1.The children’s: They played a crucial part and Malhotra ensures they don't go over-the-top. All the kids Aanchal Munjal, Nominath Jinsberg and Diya Sonecha are adorable and well cast and unlike children in most Indian films. They are just superb, especially Diya Sonecha who plays Anjali. Also Aanchal Munjal wins your heart with her natural act. She as the elder daughter is poised and remarkable.
2. Kajol: She is at her natural best. She captures the helplessness and anguish of Maya flawlessly. That shows that she portrays her character well! She internalizes her character of a mom much better. Her character is envious and possessive, dominating yet succumbing, helpless yet comforting, with all the expressions and moods switching from one to another within a few frames. She is dark and light, hard yet vulnerable and she totally wins you over in the role of a cancer stricken mother who must choose the best for her children. She displays her usual charisma, lighting up the screen with an incandescent portrayal of a housewife heroine. Watch her in the scene where she breaks down or where she reveals about her imminent death to her kids. Simply superb!
3. Arjun Rampal: He scores again after Raajneeti. It's not easy to hold your own in a women-oriented script but Arjun manages to surpass all expectations. He manages to outshine talented actresses like Kajol and Kareena Kapoor in his role as a father caught between his ex-wife and current love. Her character is a bit wobbly with inconsistencies, but the actress is in full form, brimming with fire. He is certainly moving up the learning curve but still has a long way to go. Though he tries his best, but he still can’t bring out the subdued intensity his character required, something Ed Harris did with aplomb in the original. But though he adds grace to his character and is decent in his part. He never exerts too much yet doesn’t get lost in the female dominated film. However his bearded look in the final scene was absolutely uncalled for. But overall it seems that this is a good year for Arjun where he can do no wrong. All the best to him!
4. And finally the scene-stealer of WAF is Kareena Kapoor – She probably is in her most restrained portrayal to date. As the younger woman who struggles to bond with her boyfriend’s kids and ex wife, Kareena is superlative. She matches Kajol's cracking prowess in every confrontational scene. And she makes Shreya's character far more endearing than the script intended to. Supremely in command as a young girl having a family and children thrust upon her, Kareena is a delight on screen. She gives a mature performance as the career-woman who moulds herself as a prospective mother. In all, she displays a newfound maturity as the glamorous fashion designer who must do the tightrope from carefree girlfriend to responsible mom. She looks stunning and lends the role her characteristic effortlessness. What’s worth watching is the chemistry between the two actresses. The icy glances, acerbic retorts, cold vibes between them is all too visible.
Rating:
2.5 / 5