Don't Be Shy, which released today on Amazon Prime Video, is produced by Alia Bhatt and introduces four newcomers. A few moments in this film are endearing, especially the bond shared by the two girls. Ram Sampath's music is refreshing and well-woven into the narrative. Often such films are less than 2 hours. But Don't Be Shy has a runtime of 2 hours and 28 minutes. Yet, it doesn't get boring. At the same time, the narrative doesn't completely involve viewers either. It is a bhel puri of Aisha, Student Of The Year, Never Have I Ever, To All The Boys I've Loved Before, etc. Dhruv's character is inspired by Pride & Prejudice's Mr Darcy. Several developments in the film are convenient, and the humour is limited. However, the newcomers are sincere; Aarushi Bajaj (Shy), Bianca Arora (Tara), Ansh Duggal (Dhruv) and Piyush Khati (Mayank) do well. Anurag Basu and Kunaal Roy Kapur bring in some much-needed humour. All in all, Don't Be Shy fails to entice and doesn't look like a film set in India.

My rating - ** out of 5!