Carmel ThomasonA new musical is waiting to sweep you off your feet Bollywood style at the Opera House this week as the venue hosts the UK premiere of Come Fall in Love: the DDLJ Musical.
For those who don’t know what DDLJ stands for, it is short for the 1995 Hindi-language film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, which is still showing in Mumbai cinemas 30 years after its first screening.
Its loyal fan base is clear, with audience whoops as soon as the band strikes up. The stage version clearly has a lot to live up to, so can it do it?
Well, excitement of the audience aside (and there is a lot of anticipation of what is to come), the show opens with a wow factor that leaves us in no doubt of the scale of this production. It feels like the glitz and glamour of Bollywood has landed in Manchester with no expense spared.
Derek McLane’s imposing sets coupled with Akhila Krishnan’s projections make for an immersive mix that immediately draw us in whether that setting be Oxford or the Punjab.
The live band, under the musical direction of Benjamin Holder, lifts the mood from the opening bars. There are 18 new English songs in this production. I can’t say that I left singing any of them, but on the first viewing of a musical I wouldn’t necessarily expect to. The tunes are certainly easy on the ear, with an infectious Disney-esk feel good vibe. Add Rob Ashford’s energetic choreography and it is a winning vibrant mix for any musical.
The stage version also has the hand of the original film director Aditya Chopra, who was 23 when he directed the original film. Some of the elements remain the same in so far as it tells of a clashing of cultures – east and west. But the stage version adds another layer by swapping the original Raj character for Rog, the party-loving son of a tech billionaire.
Rog (Ashley Day) and Simran (Jena Pandya) are both studying philosophy at Oxford, with varying success. While Rog is sleeping his way through classes Simran is busy studying for her dissertation on what it means to love. But how will the theory stand up when Simran finds herself faced with the real thing? As the two are thrown together during a month-long inter-railing trip around Europe will head or heart win out?
Sparks definitely fly between these two very likable leads who keep us invested in an otherwise predictable story.
Nell Benjamin, who comes with top stage writing credentials, having penned the book for Mean Girls and Legally Blonde, has updated the book and lyrics to widen its appeal for a 21st century and largely western audience. As you might expect, there are plenty of witty lines but there is also a lot of broad-brushed stereotyping that feels heavy handed, particularly in the first act and weakens what could otherwise be a terrific show.
As it is, there is still much to love here with almost three hours of frivolous fun for your money. The Holi Hai finale is joyous and will leave you itching to join in.
Come Fall in Love the DDLJ Musical is at the Opera House, Manchester from 29 May to 21 June 2025.
Martin Thomasson
Dave Porter