MOVIE REVIEW
MOVIE
REVIEW
SALMAN AND AKSHAY ROCK UK CHARTS!
Mujhse Shaadi Karogi enters at number eight!
The Salman Khan – Akshay Kumar combination has lured the British Asian audience in cinemas this week. Their first movie together ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’ managed to collect an impressive £183,473 at the British box office during its opening run. The David Dhawan comedy, which also stars Priyanka Chopra, debuted in the national UK charts at number eight. Its collections were higher that Hollywood comedy New York Minute, which released on the same day but only debuted at number ten in the charts.
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U.S.A. BOX-OFFICE MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI has debuted at No. 31 position. The film has collected $ 199,958 on 31 screens [approx. Rs. 92.78 lacs], with the per screen average working out to $ 6,450. |
'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' - Total Paisa Vasool!
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If memories of David Dhawan's
previous flick still haunt you and you are worried about witnessing
some cheap brand of humour again, then dispel the thought!
Surprisingly, 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' has no cheap stuff at all! It
is a wholesome entertainer that will have the audience laughing
uncontrollably in most parts. Besides a truly funny story line and
screenplay, what goes in the favour of the film is the casting,
particularly Salman Khan (Samir) and Akshay Kumar (Sunny). Their
chemistry is amazing and it works like dynamite. If Salman charms
the audience right from the first frame then the film is elevated
with Akshay's entry into the frame. Who steals the show? To be fair
to both, each has done justice to his role but Akshay might score a
few extra points. While Salman is a sober guy who means no harm to
anyone, Akshay is wicked. His character will go down well with
teenagers as well as guys. They will easily relate to
him. Bollyvista.com |
'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' is another 'Main Hoon Na'
Hurray! Bollywood has discovered a new brand of filmmaking. This genre takes a little bit of everything from east, west, south, and north and spruces it up with its own inimitable touch of spunky masala. And its intentions are almost always of the do-not-take-us-seriously kind.
Cynical critic: Ha! Another Main Hoon Na!
Pretty much! Mujhse Shaadi Karogi is an extension of the 'spoof' genre. It doesn't let you get too involved. You don't have to be committed to any protagonist. You don't even have to connect to any situation. You just retire in your chair, gobble those crunchy popcorns, and get what you paid for: entertainment!
Cynical critic: Oh, like those funny VJ Cyrus Broacha shows on MTV?
Not really. Those are best enjoyed on the idiot box. This is the big screen. Everything has to be
larger than life. Like the story of Mujhse Shaadi Karogi is set in Goa. But no scene is shot in the province of beaches. It's all Mauritius and Dubai.
Cynical critic: Big deal. As if Sanjay Leela Bhansali shot Devdas in Bengal. It was all in Mumbai's Film City, remember?
True. And I don't want to start a debate on geographical accuracy. Mauritius or Dubai, the film is vibrantly shot (by Sanjay F Gupta). The beaches look stunning. The screen is consistently filled with colourful clothes and characters.
Cynical critic: Colourful or insane characters? I cannot imagine a normal guy in a David Dhawan film.
In that case, you won't be disappointed. Here, you have a retired colonel (Amrish Puri) who is obsessed with his pug, Tommy. His wife (Supriya Karnik) sports a hairstyle like that of the model in George Michael's music video of Father Figure. And their fashion (read: bikini) designer daughter Rani (Priyanka Chopra) loves to do the 'Full Monty' on her balcony, much to the neighbours' delight.
Oh yes, the neighbours are as nutty. A motley crew of oldies (from the Fevicol commercial) are the first to react every time the colonel has an accident. Then there is the landlord with the varying disability. One day he is blind, on others he is deaf or mute.
Cynical critic: I can bet a million dollars it is Kader Khan.
Bull's eye! There is a pair of crazy twins (Rajpal Yadav) too. One is an astrology freak. The other is straight out of Mansoor Khan's Josh. He dresses up like Shah Rukh Khan's character in the film and rides about the lanes of Goa with his gang, intentionally called The Eagles.
Cynical critic: You think SRK is any better? Remember how he makes fun of the hairstyles in Dil Chahta Hai in Kal Ho Naa Ho?
Let's not get into that. So, where was I? Crazy characters, right? Who's left? The heroes, yes. Let's start with Sameer (Salman Khan). He leaves Mumbai and comes to Goa to nurse his broken heart and control his bad temper. He works at a beach house as manager cum lifeguard. Sameer is a fine guy. But every time he tries to get Rani's attention, it's a disaster.
