An event film is usually released with much fanfare and one can’t help but expect a lot. After all, the promotions are grand while the trailers and songs usually up the hype tremendously. Yet, there’s always a little doubt in the minds of viewers – what if the film fails to meet the expectations? Prem Ratan Dhan Payo was no exception. The pre-release hype was tremendous and now it can be safely said that Prem Ratan Dhan Payo meets all the expectations! It is a true blue Sooraj Barjatya entertainer that will be loved by families!
The story of the movie: A prince(Salman Khan) from Pritampur is about to be coronated. He is also about to be married to Rajkumari Maithili(Sonam Kapoor). While all looks happy from outside, there are cracks in the royal family which seem impossible to be repaired. Add to that, a malicious plan is about to set in motion that can have disastrous consequences.
There’s a growing trend of new age cinema nowadays wherein everything is real and straight out of life. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo goes against the tide, like most of Sooraj Barjatya’s films. The opening scene itself makes it clear that it is going to follow the traditional route. Fortunately, it works. Salman Khan’s entry as expected is dhamakedaar. In no time, Sooraj Barjatya comes straight to the point. At the same time, things are not rushed like many filmmakers do nowadays. The film takes its own sweet time to unravel, explore the narrative and progress ahead. This gives time to viewers to understand the plot better and most importantly, the characters. And there’s not a single dull moment in the 174 minute long film. Yes, there are plenty of songs but they never let the attention wander. And each song is beautifully picturised and thought of. The dual characters of Salman Khan are distinct, interesting and are just superb. The concept, though beaten to death, doesn’t take the predictable route. There are a lot of surprises for viewers(the biggest one being when Prem is taken to the fort by Sanjay). Prem-Maithili’s romance blossoms beautifully and makes for a nice watch. Even more adorable is Prem’s conversations with Dewan Saab(Anupam Kher)! The track of Prem and his sisters too is damn good and very touching.
While Sooraj Barjatya scores in the romantic and emotional moments, it is in the action scenes, a new territory for him, where he falters a bit. Also, the villain track is a bit weak and could have been better and more menacing. The villains didn’t really have the chance to show their most evil side which might be a conscious decision by Sooraj Barjatya since he was making a family friendly film.
As expected, Salman Khan rocks and delivers yet another outstanding and a very adorable performance. He raises lot of laughs and also impresses as he essays the bade dilwala Prem with utmost sincerity. Also, he does great as Vijay. First Bajrangi Bhaijaan and now Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Salman Khan has really won hearts in these 2 landmark films of his career! Great going! Sonam Kapoor looks stunning and this is easily one of her finest or maybe the finest performance! Watch out how she shows her nakhra in ‘Jab Tum Chaho’ or during and before the song ‘Jalte Diye’. There’s a tremendous growth in her as an actor and we hope she gives many more such great performances! Anupam Kher is damn good and gives a restrained as well as a funny performance! Neil Nitin Mukesh(Ajay) looks dashing and scores big time in some scenes. Armaan Kohli(Chirag) with his baritone voice, physique and personality is idea for the role and he does fine. Swara Bhaskar(Chandrika/Chanda) is a powerhouse of talent while Aashika Bhatia too leaves a mark. Deepraj Rana(Sanjay) has a great character and he does total justice to it. Deepak Dobriyal(Kanhaiya) provide much more than just comic relief. Samaira Rao(Samira) is alright. Sanjay Mishra is funny. Others are good.
Himesh Reshammiya’s music is one of his best works and one of the best of the year. It is difficult to choose which song is best as all songs – the title track, Prem Leela, Aaj Unse Milna Hai, Halo Re, Tod Tadaiyya, Jab Tum Chaho and Bachpan Kahan. Tod Tadaiyya is a great idea and has been shot very well. V Manikandan’s cinematography is terrific. The locales are damn good while Nitin Desai’s production design is epic. After Jodhaa Akbar, this is his yet another grand and most memorable work. Story is great. It might be inspired from many other films but only the basic plot is taken. Sooraj and his team nicely add their own touch. Screenplay is effective while his direction as always is simple and leaves a mark. Especially in the scene just before the title song, he moves the viewers in a big way. A good director can never go out of fashion and Sooraj Barjartya proves it yet again!
Some of the best scenes:
Prem’s entry
The accident
All songs
The raj tilak ceremony
The intermission point
The climax
On the whole, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is a shuddh desi blockbuster, simply put! This is an excellent family entertainer, replete with great performances, touching moments, super hit songs and grandeur like never before. Nothing can stop this prem leela!