Dhoom 2 2006

Starring: Hrithik Roshan | Abhishek Bachchan | Bipasha Basu | Aishwarya Rai | Uday Chopra Director: Sanjay Gadhvi Studio: asian gold Run time: 147 mins Genres: Indian Cinema Languages: Hindi Subtitles: English, French, Spanish Released: February 12, 2007

In terms of business, DHOOM 2 is bound to create dhoom at the ticket window. It's a box-office triumph all the way. Time for Yash Raj to pop champagne yet again!
Ali's [Uday Chopra] dream of becoming a police officer has come true. He is now ACP Jai Dixit's [Abhishek Bachchan] right hand man. Together, they are trying to keep a tight leash on the crime in India. Little do they know what they are going to be up against.
Enter Aryan -- Mr. A [Hrithik Roshan]. A hi-tech international thief. After pulling off a series of impossible heists all over the world, his next target is Mumbai, India. The case is given to ACP Jai and Ali. Helping them put the pieces of the puzzle together is ACP Shonali Bose [Bipasha Basu], Jai's college mate, now a police officer in her own right. For the last two years, Shonali has been tracking these amazing thefts and is now an expert on this thief, who no one has seen.
The cops -- Jai, Shonali and Ali -- are after the robbers -- Aryan and Sunehri. From the deserts of Namibia to the backwaters of Goa, the mean streets of Mumbai and the ancient forts of Rajasthan and finally to Rio, Brazil. DHOOM 2 is modeled on the lines of the chor-police sagas that Hindi films specialized in the 1970s and 1980s. In essence, it's not a path-breaking/inventive story, but what takes the film to dizzy heights is the sequence of events that unravel at a feverish pace. Right from the start of the film [Hrithik's first heist in Namibia; the robbing of a crown from a moving train] to his next target [robbing a precious diamond from a museum in Mumbai] to the theft in Jamnagar [Hrithik and Ash come face to face for the first time], the film whets your appetite from the word 'Go'.
DHOOM 2 is director Sanjay Gadhvi's finest effort so far. The execution of the subject is such, you just can't help get transported to a world of make-believe. Gadhvi has handled a number of sequences with aplomb. The Hrithik-Ash sequence mentioned above is one of them. The dialogue between Hrithik and Abhishek -- after they've known each other's true identities -- is another. The final scene of the enterprise [it would be unfair to reveal it here!] is yet another sequence that indicates that the director has done his homework well.

Pritam's music is fair. Barring the 'Krazy Kiya Re' track and the title track [filmed on Hrithik], the score is outright mediocre. However, the saving grace is the vibrant and energetic picturization, which takes the songs to another level. The choreography of the title track by Shiamak Davar is outstanding. Vaibhavi Merchant's choreography of 'Krazy Kiya Re' is admirable as well. Salim-Sulaiman's background score is highly effective.
Abhishek in DHOOM 2 is what Shashi Kapoor was in Amitabh Bachchan starrers. Important yes, but relegated to the backseat. Abhishek does a fine job nonetheless. Only thing, he needs to take care of his appearance and posture when he's pitted against someone with a personality like Hrithik.

Aishwarya evolves into a different person in DHOOM 2. Her tanned makeup, her styling, her performance, it's a different Ash here. It's a complete departure from what Ash has done in the past. Does it work? Of course, she is in form!

Bipasha is just about okay as the cop, but is lively as the twin sister. Uday irritates at times, but handles a few scenes well. His portions with Bipasha's twin sister in Rio are sure to bring a smile on your face. Rimi Sen is hardly there.
On the whole, DHOOM 2 is a winner all the way. At the box-office, the film has already embarked on an earth-shattering initial and with multiple shows being conducted at multiplexes [16/18] with inflated ticket rates, the film will set new records in days to come. For Yash Raj, who've not only produced but also distributed the film, DHOOM 2 should emerge as one of the biggest hits of their career. Blockbuster!

Krrish 2006

Director: Rakesh Roshan Writers: Rakesh Roshan, Robin Bhatt, Honey Irani, Sachin Bhowmick, Akash Khurana Producer: Rakesh Roshan Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Naseeruddin Shah, Priyanka Chopra Country: India

Krrish is centred around the unusually gifted Krishna—played by Hrithik Roshan—who has inherited all these remarkable powers from his father Rohit, and also a startling resemblance to his father.

Now Rohit, as we all remember, was the star of the previous film, that slow but lovable guy who turned into a slick stud after he befriended Jadoo the alien. Rohit's dead unfortunately, so Krishna lives in Kasauli with his grandmum Rekha.

He has the IQ of a genius, the strength of a bull and the speed of a cheetah. He leaps across rivers, climbs mountains effortlessly and zips around faster than a speeding jet. He also falls hook, line and sinker for Priyanka Chopra, who's on an adventure holiday in his part of the world, and before long he follows her all the way to Singapore to ask her hand in marriage.

Once there, he has his work cut out for him. Krishna must get to the bottom of a big mystery linked to his father's death, and must also stop megalomaniac scientist Naseeruddin Shah from accomplishing his sinister plan to take over the world. Now this, he does under an assumed identity—Krrish —a masked, caped crusader.

Now the film has been positioned as India's first superhero film, and I suspect that if you go in with those expectations, you're going to be very disappointed. Because, let's face it, apart from about 20 minutes of spectacularly stylish stunt work, there's very little superhero stuff in this picture. And that's a pity, because Hrithik makes a terrific superhero.