To make matters worse, his unbelievably sleazy, roguish, manipulative roommate Sunny (Akshay Kumar) enters the picture. Sunny also has a theme number 'Wicked Sunny. He'll kill for money', which plays in the background whenever he appears.
Both Sameer and Sunny woo Rani. While Sameer ends up trying too hard, Sunny gets away with his high-handed tricks.
Cynical critic: What's new? David Dhawan already tried this storyline in his earlier comedy, Deewana Mastana.
Agreed. But did Deewana Mastana have one Govinda fighting multiple Anil Kapoors?
Cynical critic: No, The Matrix Reloaded did. It had Keanu Reeves fighting innumerable Agent Smith clones. Boy! That was something.
Yeah, so that's where the makers got the idea. There are echoes of Sai Paranjpye's Katha and Peter Segal's Anger Management. Here and there you are reminded of Baywatch, Chashme Bhadoor, Never Been Kissed, Andaz Apna Apna and Hera Pheri too.
Cynical critic: Originality was never a virtue in Bollywood.
Look at Mujhse Shaadi Karogi as a package deal. You get to see ramp shows, Matrix-style action, Tom and Jerry-like bantering, a desi Baywatch, vivaciously choreographed (by Farah Khan) songs and dances.
Cynical critic: Channel surfing on television is no different.
Beat this. A cricket match with Irfan Pathan, Mohammed Kaif, Harbhajan Singh, Javagal Srinath, Parthiv Patel, and Ashish Nehra replete with Navjot Singh Sidhu's metaphor-infested commentary and Kapil Dev's verbal bhangra in Punjabi. Mujhse Shaadi Karogi has all this.
Cynical critic: Well, I hate to admit it, but I am intrigued.
You will also enjoy the camaraderie between Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan. Both actors share good comic timing. Though they have played these characters before. Akshay played the guy who gives Suniel Shetty a hard time in Hera Pheri. Salman was at Aamir Khan's receiving end in Andaz Apna Apna. But it is Akshay and Salman's refreshing chemistry that makes the humour click.
There is one more actor who deserves special mention.
Cynical critic: Priyanka Chopra?
No. She is average. She doesn't show any flair for comedy. She only lends glamour to Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.
Cynical critic: Well?
It's Amrish Puri. He rocks in the scene where he groans for his missing Tommy. The scenes where he curses Sameer after every accident are also hilarious.
Cynical critic: Oh well, why don't you simply say you liked the film?
Sure. It's a screwball comedy with gorgeous visuals, crisp editing, and fine performances. David Dhawan gets it right.
Cynical critic: What the heck! I'll see it anyway!
Sukanya Verma
What a brat! In a key action sequence in this
sprightly dip into blunder-land, Salman Khan fights five-six Akshay
Kumars simultaneously.
That, in a naughty-shell, is the
coolly comic crux of the Akshay-Salman combination. Though Salman as
Samir ( Hawaa ka jhonka (gust of wind), exclaims a priest, reminding
us of Salman's presence in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Hum Dil De Chuke
Sanam ) gives a controlled and often, inspired performance as the
beefy nerd who always seems to get his foot in his mouth, it's
Akshay Kumar who is all over the place.
As Sunny - like the
mouse in the Tom and Jerry show - in Salman's life, he brings a
bracing cartoon-strip quality to the duel between the two leading
men. As they battle for the hand of the damsel in disdress (distress
is old hat now) we get to witness one of the wackiest comic
triangles in recent times.
Besides Akshay Kumar,
the USPs of this pleasing-n-teasing comedy are the sumptuous songs
and dances and prankish dialogues, which make you chuckle at the
sheer silliness.
A triangle with three absolutely
non-intellectual protagonists, who do not brood as much as they
bleat and bray about love, is not easy to carry off. Throughout the
film, David Dhawan retains the rippling raga of ripostes.
Rumi Jaffrey's dialogues are not as sharp and clever as they
ought to be, but they convey a certain street wisdom that goes well
with the Tom and Jerry mould of the mirth.
Apart from a
smattering of innocuous gay jokes (look what Shah Rukh and Saif
started in Kal Ho Na Ho !), the soundtrack is refreshingly free of
vulgarity and drivels.
This is one laughathon you can enjoy with
your family without squirming in your seats. Undoubtedly, David
Dhawan's smartest comedy to date, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi communicates
the airy ambiance of a beach party.
Sharmista Roy's clever
art direction recreates the crimson Baywatch look. Curvaceous girls
and beefy boys litter the Goan seascape to create an eye-catching
"young" ambiance.
