Apr 03, 2007 02:14 PM
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(Updated Apr 03, 2007 03:01 PM)
Vipul Shah, one of the good directors of the film industry, has experimented with a thriller first (i.e. Aankhen) and with a father-son saga (i.e. Waqt). And now, he moves on to a love story. Though it is predictable and becomes a typical fare at times, Namastey London is a movie to be watched and definitely deserves ½ stars!
The story of the movie: Manmohan Singh (Rishi Kapoor) is an NRI living in London along with his wife and her daughter Jasmeet aka Jazz (Katrina Kaif). Jazz lived in England since she was a child and was completely adapted to that culture. She wanted to marry her boyfriend Charlie Brown (Clyde Stenden). But Manmohan had different plans. He wanted Jazz to marry a good, humble, handsome Indian guy living in India. Under the pretext of going on a tour to India, Manmohan started showing Indian boys to Jazz for her marriage. But she wasn’t interested in any of them. At last, Manmohan fixes Jasmeet’s marriage with Arjun (Akshay Kumar). Arjun was a Punjabi and was the son of Manmohan’s best friend. Arjun had already fallen in love with Jazz. They both marry. When Arjun goes to London, life takes a U-turn for him...
Namastey London has been partly inspired from various movies, beginning for Purab Aur Pashchim to Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. But the end product is a unique and distinguished one, and also an enjoyable one. That’s where storywriter Suresh Nair and director Vipul Shah scores brownie points.
Namastey London not only circles around the love story. It also shows the life of NRI’s in India, the racism that is still prevelant, and the patriotism. Everything is added only where necessary and there is no unwanted scene in the whole movie.
The movie moves at a really fast pace. The first half succeeds in showing so much in just 1 hr 10 mins. The second half, too, moves fast, but gets a little slow at times. But it was necessary. The climax was very unpredictable and everyone knows what is gonna happen, but though it is enjoyable.
There are various scenes that will remain fresh in one’s memory for a long time. One such scene is where Akshay praises and describes the greatness of India. That scene will surely touch everyone’s heart. Another scene worth mentioning-Upen Patel and Akshay Kumar’s conversation outside the mosque. This scene should get the nomination for the Scene of the Year!
Akshay Kumar is in a supercool avatar this time! His entry is a bit late in the movie but though his character is such that you start sympathizing with him. He carries the role in a nice way and doesn’t disappoint in any scene. He is really an actor to watch!
Katrina Kaif is getting better and better with each movie! After giving splendid performances in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya and Humko Deewana Kar Gaye, she gives a much better performance here too. And it doesn’t seem that her voice is dubbed by someone else! So it seems like a double victory for her. Good work, Katrina!
Rishi Kapoor is back in form after Fanaa. Rishi Kapoor has a brief role throughout the movie and he really does a very good job. Nina Wadia, who played the role of Katrina’s mom, was up to the mark. Upen Patel delivers yet another fantastic performance after 36 China Town. Though he has nothing much to do in the whole movie, he makes his presence felt because of his superb performance. Javed Shaikh as Upen’s dad (last seen in Shikhar) also does a great job. Clyde Stenden does a marvelous job. This guy’s face strongly resembles Tom Cruise!
Ritesh Deshmukh in a guest appearance was funny. Director Vipul Shah is also there for a scene. Others were also good.
Himesh Reshammiya’s music is quite different, as compared to the music of some of his previous movies. This is the first time Himesh and Javed Akhtar are working together and they both succeed in creating a beautiful and melodious album. Almost all songs like ‘Chakna Chakna’, ‘Dilruba’, ‘Yeh Viraaniyan’, ‘Rafta Rafta’, ‘Mein Jahaan Rahoon’, ‘Annan Fannan’ were really splendid songs.
Salim-Sulaiman’s background score is as usual excellent. Jonathan Bloom’s cinematography is excellent as he captures the beauty of London and India in a fantastic manner. Suresh Nair’s dialogues were perfect.
Vipul Shah gives a good direction to this movie. He manages to handle the script properly.
Some of the nice scenes of the movie:
The first scene of the movie
Katrina’s meeting with Ritesh Deshmukh
The scene where Rishi Kapoor, his wife and Katrina tour India
The scene where they meet the funny grooms for Katrina’s marriage
Akshay’s entry
The intermission point
The scene where Akshay gives a long touching speech on the greatness of India
The scene where Akshay visualizes how he & Katrina will meet after many years
The rugby match sequence (good one!)
10.Akshay’s conversation with Upen outside the mosque
11.The ending
On the whole, Namastey London is a good, fresh entertainer. It manages to keep the interest of the viewers alive throughout the movie. It is not an outstanding flick, but though in my opinion it should be watched at least once!
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