In fact, you're only willing to suspend your disbelief and make this journey because it's a fantastic actor like Hrithik Roshan who's holding your hand and taking you through what is really a fractured story. I should confess here that I wasn't mighty impressed with Koi Mil Gaya, the film whose sequel this is. I have a problem with plagarism and to me, Koi Mil Gaya was an ET rip-off no questions asked.

For me that film was watchable for one reason and one reason only: Hrithik Roshan. In Krrish, once again the actor is the only saving grace. Despite the ludicruous plot, Hrithik immerses himself completely in his role and it's only his sincerity that diverts your attention from the film's many flaws.

My biggest complaint against Krrish is directed towards its screenplay: It stinks.

Lakshya 2004

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Om Puri, Sharad S Kapoor, Raj Zutshi, Sushant Singh, Prashant Chainani, Nawab Shah, Boman Irani, Amrish Puri
Director: Farhan Akhtar
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Producer: Ritesh Sidhwani

The film is a tale adapted from the war or rather the scuffle between India and Pakistan along with the insurgents in the strife torn Indian state of Kashmir. The film by Farhan Akhtar is a huge deviation from the film he made earlier - Dil Chahta Hai. Karan Shergill (Hrithik Roshan) is a duffer. He is a loser in life and does nothing…. Cars, music systems and DVD form a part of his life… so much so that everyone loses interest in him, including his girlfriend Romila Dutta (Preity Zinta) who is in fact the most stable factor in his life.

Hrithik's performance as the happy-go-lucky youth who is transformed into a soldier is one of the movie's highlights. Preity Zinta plays Karan's love interest. She is a TV journalist Romila Dutta, who is modeled on Barkha Dutt of the NDTV. This is to recall that Barkha Dutt has been on the front of Kargil for reporting events for her channel.

A rich kid, Karan has an air of innocence about him, which appeals to his classmate, Romilla Dutta (Preity Zinta). The two are in love. Romilla's only grouse is that her boyfriend has no ambition in life and is totally clueless about his future. Ditto for his parents. Hrithik's lost boy look is really cute. Wish the director had played this up more! The audience is really entertained in this portion of the film. Hrithik shines in both the songs, 'Main Aisa Kyun Hoon' and 'Agar Main Kahoo'. So how does the aimless boy turn into a soldier? Does love transform him? No! Like most kids his age he is influenced by a friend who has a brainwave that he wants to join the army. This combined with a glamorous view of a soldier's life prompts him to take it up as a career. His father's resentment at this decision further strengthens his resolve. Now starts his training at the IMA (Indian Military Academy). There are genuinely hilarious moments here and Hrithik tackles each scene like a pro. However, the film becomes boring after he becomes a dedicated and sincere army guy who feels for his country. I'm sure most viewers will agree with this. Now starts the typical goings on in a war film till the predictable end.

After attempting a film on male bonding in DIL CHAHTA HAI, Farhan Akhtar goes into a different zone in LAKSHYA, which brings back memories of AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN [1982; starring Richard Gere] in parts. The young maverick did leave an indelible impression in his first film and with LAKSHYA, he consolidates his position as one of the finest storytellers of India.

Javed Akhtar's script has several interesting incidents in the first half, but you can hardly count the intriguing ones in the post-interval portions. However, the dialogues are flawless and only a seasoned writer could've come up with such lines.

Cinematography is outstanding. The visuals of North India look mesmerizing and one can't help but fall in love with the locales. The lighting during the war scenes is also perfect.

Bachchan is a special disappointment. He has neither the space nor the chance to grow beyond the space provided. The only actor who makes some impression beyond the all-pervasive impact of Hrithik's main performance, is Sushant Singh as the Muslim soldier. The music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy is of a decent standard, which is the least you expect of them. The songs are not exactly superhit material, though Agar main kahoon or Main aisa kyon hoon could prove me wrong.

On the whole, LAKSHYA will meet with diverse reactions. Watch Lakshya. You won't be disappointed

Koi... Mil Gaya 2003

Starring	:	Rekha, Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta
Director	:	Rakesh Roshan
Producer	:	Rakesh Roshan
Music Dir	:	Rajesh Roshan
Lyricist	:
Singer	:	Udit Narayan, Shaan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Chitra, Alka Yagnik
Distributor	:	Yashraj

koi... Mil Gaya, director Rakesh Roshan has proved two things. One, he truly can give Hrithik Roshan a role to chew into and two, it takes guts and gumption to make a really 'different' film within the commercials parameters of filmmaking.

Sanjay Mehra [Rakesh Roshan] is a scientist, obsessed with establishing contacts with extraterrestrial life. He invents many innovative gadgets, instruments and finally succeeds in devising a computer that can transmit messages to space. His foresight becomes a reality when, as a response to his signals, a spaceship is sighted in the sky. But before Sanjay can even enjoy his success, he and his wife Sonia [Rekha] meet with a horrific accident where Sonia survives, but Sanjay loses his life. Sanjay's son Rohit [Hrithik Roshan] is born; he's a mentally challenged child who faces ridicule and torment at every phase of his life. His lone companion is Nisha [Preity Zinta]. One day, Rohit discovers his father's computer and calls Nisha to help him use it. Both of them are completely fascinated by the images and instructions that appear on the screen and experiment with the device, not realising the impact it would have. The entire town witnesses a blackout and a bizarre phenomenon. In an incandescent glowing sky, a colossal spaceship is sighted. More strange findings are in store in Rohit's town. A pair of footprints not belonging to man or animal is found.

A mega positive is Hrithik Roshan's acting. He is the turbojet that propels the film to the realm of the extraordinary. On screen you see Rohit, the mentally challenged adult, and not Hrithik Roshan, the star. Rohit connects with you immediately. His endearing innocence and the clean-hearted fun he indulges in has you in splits. But within seconds, he also brings a lump to your throat when the bullies pick on him.