The plot is as slender as Ms Chopra's
waist. Clearly, the film's main attraction is the way the two
leading men go about trying to get her attention. The hook-and-crook
strategy is milked to the last delectable drop. Apart from some
portions after the intermission, the situational witticism never
wanes.
The comedy plays itself out at a fairly high decibel.
Even the songs and dances, though mostly like uninvited guests at a
wedding, are choreographed with a zip-and-zing that makes you sing.
The climax in a stadium filled with well-known cricketers appears to
be straining at its satirical seams.
What was the need to introduce that short
raga of ribaldry at the end where Amrish Puri finds his wife
(Supriya Karnik in an un-recognisable getup) in a compromising
position with Salman. This kind of semi-incestuous satire seems
inspired by Priyadarshan's successful 2003 comedy Hungama .
And really, what was the need for the comedienne par
excellence Upaasna Singh to slither up to Salman and sigh, " Mujhe
ek bachcha chahiye (I want a baby)".
The satirical stuffing
does get a little too puffy towards the end. And the songs come on a
little too often for comfort. But the laughs do not hang loose,
thanks to the curiously tense chemistry between the lead pair.
Salman, as the well-meaning loser (Tusshar Kapoor in Gayab ,
without the glasses and with plenty more sinewy muscles), sportingly
steps into the fuming groove once again. A lot of his recent roles
find him resorting to a standard gritted-teeth-wicked-demeanour
angst-projection as a pantomime of controlled acting.
And
off comes the shirt to corroborate the mirth.
It's the comic aptitudes
of the cast that ultimately sees the satire to its huffing and
puffing finale. Besides the sinewy and spontaneous male twosome,
there's Rajpal Yadav (in a double role as an astrologer and a
mo'bike punk!) and Amrish Puri (as the heroine's father who keeps
getting physically hurt by Salman) adding a slurpy sparkle to their
peripheral parts.
Kader Khan, as a landlord suffering a new
physical challenge everyday (from blindness to deafness to...
dumbness) isn't as funny as he once used to be.
Maybe it's
the company he quips. Often, you feel the dialogues don't allow the
characters to be as amusing as their general demeanour suggests.
Whatever the faults (there isn't much a story to tell, specially in
the strenuous second-half), they're all swept away by Akshay Kumar's
crowd-wooing presence.
Though his role isn't author-backed (he
comes into the tale after a good 20 minutes), Akshay's wickedly
over-the-top portrayal of a small-time rogue is further proof of his
growth as an actor.
Earlier this year, he revealed his
impeccable comic timing in Khakee . Here, in the company of the
sporty and sporting Salman, Akshay blossoms into a bundle of
bleaching beach-binge burlesque that keeps us rolling with laughter.
Mujhse Shaadi Karogi isn't a film that will change your
life. But it sure as hell will makes you smile, if even chuckle once
in a while. Its biggest achievement is that no one, neither the
director nor his cast, take the goings-on seriously. The mood of fun
just springs out from the screen and grabs you with a viral vigour.
As for the importance of being Priyanka Chopra ... go
figure.
Subhash K. Jha
Mujhse Shaadi Karogi - Opening Day
| Theatre | 1st show | 2nd show | 3rd show | 4th show | Total | Capacity | % |
| Metro (Mumbai) | - | 62,046 | 62,046 | 62,046 | 1,86,138 | 1,86,138 | 100% |
| Maratha Mandir (Mumbai) | 33,158 | 33,158 | 33,158 | 33,158 | 99,474 | 99,474 | 100% |
| Geeta (Mumbai) | 22,269 | 22,269 | 22,269 | 22,269 | 89,076 | 89,076 | 100% |
| Gaiety (Mumbai) | 26,005 | 26,005 | 26,005 | 26,005 | 1,04,020 | 1,04,020 | 100% |
| Diamond (Mumbai) | 19,757 | 19,757 | 19,757 | 19,757 | 79,028 | 79,028 | 100% |
| Uday (Akola) | 10,048 | 10,048 | 10,048 | 10,048 | 60,288 | 60,288 | 100% |
David Dhawan - the name brings back
memories of blockbusters such as AANKHEN, BADE MIYAN CHOTE MIYAN, BIWI NO.
1, BOL RADHA BOL, COOLIE NO. 1, HASEENA MAAN JAAYEGI, HERO NO. 1, JUDWAA,
JODI NO. 1, RAJA BABU, SWARG, SHOLA AUR SHABNAM and SAAJAN CHALE SASURAL.
Naturally, with such titles to your credit, you expect the ultimate in
entertainment from the badshaah of non-stop entertainment. And with a
dream cast like Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra, the
expectations from MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala,
multiply manifold.
