Funnier than Hum Tum. Review on Salaam Namaste

I am surprised that the makers actually had the guts to release a film like this. Not because it has a path-breaking subject. At least not for those who are quite exposed to English cinema and are used to the norm of live-in relationships. But, it is a bold subject for people living in the interiors and that is quite a huge market to ignore.

Nick and Amber are two Indians who did not really want to be tied down by societal pressures here like getting into father's business and getting married, respectively. Hence they move to Australia to live their lives by their own rules. The two of them fight, then meet, like each other and within five days decide to move in together. Initially the arrangement is a little chaste with both of them sleeping in separate rooms. But, chemistry intervenes and all Indian values fly out of the window. Three months into the relationship, Amber discovers she is pregnant. Although unplanned, she decides to keep the baby and Nick decides to leave her.

Of course, since it is a Yash Raj movie, I dont need to mention what was the outcome. However, damn disappointed with the climax. When the entire movie was going at a fine, somewhat original theme, why did they have to copy the Nine Months climax??? And the guy who played Robin Williams character, although a pleasant surprise, was such a force-fit. Speaking of influences, there are at least two scenes which have been directly lifted from 'Friends'.

However, the movie has its moments. Its quite funny in parts and has employed quite a few funny faces like Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffri and of course, Saif, himself. Also, the part where after introducing every character they delve into the past and show how each person came to Australia is quite well done. It has a lot of western influences like the bridesmaid who gets the bouquet gets married first, the concept of beach marriages and fathers accompanying their wives into the labour rooms. Also, for the first time I have seen an Indian pregnant woman dancing with complete abandon.

The music is strictly okayish. Same goes for the cinematography. The performances are quite decent by everyone. Yet nobody rises above the role to be really noteworthy. And seriously, Saif is getting over-exposed with his 'look-I-am-so cool' act.

So all in all, its a light comedy which can be seen, enjoyed and forgotten-all in a matter of few hours.