Preity Zinta's outfits, Rekha's passive sob-sob sniff-sniff mother role, Prem Chopra as the collector of Kasauli, Mukesh Rishi as the honest cop, and Johnny Lever as the loud Sindhi constable strike jarring notes.

Filmkraft Productions (Rajesh Roshan Productions) is back again with its new flick, Koi Mil Gaya. KMG would be carrying a different theme altogether, which might be the first of its kind in India. Rakesh Roshan also sharpens his skills of direction with this movie whereas brother Rajesh Roshan scores music for the songs. The movie has a big starcast and features the likes of Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta and Rekha in the lead roles. The story of KMG revolves around Hrithik in particular who has a mind of 10 years old kid. Renowned poet-lyricist Ibrahim Ashq bags maximum number of lyrics of the soundtrack whereas Nasir Faraaz and Dev Kohli play their respective parts too with KMG. Famous Music Company Sare Gama HMV comes up to release the album, which is laced with 8 tracks in total to entertain the ears of the listeners. The promos are very much on air these days on all usual satellite channels for the entertainment of the viewers, who are desperately waiting for the release of the film.

On the whole, KOI... MIL GAYA tackles a novel concept as far as the Indian screen is concerned. But this genre is bound to meet with mixed reactions, varying from good to just-about-fair to disappointing. At the box-office, the initial draw has been terrific, but it remains to be seen how the audiences respond to the alien.On the whole, KOI... MIL GAYA tackles a novel concept as far as the Indian screen is concerned. But this genre is bound to meet with mixed reactions, varying from good to just-about-fair to disappointing. At the box-office, the initial draw has been terrific, but it remains to be seen how the audiences respond to the alien.

Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon 2003

Director: Sooraj R. Barjatya
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor, Jaya Bachchan, Reema Lagoo, Pankaj Kapoor
Release: 27th June 2003 by Yash Raj Films

The story is based on Sanjana (Kareena Kapoor), a vivacious young girl who lives with her family in the picturesque town of Sunder Nagar.

Upon graduation, Sanjana dreams of getting married to Mr Perfect - a true gentleman to the core.

The happy trio in Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon

So thanks to elder sister, Roopa, Prem is chosen to be her prospective partner.

But much to Sanjana's dismay, Prem turns out to be a total opposite to what she is - he loves adventure sports which she hates; she loves reading which Prem totally detests.

More so, he befriends Sanjana upon their first meeting.

Despite this fact, Sanjana gets attracted to this stranger.

Abhishek Bachchan as the workaholic Prem

Soon they begin to enjoy those special moments which make life worth living.

Prem's attitude convinces Sanjana that he is the man for her.

She promises to love him till the end of time.

Onto the scene enters Prem Kumar (Abhishek Bachchan) with his mother (Rima Lagu).

Prem is a young, introvert businessman who does not have many friends.

Workaholic by nature, Prem is respected by his family.

Prem, the prospective partner for vivacious Sanjana

It so happens, that Sanjana's boyfriend is actually the best friend of this Prem (Abhishek) - what a surprise!

The twist comes when Sanjana's Prem (Hrithik) is forced to go to Delhi on a business assignment.

Unaware of what lies ahead, Sanjana meets this Prem Kumar. She sees Prem as a workaholic human being with a gentle nature - someone wanting to laugh and love but simply cannot bring himself to do so.

She teaches him to be free of all his inhibitions.

By doing so, Sanjana finds a true friend whom she can confide her innermost secrets.

As for Prem Kumar, he realises that this is the girl he has been waiting for, all his life.

Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (meaning I will love you till the end. . .) is the story of Sanjana who becomes indecisive about love and friendship when she meets her two Prems.

Going by director, Sooraj Barjatya's track record, one can easily predict that this film too, will be a runaway success at the box office this summer.

Previewed by Manish Gajjar, BBC Shropshire's Mr Bollywood.

Mujhse Dosti Karoge! 2002

Producer: Yash Chopra Director: Kunal Kohli Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Rani Mukherji, Kareena Kapoor, Uday Chopra, Satish Shah, Kiran Kumar, Sachin Khedekar, Smita Jayakar and Himani Shivpuri Music: Rahul Sharma Lyrics: Late Anand Bakshi

Raj, Pooja and Tina are childhood friends. While Raj has always been attracted to the vivacious Tina, he is completely unaware of the quiet Pooja's feelings for him.

Raj's father decides to move to England with his family to take up a new job, so Raj has to go away from his friends. He makes Tina promise to write to him via e-mail. But Tina soon becomes occupied with other things, so it's the loyal Pooja who writes to Raj; but she always signs with Tina's name to help Tina keep her promise, sometimes coming close to signing her own name. Raj and Pooja have many things in common, and their e-mails bring them very close to each other. A decade and a half later, Raj returns to India for a short vacation. By now, he's in love with the girl he has been writing to, and believes he can recognise her at first sight.

