Dec 14, 2008 12:14 PM
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(Updated Dec 15, 2008 03:41 PM)
Yash Raj Films are usually larger than life, especially the ones directed by Adi or Yash Chopra. The protagonists stay in palatial houses or in homes which are surrounded by lush fields, possess expensive sedans, break into songs shot in Swiss locales and wear priceless costumes. However, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi doesn’t present any such scenario. The film is based in Punjab, but shows its urban side. And the lead character is a simple man wearing local tailor-made shirts and spectacles. This is what makes Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi realistic and also refreshing! However, what works big time with the film are its characters, the unusual situation that they face and of course, Aditya Chopra’s excellent handling of the film!
The story of the movie: No one can be as simple as Surinder Sahni (Shahrukh Khan). A resident of Amritsar, Surinder works for Punjab Power and lives a sweet and simple life-a life with hardly any problems, sadness, happiness and love. He falls in love for the first time in his life, with Taani (Anushka Sharma). Rabji fulfills his dream and soon, he and Taani ties the knot. However, Taani was hardly attracted to Surinder. She got married to fulfill the wish of her father (M K Raina) on his deathbed. Post-marriage, Taani was no longer the happy-go-lucky girl that she used to be before. Surinder wanted to see Taani’s pleasant nature and for that, he decides to do something extra-ordinary!
The serene beginning of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi gives an indication that the film is different from the other YRF films. The film keeps the viewer’s interest alive from the first scene itself. The interactions between Surinder and Taani in the beginning were a treat to watch! The characterization is also a plus-point. Surinder Sahni is a type of person you may not come across often but still, one can identify and relate to oneself!
The film doesn’t go down even once in the first half. There are lots of scenes in this half which are memorable and leave a mark. The second half too has some interesting moments. However, unfortunately, the film loses grip in this hour. Some of the sequences weren’t interesting. Also, the viewers fail to understand as to what Surinder actually wants and is trying to do. However, the film picks up in the last 25 minutes. The Golden Temple scene in the pre-climax was brilliant and the climax was a winner!
Each song in the film is wonderfully picturised! The best among them undoubtedly is ‘Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte’! If hearing the song made you spellbound, its visuals would leave a far more impact! Though it has an uncanny resemblance to Om Shanti Om’s ‘Dhoom Taana’, the song is brilliantly shot and will remain etched in one’s mind for a long time!
Now, to the performances! As expected, Shahrukh Khan puts his best and delivers an outstanding performance! He amazing portrays both the roles with élan. He of course shines in the role of Surinder Sahni. He makes it look so realistic that for sometime, we forget that this is the same actor who mesmerized everyone with DDLJ, Dil To Pagal Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and other romantic films! There are lots of people around criticizing SRK that he plays the same type of roles and carries the same expression in all his films. My only advice to these guys will be and go and watch SRK in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi!
With such an incredible performance, SRK proves that he has the superstar tag which he rightfully deserves!
Anushka Sharma was lucky to get such a wonderful launch in Chopra’s film and that too opposite SRK. The newcomer gives an excellent performance and shares a great chemistry with Shahrukh throughout the film. She maintains an important position throughout the film. Bollywood has got another wonderful actress!
Vinay Pathak lends wonderful support and as usual, was funny and gives a splendid performance! M K Raina as Anushka’s father was perfect. Others were good.
Salim-Sulaiman’s music is a treat to the ears! All songs rock. ‘Haule Haule’ and ‘Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai’ have already impressed everyone. ‘Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte’, the most unique song of recent times, was excellent and well-shot! Jaideep Sahni’s lyrics were sweet and simple, in keeping with the mood of the film.
Special mention should be made of Vaibhavi Merchant and Shiamak Dawar, the choreographers of the film! Dance was an essential part of the film and both the choreographers did their job wonderfully!
Ravi K Chandran’s cinematography was marvelous! The lensman captures the city of Amritsar like never before! One gets to see the beauty of Amritsar, thanks to Chandran!
Aditya Chopra stands as a clear winner! He single-handedly directed the film and wrote the story, screenplay and dialogues. His dialogues are always memorable and in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi too, he has penned some wonderful dialogues, which would be remembered for a long time to come! The story and direction were perfect. However, the screenplay could have been gripping, especially in the second half. The characters were well sketched. I am getting this feeling that Aditya Chopra maybe like Surinder Sahni in real life!
Some of the best scenes of the film:
The first 15 minutes
SRK’s colleagues at his house and the scene that follows (brilliant!)
All songs
SRK asking Vinay for a makeover
Raj and Taani meeting for the ‘first’ time
The intermission point (Watch out for SRK’s mind-blowing performance in this scene!)
The gol-gappa and bike chase sequence
The scene at the trade fair
The last 25 minutes
On the whole, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is a great, feel-good film which is realistic, charming and sweet! The screenplay has some flaws but overall, the film works and that too big time! Watch this film for SRK in a never-before-seen avatar and also for its freshness! Till then, Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte!
