~Dreams Unlimited~ London Dreams Movie Review. Review on London Dreams

The dream was always running ahead of me. To catch up, to live for a moment in unison with it, that was the miracle ~ Anais Nin

When dreams are materialized, they no longer remain as dreams. You are going to be struck by austere veracity. Till when you dream, your life is guided by your vision, you are focused, you achieve mile stones, you rejoice crossing hurdles and the “way to achieve end” will never bother you. But now that you are close to your goal and if you have decided to indulge in introspection, will that amount to give a new meaning to your life? Will you be able to take the reality as it is? Yesterday success was a passion for you but today it is transformed to obsession! Will you opt to move back to your shell or face the world again as it is?

London Dreamsis all about the aspiration, dreams, achievement and a few people who pursue the same. The story revolves around passion, music, friendship, aggression and the best part is it’s closeness to reality with out eroding cinematic pleasure

Arjun’s (Ajay Devgan) dream was to perform in Wembley Stadium, Londonwhere his grand father failed to perform. He was always struck with obstructions while moving ahead with his ambition. But, music was his life and hence achieving his dream is equivalent to fight for his life. What ever be the hurdles – be it bonds of relation or anything remained only as obstacles for him. His life revolves around achievement of his dream and he parked all other priorities till when he achieved his end. Passion transforming to obsession!

Manjit (Salman)was not clear about his goal in life but he always exhibited unstinted affection towards his friend. He could sing but he was happy to perform “Band Party” in Bhatinda. He is loud; happy go lucky, naïve and innocent – the typical Punjabi Villager.

Arjun and Manjit complimented each other during childhood and destiny brought Arjun to London where he struggled to achieve his dream. His dream gave shape to the Band “London Dreams” – Arjun being the lead vocal, composer and lyricist got ample support from Priya (Asin)the Iyer girl who was forced to learn Bhart Natyam but wanted to perform Western Dance and Pakistani instrument players Zoheb and Wasim (Ran Vijay Singh and Aditya Kapoor).

Arjun was so calculative in his move and could vouch Manjit to be a part of his dream which he obliged gracefully. Together they started their journey to fulfill the dream! All of them complimented each other in the best manner – they crossed each and every milestone! Wembleyis not a distant dream ----

But when you are about to achieve your dream, you will be exposed with new challenges! Life is all about sailing through that rough terrain! Rarely people reach the shore and everything comes with a price! The journey from dream to reality is all about the plot of London Dreams.

As a writer Vipul Amrit Shahcreated a niche where in he present poignant stories with maudlin appeal. RHTDM was not a trend setter but still provided some insight towards this craft. As a Director also, he handled similar topics in Namastey London and Waqt. Of course, he is handling a theme with music as the main theme with some lead star cast and direction becomes a precarious balancing act. Vipuldid achieve this end to a great extent! The passion and aggression of Arjun, the bucolic charm of Manjit, transition of frames from rustic Punjab to London, ensemble earthy humor and emotional upsurge – as per Bollywood standards, he did an excellent job.

Casting is quite important in Indian Market. Long back, Aamir and Shahrukh were offered the role of protaganists for this project and finally we have Salman and Ajay! Salman always comes up with surprises! He disappoints to the core with a movie and will ensure a dramatic return. After promising performance in “Wanted”, due to family obligations he surprised us with MAMK! Again, he came back as an excellent charmer. It won’t be an exaggeration if I say that he eclipsed rest of the star cast! Having Ajay Devgan, one of the finest actors in Bollywood; achieving this end is not an easy task. True, there are no flaws with Ajaybut alas, he did similar roles (even if not musician) before. Also, somehow I find it a bit odd that Ajay performing as a rock star. Might be the character of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanamstill lingers. But all in all, we should appreciate Ajayto accept a role like this that might bag audience sympathy to the other character. Rest of the cast including Asin, Om Puri etc. was good in their job with essential and limited screen presence.

There is no better choice that Shankar – Ehsaan – Loyto compose music. It is quite natural to compare songs with that of Rock on(which is not advisable). Music might become popular over repeated hearing but with out any doubt it suits the theme even though not enough to be included as the music that might create euphoria among audience across the globe as depicted in the movie.

Sejal Shahthe man behind camera did magic! Especially the starry night in Bhatinda, lighting during the music performance requires excellent hand behind the camera.

Suresh Nairthe man behind screen play almost became an expert in handling music related themes (Jhankar Beats, Namastey London). He ensured to eliminate redundancy factor even though I could draw parallel with the central theme of Malayalam Movie “Bharatam”.

All in all – as per Bollywood standards, London Dreams is a decent watch but yet lots of scope for improvement.. High grade melodrama towards the end of the movie is slightly larger than life. Also, the verve required in the live performance could have been bettered (what to do, we saw the best in Rock on and to come up with a performance better than Sinbad the Sailorwill remain as a directorial challenge). Also, the story line is quite predictive.

All in all – it is a movie with out any malice but yet, Bollywood movies need to redefine its class.