When the three of them finally meet, Raj, to Pooja's disappointment, completely ignores her and is besotted with Tina, who is as vivacious as ever. However, during the two weeks of his vacation, he cannot help but notice that the real Tina is completely different compared to the Tina he knew from the e-mails. He also starts to like Pooja, without realising she is the one he is really in love with.
He returns to London, where Pooja coincidentally arrives for an interview, and there he discovers that it was Pooja who wrote all the letters. They confess their love for each other and decide to get married, but fate plays an unexpected trick on them. Back in India, Tina's father has died, leaving Tina all alone in the world. By now, she is in love with Raj as well.
Pooja now refuses to marry Raj, since she does not want to break Tina's heart. Raj is the only one Tina has left now. Raj's parents also agree to the marriage, but Raj wants to tell them that he really loves Pooja. Pooja however, still refuses to marry Raj and so he angrily vows to her that he will only marry Tina if Pooja marries someone else on the same day.
Enter a friend Raj's, Rohan Verma. Rohan is greatly attracted to Pooja and the families are all for the match. Pooja bows to the inevitable and agrees to marry Rohan on the same day as Raj and Tina. That way, she hopes to satisfy Raj's condition and ensure Tina's happiness. Rohan realises something is wrong and that Pooja does not love him, but keeps up the charade nevertheless. On the day of the marriage, Tina realises that Raj is really in love with Pooja, so she gives him up and finally Pooja and Raj get married.

Na Tum Jaano Na Hum 2002

Director: Arjun Sablok
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan,Esha Deol, Moushumi Chatterjee, Rati Agnihotri, Alok Nath, Smita Jaykar, Anang Desai and Ashima Bhalla.
Length: 180mins
Release: Eros International

Na Tum Jaano Naa Hum (meaning "Only God Knows"); is inspired by the Hollywood flick, "You've Got Mail" and the Bollywood movie, "Sirf Tum". This film brings together three much talked about stars in Bollywood today.
We have Saif Ali Khan who gave a flawless performance in Dil Chahta Hai and is now banking for the same in Na Tum Jaano Naa Hum, Hrithik Roshan who is all out to prove that he is still number one in Bollywood after his mega hit Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai and Esha Deol who is trying to prove that she is one of the upcoming young actresses on the movie scene.
The story of this film revolves around Rahul, a photographer who grows up in the household of his best friend, Askhay.Rahul who is shy and emotional by nature, strikes up a friendship with Esha via an FM Radio broadcast even though he is unaware of her identity.

Askay, on the other hand, is a womaniser who happens to change girlfriends like there is no tomorrow.

All seems to be going well until Askhay's parents decide to get him married off to none other than Esha.

Totally against the idea of an arranged marriage, Akshay decides to send best friend Rahul to find out more about this girl. Hence Rahul ends up posing as a photographer in the home of Esha.

The twist in the emotional drama comes during Esha and Akshay' s engagement party when Rahul learns that the mysterious girl he has been communicating with via the FM Radio is none other than Esha.

Shocked and totally heartbroken, Rahul manages to hide his true emotions so as not to hurt Akshay.

But Esha could not forget her unknown friend with whom she has now fallen in love.

Which path will Esha take? Will Rahul be able to speak the truth without hurting his best friend's feelings? And what will happen to Akshay?

Answers to these questions and more will be revealed in the climax scenes that have been extremely well executed by director Arjun Sablok.

Debutant Sablok has done a commendable job considering that the screenplay was an inspiration from his own personal life.

Technically the film excels in all departments. Rajesh Roshan's music flows with the story line but one cannot fail to notice the innovative background score by Raju Singh which integrates well with the emotions of the saga on the big screen.

Cinematography by Manoj Soni is breathtaking as he captures the beauty of the European locales with great finesse.

Both Hrithik and Saif give a true to life performance as usual but its Esha Deol who comes up trumps.

She dances with great elegance, emotes naturally and looks more mature since her debut performance in Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche.

All in all Arjun Sablok has given his film a great cast, a commendable story line and excellent technical support. So what are you waiting for? Go and see the movie.

Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage 2002

Director: Vikram Bhatt
Music: Rajesh Roshan
Lyrics: Ibrahim Ashq, Dev Kohli
Producer: Rohit Kumar
Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Kiran Kumar, Mukesh Tiwari & Amisha Patel

RATING:
*****

Emkay Films P. Ltd.'s Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage (UA) is a love story with the angle of crime thrown in. A college youth falls head over heels in love with an underworld don's daughter. The romance blossoms during the nine nights of Navratri festival. To be close to his beloved, the boy becomes part of a music band which performs at the don's house for the nine nights. On her part, the girl too loves the boy but is petrified of her father and equally horrific brother, both of who will not let her leave their home for fear of the rival gang. They even get her engaged to marry a boy of their choice.

On the last day of the Navratri festival, the girl elopes with her beloved who keeps her in his all-boys hostel. When the girl's whereabouts is found by her family, her father, pretending to be on the lovers' side, takes his daughter away while making a false promise to get the two married. The boy then is beaten up by his beloved's brother and assumed to be dead. When the girl learns of the 'death', she attempts to end her life by consuming poison. But the boy reappears and rescues the girl not only from the clutches of her family but of death too. In the end, her father has a change of heart and gives his consent to their marriage.

Both, the story and screenplay, jointly written by Robin Bhatt and Sanjeev Duggal, are hopelessly routine and offer no novelty whatsoever. The only novel angle of the two lovers romancing during Navratri is not exciting enough to create any impact. Rather, the way the Navratri festival has been treated, it looks like a never-ending one! Other than the audience in Gujarat and Maharashtra, where Navratri is celebrated with the gaiety shown in the film, nobody would really care for the novelty. Even in Gujarat, people may appreciate the angle of Navratri but would not necessarily approve of it because the dandiya and/or garba-raas atmosphere recreated is not very entertaining.

The film looks disjointed as it moves on one track at a time for a fairly long time although there are at several tracks - prominent among them being those of crime and romance. After the initial crime angle, when the drama turns to romance, the track of crime takes a complete back-seat. It comes to the fore again after many reels. That the screenplay writing is a half-baked job is evident not just because of flaws as above but also because loose ends have not even been tied together. For instance, there's not even an attempt to show what happens to the girl's fiancé and his family in the end!

