Nov 07, 2009 04:35 PM
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(Updated Nov 07, 2009 04:49 PM)
I am out of the theatre and still thinking, “Is this the same Rajkumar Santoshi who gave some hard-hitting and intense films for a long time?”. Yup, he directed Andaz Apna Apna but that was like some 15-16 years ago. Post-AAA, he came up with close to dozen intense and almost realistic films. A certain image of Santoshi was carved out thanks to his kind of films. But with Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, he breaks that image and proves that he STILL can come up with solid youthful entertainers! Sweet, witty, little absurd… Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani succeeds completely in making you laugh!
The story of the movie: Prem (Ranbir Kapoor) lives in a town called Mount Valley and runs ‘Happy Club’ in the coffin shop of one of his friends’ father! He is carefree, happy and wants to make others happy. A case of mistaken identity leads him to meeting Jenny (Katrina Kaif). He soon falls in love with her but doesn’t profess even though both he and Jenny become thick pals. The reason-both are as different as chalk and cheese. To begin with, Prem is the son of a staunch Hindu while Jenny is Catholic. Jenny wants her dream man to be literate and who works hard for his family. But Prem is 9th standard pass and doesn’t work at all. And lastly, Prem is a vegetarian and Jenny is not (or is she?)! And does Jenny feel the same for Prem? Or does she love someone else?
Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani is a different entertainer, esp in terms of storytelling and execution. Every director in Bollywood attempting a comic film takes a usual stereotypical route. But RS doesn’t show any such signs. He treats the plot in his own way. Either he knew it would work or maybe, he himself was little confused and misfit for the film! But whatever maybe the reason, the end product rocks!
If one is looking forward to some sense, logic and intelligent comedy, then Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani is not for them! The film abounds in complete loud entertainment and also in absurdity at times. However, it gives equal importance to romance and scores here too. In fact, it maintains a fine balance between romance and comedy and delivers a fab rom-com to the viewers!
Some scenes rock in the film and make you laugh loudly! Ranbir’s entry in the beginning itself is hilarious! The following kidnapping sequence and the weird misunderstanding that crops up in Katrina’s mind was damn funny! Note how a sad song is incorporated in the beginning itself when the prem kahani has just begun, unlike in other films where tragic kind of tracks are mostly towards the end. It’s a novel film as I said!
The film gets a bit slow in the 2nd half and the song ‘Tu Jaane Na’ in this hour stops the flow of narrative. That’s one glitch in the film besides the title of the film. It sounds cool but doesn’t suit the film completely. The explanation for the title was done towards but still it didn’t justify. But fortunately, no one’s complaining nowadays about incorrect titles. Films like All The Best and Wanted were also so named although there was no connection between the title and the content!
The film belongs to Ranbir Kapoor, without a shred of doubt! He was extremely lovable and does an extraordinary job. He was funny during comic scenes without going overboard even in a single place. At the same time, he scores in emotional scenes as well. Watch out for him when he keeps on regretting about Jenny but at the same time, tells his pals to change the topic. And how can I forget-the club scene where he dances flawlessly and comically a la Shammi Kapoor! That sequence would have been just another funny scene if it was not for Ranbir. With such great job in all his 4 films that has released till now, Ranbir proves that he’s soon gonna be the next superstar! Fortunately, we’ll get to see him soon in Rocket Singh and Rajneeti. Ranbir is supposed to have strong roles in both the films. This Kapoor boy is definitely on a roll!
Katrina Kaif was equally good as Ranbir and
surprises one and all with such a fab performance. Earlier, she used to
face the criticism that she is famous only because of her looks. But
all this will stop now for sure. With Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, she
has proved that she can act well and can maintain an important position
in the film even in front of a powerhouse performer like Ranbir Kapoor! Way to go, Katz!
If you hated Darshan Jariwala in Life Partner, you’ll love him in this film as Ranbir’s dad. His scenes with Ranbir were excellent! Even Smita Jaykar, who played Ranbir’s mom was great and is a perfect actor for the role of actor’s moms! Upen Patel disappointed. He was a miscast-with his Western accent, he didn’t suit at all as the son of a politican (Govind Namdeo) seeking Hindu votes. Also look out for the scene where he laughs in a stupid manner! I liked Upen in 36 China Town and Shakalaka Boom Boom but here, he was simply not impressive at all!
Govind Namdeo’s performance was nothing special. Zakir Hussain convincingly played the over the top villain. The actor who played Tony did a great job. All actors playing Ranbir’s pals were good. Salman Khan rocked in a special appearance and the person who played Jesus delivered a ‘divine’ performance!
(CONTINUED IN THE 1ST AND THE 4TH COMMENT)