A few questions cross your mind as you amble into the theatre to watch the
most awaited marriage of the season -
Will MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI meet
the gargantuan expectations?
Will the chemistry between Salman and Akshay - who have been teamed for the very first time - be electrifying? If yes, who'd steal the show?
Let's take the questions one by one -
MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI falls in the
same league as David Dhawan's earlier films. The focus is to entertain, not
enlighten or educate. Where logic takes a backseat and all that matters is
two-and-a-half hours of pure, unadulterated entertainment. In that respect,
MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI scores. Leave behind your thinking caps at home before
watching this movie and you'll enjoy this joy ride all the more!
The on-screen chemistry between Sanjay Dutt and Govinda in David Dhawan's earlier films was exceptional and this time, in MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI, the camaraderie is simply amazing. In fact, the film would've fallen flat on its face had the two actors not been able to compliment each other in this story of one-upmanship.
As for who's better of the two,
read that in a few paras below.
When Samir [Salman Khan] falls head over heels in love with lovely Rani [Priyanka
Chopra], little does he know that his happiness will soon be sabotaged.
And the culprit is none other than Sunny [Akshay Kumar], with whom Samir shares
his room and who has fallen for Rani's charms as well.
The two Romeos try desperate measures to win their lady love. As luck would have
it, whatever right Samir tries to attempt goes spectacularly wrong, while Sunny
emerges trumps!
Adding to the mayhem are Rani's disciplinarian army officer father [Amrish Puri]
and Samir's astrologer friend [Rajpal Yadav].
MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI falls in the same genre as David Dhawan's Anil - Govinda
starrer DEEWANA MASTANA. The game of one-upmanship, which was the premise of
that film, is precisely the essence of MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI as well.
MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI has its share of sprightly moments. The stage is set at the
very start of the film, when Salman bumps into an astrologer [Rajpal Yadav] as
he arrives in Goa to start life afresh.
But the film actually takes off when Akshay lands up at the house and starts
sharing the room with Salman. In fact, Akshay's introduction in the story only
elevates things and the cat and mouse game that the two actors indulge in
subsequently is simply howlarious!
The two Romeos' interaction with Amrish Puri specifically is amongst the
high points of the enterprise. And the strategies Akshay adopts to outsmart
Salman may seem asinine, but are amusing nonetheless.
The post-interval portions move at an equally brisk pace, not giving the viewer
time to blink an eyelid. The climax - when Salman expresses his love for
Priyanka on a cricket pitch - is truly different. And the presence of cricketers
will only catch the viewers unaware, with Navjot Singh Sidhu's expert comments
in English bringing the house down.
As to who gets the girl in the end, it wouldn't be fair to reveal it here!
David Dhawan is known for his kind of movies and the masala that MUJHSE
SHAADI KAROGI offers is enough to satiate the appetite of those looking for
masala entertainment. Stylishly shot at some panoramic locales of Mauritius,
with no double entendres, the film proves yet again that only David can pull off
such stories without the cinegoer feeling cheated by an obscure plot. The film
has a very youth-oriented feel, starting with the BAYWATCH-like portions [prime
bodies on beaches] in the initial reels, which is what appeals in today's times.
Anees Bazmee's script is a prime example of make-believe, escapist cinema.
Though the film has its share of interesting moments, the pace slackens slightly
towards the post-interval portions because the game of one-upmanship starts
stagnating after a point. But the climax elevates the film yet again. Slight
trimming in the second half will only help.
Sanjay F. Gupta's cinematography is outstanding. Though a number of films have
been shot in Mauritius, Gupta's lens captures the place so magnificently that it
looks like a fresh locale completely.
Rumi Jaffrey's dialogues are in keeping with the mood of the film. A film
like this relies on wit and humour and Rumi's one-liners are thoroughly
enjoyable. Action scenes [Mahendra Verma] are first-rate.
Sajid-Wajid's musical score is rich enough. 'Rab Kare', 'Jeene Ke Hain Chaar
Din', 'Laal Dupatta' and the title track are gems and the choreography of each
track [Farah Khan] deserves distinction marks.
Of the cast, it's indeed difficult to say who'd walk away with ceetees
and taalis at the conclusion of the show. Salman Khan, playing a
goodie-goodie guy, enacts his part with gusto. Not only does the actor look
dashing [a compliment he has learnt to live with!], the ease with which he
handles the comic portions is incredible. In moments when Akshay actually
downplays his deeds in the movie, your heart goes out to Salman and that's only
because of the effective portrayal.
Akshay Kumar is a revelation. He has attempted comedy twice in the past - MR.