The film's pace is so frighteningly slow that the drama bores at many places. Further, the director takes so long to come to the point (in many scenes) that the film literally tests the viewers' patience. What's worse is that the culmination of those long-drawn out scenes is as routine as routine can be! The script offers no answers to questions that crop up in the audience's minds - questions like why the boy does not take the girl to his parents instead of his hostel, considering that she'd be safer with his parents; why do the boy and girl believe the latter's father so easily when he promises to get them married; why do two dons, who are sworn enemies of each other, meet up merely because one is in trouble - and who fixes this meeting? Such questions further reduce the impact of the drama as viewers get a feeling of being taken for a ride.

Some light scenes are entertaining, especially in the pre-interval portion. While the romance doesn't gladden the heart too much, the emotional scenes completely fail to touch the heart. The charm of several romantic scenes is lost if only because the girl cries even while romancing!

Hrithik Roshan's entry is splendid - he looks superb and makes a terrific impact on the viewer. However, thanks to the insipid script, he gets little scope to show his acting talent but plenty of scope to dance - in fact, he has been made to dance so excessively that viewers would tire of it. Although he dances brilliantly, he doesn't dance his way into the audience's hearts with his performance. Amisha Patel cries in a good part of the film. She overacts as she tries to get variation in her crying in scene after scene. Her dialogue delivery is quite flat and it appears as if she were delivering a speech, not her dialogues, at some places.

The supporting cast is quite a letdown. The producers seem to have cut corners by taking inconsequential names and unknown faces even in some important roles. The opening scene in which an important member of the don's gang is killed by the rival gang, creates such a terror in the don's house but the deceased turns out to be a faceless guy because there's nobody playing that character!

Kiran Kumar is alright. Mukesh Tiwari is too loud. Nishigandha Deoolkar does a fair job. Madhuri Sanjeev and Alok Nath lend ordinary support. Jimmy Moses is dull. Shaikh Sami, Ali Asgar, Hemant Pandey, Jasbir Thandi, Suchit Jadhav, Shahbaaz Khan (in a special appearance) and the rest just about fill the bill.

Vikram Bhatt's direction is uninspired and ordinary. Let down completely by a dull script, he does little to salvage the film. Rajesh Roshan's music is good but not too exciting. The title track and 'Hawaon ne yeh kaha' are the better numbers and their picturisations are very nice. The Navratri song is too lengthy. The hostel song deserves to be chopped off. A couple of other songs can be shortened. Camerawork (Pravin Bhatt) is good but not consistently so. Dialogues (Girish Dhamija) are good at places only. Action scenes (Abbas Ali Moghul) are effective. The action scene in which Hrithik saves Amisha Patel in the first half has been brilliantly executed. Editing is loose. The film needs heavy re-editing to reduce its length by at least 20 to 25 minutes.

On the whole, Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage, which reminds of Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai and (Venkatesh-starrer) Anari, is a weak fare and its high price will see its distributors reeling under losses. It has some chances in small centers only.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum 2001

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Farida Jalal, Johnny Lever and Rani Mukherjee. Screenplay: Karan Johar, Sheena Parekh Costumes: Shabina Khan, Rocky S, Manish Malhotra Make up: Mickey Contracter Art Direction: Sharmistha Roy Choreography: Farah Khan Audiography: Anuj Mathur Editing:Sanjay Sankla Cinematography: Kiran Deohans Visual Effects: Western Outdoor Lyrics: Sameer Music: Jatin-Lalit, Sandesh Shandilya, Aadesh Srivastava Produced by: Yash Johar Directed by: Karan Johar

It is tough enough to make both a good film as well as a successful one, particularly if it is your debut film. It is even tougher to back it up with a film that is at least as good if not better. Perhaps this factor plays heavily on a director's mind as he becomes extremely conscious of having to live up to the expectations his earlier film had generated and also of the type of film he is now expected to make. This leads him to making films that are made much more more from the head as a product that must make money, rather than from the heart and consequently the new film fails to be anywhere near the earlier film in terms of quality. One saw this earlier with Aditya Chopra's , an extremely disappointing follow up to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge (1995) and now one feels exactly the same with Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (K3G), Karan Johar's follow up to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

Yashvardhan Raichand (Amitabh Bachchan) is the patriarchal head of the ultra-rich, ultra powerful Raichand family. Married to Nandini (Jaya Bachchan), the couple have two sons - the elder, Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) who has been adopted by the family and the younger, a fat food loving Rohan. Trouble brews when Rahul falls in love with Anjali (Kajol), the daughter of a mithai shop owner from Delhi's Chandni Chowk area and marries her against Yashvardhan's wishes who had arranged his wedding to a business associate's daughter, Naina (Rani Mukherjee). Rahul and Anjali leave the house... Ten years later a grown slim and trim Rohan (Hrithik Roshan) tracks down Rahul and Anjali in London where they now live with a young son and with Anjali's sister and his childhood friend Pooja (Kareena Kapoor). With Pooja's help he moves into Rahul house as a guest not revealing his true identity and then tries to make Rahul remember the family he has left behind in India and to get him back home...Of course his identity is found out on the way and of course romance blossoms between him and Pooja and of course...in the end all's well that ends well.

While no doubt money has been spent on the film like water - the huge ensemble star cast, lush production value in terms of locations, sets, properties, costumes etc. the basic problem with K3G is that the sum of all the parts do not add up to a whole. The film suffers from an insipid screenplay and is pretty much devoid of good moments particularly in the development of the romances of Shah Rukh-Kajol and Hrithik-Kareena. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai for all its bubble gum and candy floss had some brilliant romantic and emotional moments but sadly K3G falls badly in this department. (This happened earlier again with DDLJ and Mohabbatein - the developing romance and the romantic interplay which was such a highlight in DDLJ was totally absent in the various love stories in Mohabbatein.)

