''Hello, Pankajbhai Hain?''. Review on Hum Tum

Hum Tum is Kunal Kohli's tale of how the two genders are radically different. Through the eyes, or rather, pencil of a cartoonist Karan Kapoor (Saif Ali Khan), the director shows how the two genders can interpret each thing differently. A tale which outlines Karan's relationship with Ria Prakash (Rani Mukerji) over a span of a decade.

As expected, the film relies on two basic premises - comedy and mush. What's commendable is that the director matures both aspects with ease and wonderfully blends the two. Contrary to his previous directorial venture, the unpalatable Mujhse Dosti Karoge, Hum Tum is a joy to watch as it makes you roar with laughter and at the same time feel for the characters.

The movie concentrates on the rib-ticklers for most of its running length, yet a few scenes thrown in make you wonder with amazement how well you can identify with the two lead characters of the film. Whether it's Rani's initial disgust for Saif or Saif's transformation from a skirt chaser (yet again, but even more amazingly done) to a caring friend, the goings-on in the movie seem perfectly natural - a very rare quality which most mushy romcom flicks lack.

Apart from acing the directorial department, Kohli scores brownie points for his script and screenplay. The script is adorned with wit and humour, with Saif getting all the punchlines, and delivering them in his characteristic style. Even the emotional sequences are poignant, yet are not filled with the cliched dialogues we keep hearing in Johar films and Balaji serials. When it comes to the screenplay, the masterfulness with which Kohli deals with the funny and romantic scenes is commendable. While he shifts from frame to frame with frantic pace when he wants to make the audience laugh, the romance is slow, moving and beautiful.

While the film boasts of a number of special appearances, unlike Kal Ho Na Ho (giving this example as it was the last flick which had so many special appearances), none of them look forced. Each of them move the story forward in some way or the other.

The music may have sounded ordinary when it was released, but the songs fit into the narrative quite easily. Ladki Kyon and the title song are the pick of the lot.

Saif Ali Khan is not the life of the film - he is the film itself. A dazzling performance reaffirms my belief that his comic timing is unparalleled - be it Hollywood or Bollywood. Unlike the Sandlers and Carreys of this world, he does not need to shriek, make faces and make sexual gestures to make the audience laugh. On the other hand, although you often feel that his character is just like his previous films - quickwitted and carefree, watch out for the other non-hilarious scenes; a special mention of some of his scenes with his father which are beautifully conceptualised.

Rani Mukerji gets better and better with each film. The two basic contrasts in her character after an incident changes her life are brilliantly portrayed.

Rishi Kapoor is back. Although he still threatens to occupy the entire screen due to his gigantic presence, his acting as Saif's father is simply delightful. Unlike some recent flicks of his where he has appeared disinterested, Rishi puts in his heart and soul into the character and gives you nostalgia aplenty with references to Bobby, Dimple and the song 'Main shaayar toh nahin'.

Kirron Kher plays a cariacturish Punjabi mother. Although she gets on your nerves in the beginning, she does manage to make you laugh in some of the latter scenes.

Among the special appearances, Abhishek Bachchan and Jimmy Shergill are good in their respective roles. Ishaa Koppikar and Shenaz Treasuryvala are irritating though, in their miniscule appearances.

The only flaw in the film, if somebody wants to search for one with a fine toothcomb, is that, in parts, the film reminds you of certain flicks. Yet, that apart, here is a film which would have you grinning throughout, whether it is because of Saif's antics, the beautiful way in which Saif's and Rani's relationship is sketched out, the amazingly cute animations or the fact that the characters and setting continue to remind you of your special someone.

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