AND MRS. KHILADI and KHAKEE - and he got his share of acclaim in both. With
MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI, he surpasses his previous work. His timing is fantastic
and the conviction with which he carries off the evil streak in his personality
is bound to be talked-about in days to come.
Priyanka Chopra gives an equally good account of herself. Though the role
doesn't really demand histrionics, the pretty lass carries off her part
effortlessly. Also, she pairs off very well with both Salman and Akshay.
Amrish Puri is excellent. His sequences with Salman - right from the time
when Salman slaps him at the start of the film, to the finale on the cricket
pitch - are sure to keep you in splits. Rajpal Yadav [in a double role] is
excellent as the astrologer, though he doesn't get much scope in the other role
[member of the Eagle gang]. Kader Khan's character will be liked by the masses.
Shashikala is alright. Satish Shah and Vindu are adequate.
Amrita Arora [sp. app.] is noticeable. Shefali Jariwala ['Kaanta Laga'] is
appealing in a small role.
On the whole, MUJHSE SHAADI KAROGI is an apt example of escapist cinema that
transports you to a world of make-believe. Rich in face-value with light moments
aplenty, the film has all it takes to woo the masses. At the box-office, the
film will take a historic start, setting new box-office records in days to come.
Rating:- * * * *.
By Taran Adarsh, July 28th, 2004
Release Date: July 28,
2004
Starring: Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Amrish Puri
Director: David Dhawan
Producer: Sajid Nadiadwala
Music: Sajid-Wajid
RS RATING: 7/10
Background:
David Dhawan has been known as the king of comedy. But of late, he has not been
able to provide hits. Mujhse Shaadi Karogi may just change that story.
Synopsis:
Mujhse Shaadi Karogi is an apt example of how a filmmaker can make a film with a
just above average script... Borrowing a lot of stories from here and there...
including Lagaan and Deewana Mastana... David Dhawan comes up with a
breathtaking comedy... a film set in Goa... but shot in Mumbai's Filmcity and
Mauritius.
Sameer (Salman Khan) comes to Goa after a troubled past to start life anew and falls madly in love with Rani (Priyanka Chopra). Sameer meets Raj in Goa who advises him on how to go about his life. Having a bad past... Sameer decides to learn a few things from Raj. He gets a room in Goa... and Sunny (Akshay Kumar) comes into his room and life as well.
Rani is however confused as to whose love she should reciprocate to... because Sunny turns out to be his biggest enemy as he is also trying to woo Rani. Every step Sameer takes to do good is sabotaged by Sunny. Sunny is also into a few wrong doings and Sameer is shown as the culprit. Sameer's good deeds flop as Sunny's evil deeds work. Sameer even tries to rob Rani's pet dog and puts the blame on Sameer - a premise that reminds you of Deewana Mastana or Tom and Jerry to be precise.
Rani's father Colonel Dugraj Singh (Amrish Puri) also wants to make sure that his daughter gets married to the right person and is suspicious of everyone.
Rajpal Yadav in a double role as Raj and Paul adds a lot of fun and mirth as an astrologer and the head of the Eagle Gang respectively.
The fun continues till the climax in the much hyped cricket match... where Sameer proposes to Rani. Rani listens to her heart...
Critique:
Salman Khan, with his hair extensions in the film, outshines everyone. He is
nothing short of brilliant. Akshay Kumar is very good with his comedy. He has
worked before in Mr and Mrs Khiladi with David Dhawan and he shows his ability
to do all kinds of roles. Amrish Puri impresses as well as does Rajpal Yadav.
Priyanka Chopra does not have much to do, but impresses nevertheless.
Shots on the beach add a lot of glamour value to the film... likewise the presence of Amrita Arora and Shefali Jariwala – the Kanata Laga girl in the film. The camerawork takes the film to great heights.
The cricket match is a highlight of the film. Sanjay F Gupta who directed the Kambhakt Ishq song in the film Pyaar Tue Kya Kiya has taken cinematography to great heights. Even a scene where Salman Khan fights like Keanu Reeves did, with six Akshay Kumars.
Anees Bazmee has scripted this film instead of Rumi Jaffrey who just handles the dialogues for David Dhawan in this film. Rumi who is known as David's alter ego does very well in the film with his witty one-liners. In fact the interactions between Salman Khan and Amrish Puri are heightened because of these dialogues.
Farah Khan's choreography as well as Sajid Wajid's music is noteworthy.
Conclusion:
The film may run riot and is nothing short of an entertainer... but keep your
brains at home.
Reviewed by: Qamar Zaman