None of the characters are really sketched out well. Our filmmakers seem to forget establishing the background of characters. While one knows the Raichand family is a rich business family, what is it they really do? And when Shah Rukh moves out of the house and we see him in London what has he done to do so well? If he's walked out of the family business without anything then how has he become so affluent? This is conveniently glossed over as the concentration is on other aspects of the film rather than good, basic storytelling.

While one can forgive a person genuine mistakes and even a film that doesn't work if it is made sincerely, what is unforgivable in K3G is tom tomming one's own achievements. Throughout the film, Karan keeps repeating the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai title tune in the background, even the Shah Rukh - Kajol characters are called Rahul and Anjali. It is like forcing the point down the audience's throat - Remember I'm the man who made Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Maybe this could be because heart of hearts Karan knew the problems with the end result of K3G and thus keep reminding the audience - remember I have also done good work. But if Kuch Kuch Hota Hai had just the odd cringing scene where the girl does namaaz and Kajol's wedding is postponed, K3G throws up several more. If that is not bad enough, one wonders the direction our films are taking with the so called propagation of 'Indian Values.'

Films such as these are aimed at the NRIs and are supposed to make them remember their 'Indianness.' Hence the Hum Aapke Hai Kaun syndrome - the bhajans, the wedding songs, the Diwali celebrations, etc. etc. But do they really examine the values these films actually propagate? OK love the family, be tolerant, respect your elders is one thing but there is a very fine line between traditional Indian values and regression particularly in the treatment of our women characters who have no mind of their own and live for their husbands and children only. One has always (one can't even say in most cases) seen the films to fall into regressive territory. In one of the truly gobsmacking moments of the film, when Shah Rukh and Kajol leave the house even though she knows it is because of her and that Yashvardhan has no place for her, she keeps tearfully telling Shah Rukh they haven't taken his blessings. The man has no place for you and you want to fall at his feet. Is this what the self-respecting Indian woman is or should be? And this is passed off as positive attributes of a good traditional Indian woman! OK the filmmaker could argue that the doormat wife finally tells Yash the concept of 'pati parmeshwar' not being correct. However it is but a token stand taken at the end of the film and if the filmmaker feels he has done his job and spoken for her he is sadly mistaken. What about her being the doormat for the entire film till now? And then our filmmakers justify themselves that in such films the woman makes the man realize his mistake with her inner strength and suffering and he even begs forgiveness from her at the end of the film. (Which of course is easily forthcoming, they forget to add) What hell he has made her go through is easily forgotten. And life resumes with him once again being her lord and master! On top of that, all of this is sugar coated with doses of I Love my India but this pop patriotism lends itself to cringing scenes of the criminal use of the National Anthem sung at a British school by an Indian child leading British children (our version of white bashing?) or even worse the blatant misuse of Vande Mataram in the background as a proud Kajol runs to the stage to hug her son to the applause of everyone particularly the whites.

It's all about loving your parents goes the tag line of the film but the entire film rests on the father's pride in not accepting his son's love story and being unable to tell his son openly that he loves him. So one is a bit uncertain trying to fathom out the loving the parents bit in the film! And there are other things that one struggles to understand in the film. Why does Hrithik have to hide his identity when there was no problem in the relationship he shares with Shah Rukh? This is clearly brought on in the scene where the two brothers meet when Shah Rukh informs him that he's leaving the house. And when the fault is not Shah Rukh's but Amitabh's which led to Shah Rukh walking out why does Hrithik who by now knows the truth try to get Shah Rukh home and not work on Amitabh instead and get him to relent?

The performances - Amitab bachchan and Shah Rukh seem to be replaying their roles in Mohabbatein. And Bachchan is unable to rise above his role giving you a strict feeling of deja vu. However Shah Rukh gives a fine mature, performance as the man caught between his wife and son at one end and his parents at the other. He is particularly good in the emotional sequences and does them with much feeling without going overboard. Kajol has played her chatterbox 'punjabi kudi' way way over the top and it is only in her more serious moments of the film where she proves what a magical performer she is often conveying more with just a look or a glance than most actresses can with reams of dialogue to support them. Kareena too is reduced to a caricature in her lighter scenes but then her attitude and confidence carry her through and she is adequate in her more serious avtaar. Hrithik and Rani Mukherjee are ably efficient. Special mention must be made of the young girl playing the young Pooja.

One major letdown in the film is its music. Barring maybe the title track (badly overused), Tu hai my Soniya and Leja Leja the rest is nothing to write home about. Technically too, considering the formidable technical crew involved, the film is just efficiently made. One is treated to just the odd technical flourish like the dissolve from the swirling blades of the helicopter to the top angle shot of Rani and other dancers swirling on the dance floor but that's about it. The film needed a lot more...In fact on the editing side the cutting like in the scene of Shah Rukh placing his hand on Kajol's head and this being intercut with their wedding looks forced and deliberate to show off technical virtuosity rather then anything else. And why do our filmmakers constantly keep the camera moving at all times, often without purpose at all?

