Don’t Be Shy Review: Alia Bhatt’s Rom-Com Stumbles
Alia Bhatt’s latest production, Don’t Be Shy, has arrived on Amazon Prime Video as a coming-of-age romantic comedy centered on college life, relationships and personal growth. Directed and written by Sreeti Mukerji, the 2-hour, 28-minute film features Aarushi Bajaj, Bianca Arora, Ansh Duggal and Piyush Khati in prominent roles.
The story follows Shyamili Das, affectionately known as Shy, who appears to have the perfect life at the beginning of the film. A glamorous opening sequence shows her receiving a symbolic ring from her boyfriend Mayank Jhunjhunwala and being introduced as the head of his family’s company. The fantasy soon gives way to reality, revealing that Shy has concealed several important details about her life from Mayank and her college circle.
Her family is struggling financially because of their debt-ridden saree business, while Shy is determined to build a more prosperous future. She sees her relationship with Mayank as a possible path toward an internship at his father’s company, a scholarship and greater financial security. Her carefully constructed plans unravel when Mayank ends their relationship on his 21st birthday.
Things become more complicated when Mayank begins dating Tara, played by Bianca Arora. In an attempt to provoke her former boyfriend, Shy starts flirting with Dhruv, a previous friend portrayed by Ansh Duggal. What begins as an effort to make someone jealous gradually develops into a more complicated emotional situation.
The film recreates the colorful atmosphere of a college romantic comedy, using friendship, family relationships, heartbreak and second chances as key elements. A competitive college festival provides an energetic backdrop, while dance and music remain central to the movie’s presentation. Songs such as Tum Ho Wahi, performed by Armaan Malik and Shreya Karmarkar, and Sona Mohapatra’s Re Bawri complement the youthful setting, with Ram Sampath handling the music.
Aarushi Bajaj brings confidence and determination to Shy’s character, while Bianca Arora gives Tara emotional depth. Ansh Duggal and Piyush Khati also make their roles work, while Kunaal Roy Kapur appears as Mr. Q and Neha Dhupia makes a special appearance.
However, the narrative becomes increasingly predictable. Several developments can be anticipated early, while the backstory of Shy’s parents receives limited attention despite its importance to the story. Ultimately, Don’t Be Shy offers an entertaining mix of romance, friendship, music and youthful energy, although its familiar storyline prevents the film from fully developing its potential.
