fine young actor who pulled off that transition with such realism and ease. Sheena Shahabadi was the golden choice for this role. The role was extremely demanding physically and no existing actress could even dream off matching up to the look of Mahi. Half of Sheena's job to convince us was done with her sheer looks and the other half was done by her confident performance. This debutant is a definite keeper! Enhancing these two talented stars' performances are a group of fantastic supporting cast consisting of Rajat Kapoor, Satish Kaushik, Neena Gupta and Sushmita Mukherjee. Let me assure you that each of them have something unique to offer once they're on screen!
Ruslaan Mumtaz himself said in his exclusive interview with Bollyspice, the film does not attempt to be preachy and caters to almost every opinion a person may have on the issue. The portrayals of each character and their characterisation has been so perfectly researched and written that you seem to identify with each of their point of views. You understand what Mahi and Kabir are going through, what Kabir's parents are going through and even what the grey shaded character of Rajat Kapoor is going through. So despite the fact that it deals with quite a 'touchy' issue the film can still be enjoyed by the whole family. It's got lessons for everyone. 