So what are the redeeming points of the film then? It's interesting to see a film where the family is partial in fact to the adopted son rather than the real son. And the son clearly is told of his adoption rather then it coming somewhere as a twist in the tale. Then the scenes between Hrithik and Shah Rukh when the latter isn't aware of Hrithik's real identity and him trying to get Shah Rukh to remember his family. Their banter together is cute and heartwarming bringing a smile to one's lips. A couple of madcap comic moments as Farida Jalal and Kajol mimic the English women or when Kajol thinks that Saraswati has descended into their house or her interaction with their English neighbour, Jaya's scene where she finally speaks out to Amitabh. But that's really about it as the so called other emotional scenes are plodding, heavy and predictable (this even though thankfully they have been treated in a more restrained manner rather then people raving and ranting). In fact the problem with the film is that for it to be a good mainstream film, the balance between the natural flow of the story and the commercial elements should have been far more harmonious but here every so called highlight is thought of as an item that people would like and thus it would be a hit rather then the demands of the story thus taking away from the story flow altogether.

Yaadein 2001

Producer: Subhash Ghai Director: Subhash Ghai Starring: Jackie Shroff, Rati Agnihotri, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Amrish Puri, Avni Vasa, Himani Rawat & Kiran Rathod Music: Anu Malik Lyrics: Anand Bakshi Released on: July 27, 2001 Approximate Running Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes
Review:
One would sure wonder if Subhash Ghai really directed the film. This is coz’, from a master narrator like Ghai, one would never expect a film like this! With the theme and actors Ghai has got for Yaadein, he could probably have dished out a good emotional drama that would have been a sweet 'memory to cherish'. But a very bad script and insipid direction made the film fall flat, disappointing the audience. It appears as though Ghai is interested more in promoting brand names like Coke, Pass Pass and Hero cycles than in the story.

The story line revolves around Raj (Jackie Shroff) and his 3 motherless daughters. A few minutes before her death, Raj's wife recites a Sanskrit poem from a greeting card that reads, “treat your children as friends”. And this is what “Yaadein” is all about!

Raj, carrying his wife's last wish, brings up his 3 daughters, treating them as friends. Ronit (Hrithik) is a good friend of Raj and runs some dot com companies. He helps Raj find a groom for his elder daughter through one of his websites. The second daughter also gets married, after a heated argument with her reluctant father and an attempt to commit suicide! That leaves with Isha (Kareena) the youngest one. She goes to Malaysia for a cycling race and suddenly discovers that she is in love with Ronit, but only after he rescues her from the crocodiles in a deserted island. Just as the happy two start singing 'dil mile dil mile', Ronit's uncle has different plans for Ronit. He wants to get Ronit married to a rich NRI girl, for which he seeks the help of Raj to convince the NRI family. Raj succeeds in the task and returns home only to find that his younger daughter to be in love with Ronit. From here, the story runs on expected twists and turns, and finally ends with Ronit marrying Isha.

In all, the film seems to have had more negative than positive aspects. Not a single character in the film seems to be etched well in spite of Jackie, Hrithik and Kareena having performed well. Some scenes that ought to be so emotional seemed so hollow, that they lack life! And that is the biggest drawback of the film. The music scored by Anu Malik, much hyped to be made highly techno-savvy also was not all that impressive except for the title song, which is wrapped into every other song in the film. The UK locales however are exotic.

All said and done, Yaadein seems the best example of how a good theme can be spoiled by a bad script. But, you still can watch Yaadein for Jackie, Hrithik and Kareena.

Mission Kashmir 2000

Acteurs : Hritik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, Preity Zinta, Jackie Shroff

Mission Kashmir est avant tout l'histoire d'Altaaf (Hritik Roshan) qui a perdu sa famille dans une fusillade organisée entre chef de l'armée indienne et des terroristes pakistanais dans une région du Cashemire. Il sera recueilli par l'homme qui était responsable de la descente dans le milieu terroriste, le général Khan (Sanjay Dutt). Après avoir perdu son propre fils, il adopte avec sa femme le jeune Altaaf. Celui-ci est hanté par les images de l'assassinat de ses parents et commence à se poser des questions. Il découvre un jour un élément qui va le faire changer à jamais, son père adoptif est responsable de son agonie. il va alors s'engager dans les rebelles pakistanais afin de prendre sa revanche contre l'homme qui l'a brisé...

Mission Kashmir est un film poignant qui atteint sa cible à maintes reprises. L'histoire est bien ficelée et les situations sont bien enchainées. Même si certains flashbacks sont assez répétitifs, l'ensemble du film garde une cohérence scénaristique. Vidhu Vinod Chopra a toujours raconté des histoires fortes dans des univers complètement différents et il prend là les relations difficiles entre l'Inde et le Pakistan dans la région du Cashemire comme cadre de son histoire. Mais Mission Kashmir est surtout une histoire de famille et de vengeance personnelle qui est bien maitrisée, même si la fin est assez classique.

Hritik s'en sort bien en jeune homme torturé et en quête de revanche. Il montre ses muscles (comme d'habitude) mais son jeu est assez bon, même s'il surjoue certaines scènes.

Sanjay Dutt est vraiment convaincant. Son rôle est très bien écrit et il adapte très bien sa performance.

Preity réalise une performance honnête dans un rôle peu détaillé mais qui a une importance. Elle continue dans la lignée des performances précédentes en incarnant une jeune fille au tempérament bien trempé.

Jackie Shroff est très convaincant en tant que chef des rebelles.

La musique de SEL est très originale et ajoute un charme au film. Des mélodies soignées et une belle mise en image les rendent encore plus belles. Mention spéciale pour "Chupke se Sun" sur la barque, qui est un moment vraiment très fort.

Mission Kashmir est un très bon divertissement, qui utilise le conflit du Cashemire en toile de fond pour se concentrer sur les relations d'une famille spéciale. Un film maitrisé de Vidhu Vinod Chopra, qui n'atteint pas ses classiques précédents Parinda et 1942: A Love Story, mais qui reste très recommendable. Les performances remarquables ainsi que la mise en scène sont un des plus du film.

Fiza 2000

Actors: Hrithik Roshan, Karisma Kapoor, Jaya Bachchan Language: Hindi Director: Khalid Mohammed Music: Anu Malik

After a silent period of many years, again a friend coerced me into going to a theatre to watch a Hindi film called Fiza. I went there expecting to waste a beautiful fall evening, but hey, what is a few wasted hours in the name of the friendship? I visualized a rundown, messy, overcrowded theatre, with people coming and going as they pleased, film starting after an hours delay and then sitting through all the obnoxious modern dances, performed by some overweight actors. I could not have been more wrong. Bollywood has come a long way, since the eighties hungama films. This is a damn good movie, and coming from a viewer who had given up on Hindi films, it is a powerful statement.

The film is directed by the renowned Times of India film critic Khalid Mohamed and produced by Pradeep Guha.

The film is set during 92-93 religious riots in Mumbai, fueled by political powers. The cold realities are chilling, it is so close to home, and yet we tend to forget. However, people who lost their loved ones can't forget. The film portrays one such mother played by Jaya Bachchan, who had put her life on hold for the Son that she saw disappear in the middle of the night, caught in a fight between two rival groups. We first witness the decay of the system when an overworked policeman refuses to help her son Amaan (Hrithik Roshan) because of Amaan's religion.

Fiza, Amaan's sister (Karishma Kapoor) can not stand the stagnation of their life, she decides to remove the obstacle to their flow of life. She launches a search for her missing brother. Her search takes her through the political jungle, through the streets of Mumbai, through corrupt employers and finally to the dessert of Rajasthan. One small scene, shines the light on male hypocrisy, is when Fiza goes for an interview, and the employer, a middle-aged, bald man refuses to hire her, because of her newspaper article. He doesn't want any troublemakers in his office, he says, but that does not stop him from propositioning her. The newspaper article catches the eyes of both the Hindu and Muslim political leaders, who want Fiza on their side, so they can sway the voters in their favor.

Fiza finds Amaan, but he is not the innocent little brother that she had lost earlier. The riot experience and the ensuing struggle for survival had turned him into a terrorist, who is running a 'jihad', according to him and his mentors. What happens when Fiza brings him back to Mumbai why he returns to Rajsthan to run the 'jihad', and the final showdown between the brother and the sister, left me on the edge of my seat. No it is not a thriller; the powerful acting kept me there. Karishma made me cry, which hasn't happened in a long time to me watching a Hindi film in a long time. I predict or at least wish for a filmfare award for her. Hrithik was also quite powerful in the second half.

Jaya Bachchan delivers a good performance, but I was disappointed by her physical appearance, may be it was make-up for her part, but she also looked plump. Although the two dance numbers, one in colorful Rajsthan with Shushmita Sen and one in a Mumbai nightclub by Karishma, are most delightful, even of they are not essential to the story.

The music is melodious, and emotionally touching. The song "Naa leke jao, mere dost ka janaza hai" is heart breaking.

Kaho Na Pyar Hai 2000

Director : Rakesh Roshan

Producer : Rakesh Roshan

Music : Rajesh Roshan

Lyrics : Sawan Kumar Tak, Ibrahim Ashq, Vijay Akela

Starring: Hrithik Roshan and Amisha Patel

Kaho Naa……… Pyaar Hai is tender hearted love story about an upright young man who brings cheer, music and warmth into life of a sweet natured girl.

For the innocent twosome, life is almost like paradise till fate intervenes. Separated by circumstances beyond their control, the girl is in a state of shock. Her very existence is meaningless without that wondrous feeling called love. But all is not lost yet.

The girl who cannot come to terms with losing her beloved travels across the seven seas in a bid to erase her dream-like memories. Far away from home she encounters a young man who has the same face that she had given her heart and soul unconditionally.

Can the twosome now overcome the myriad hurdles in the way? Can he succeed in erasing the traumatic memories which continue to assail her. Can they make a absolutely fresh beginning?

Kaho Naa……… Pyaar Hai mirrors the feelings of this young debut pair in a style that spells unlimited entertainment. So go ahead and enjoy!

KAHO NA...PYAAR HAI - THE LYRICS
Hrithik Roshan and Amisha Patel in KNPH 1. Kaho Na Pyaar Hai 2. Na Tum Jaano Na Hum 3. Pyaar Ki Kashti Mein 4. Jaaneman Jaaneman 5. Chand Sitare 6. Dil Ne Dil Ko Pukara 7. Kaho Na Pyaar Hai (Sad) 8. Ek Pal Ka Jeena

Hrithikmania:
Country wide hysteria followed the release of his Hrithik Roshan's first film "Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai" (2000). The phenomemon was unprecended in Bollywood history and is known as Hrithikmania. Son of Bollywood filmaker Rakesh Roshan and actress Pinky Roshan, his rise to fame is not surprising. His fabulous dancing skills were an added bonus that led to the birth of a mega-star. Hrithik Roshan has worked with such presigious filmmakers as Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rahul Rawail, Randhir Kapoor, Subhash Ghai, Raj Kanwar, Indra Kumar, Karan Johar, Yash Chopra and Tanuja Chandra. Blockbuster films in Roshan's career include "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" co-starring Rani Mukherjee(2001) and the "Koi... Mil Gaya" (2003) co-starring Preity Zinta.

Hrithik Roshan The Best
Girls do any thing for him I heard he had 30000 marriage proposals daily after his debut film "KAHO NAA PYAAR HAI"