Nikhil Advani returns with his much talked about directorial venture, Salaam e Ishq, which was supposedly an ode to the age-old feelings of love(and lust)! Advani wanted to give his audience a full buffet meal: he actually had the audacity to pack in six love stories in a three and a half hour movie capsule. Instead of a classy buffet, however, audiences are treated to an undercooked array of stories which confuses- and rattles the -viewer. Let us discuss the storyline of this movie first, starting with the pairings in this bollywood masala multi-starrer:
1. Akshaye Khanna - Ayesha Takia
Their on-and-off romance is largely reminscent of last year’s flop show, Shaadi Se Pehle, where a commitment phobic Akshaye tries to break his relation with fiance Ayesha Takia. Utterly boring and senseless in many parts, it is Akshaye’s expressive face which saves the day for his couple and prevents them from looking like monotonous monkeys on the screen. Ayesha looks uninspired and least bothered in most scenes although oh-so-cute face makes her bearable.
*2. Salman Khan- Priyanka Chopra
*Priyanak Chopra plays a Rakhi Sawant type of character, a bollywood item girl with the image of a sleazy and sultry beauty. She wants an image makeover by proving to the world that she ahs a true love, and at thsi junture, u have a confused Salman Khan’s introduction into the movie. He plays an in your face wannabeish role that makes him look-and sound- really really STUPID! Priyanka Chopra does a decent job, although her Aitraaz performance seems to be a flash in the pan. This is definitely the most irritating story in this film.
3. Govina- Shannon Essnechowitz
This is the typical poor man falls in love with gori madame story, oft repeated through the ages. Govinda’s character harks of Aamir Khan’s taxi driver role in Raja Hindustaani, but Aamir did more justice tothe role. Govinda is funny in parts but looking like a lover boy at his age is a real challenge. Shannon plays the part well and listening to her speak hindi is like finding an oasis in this vast and insipid desert of a movie.
*4. John Abraham- Vidya Balan
*My parents loved this sentimentally charged and emotionally viable story. Coupled with the exremely good looking couple of John & Vidya, this story is decently portrayed. Perhaps it would have been betetr if Advani had used only this story and made a film out of it. Vidya Balan does an exemplary job playing the pretty and independent modern Muslim girl. John’s performance is good as well. Thank God for small wonders!
*5. Anil Kapoor - Juhi Chawla
*This story deals with the boredom of a mid-life crisis. Anil plays a bored 40 year old business executive who wants to go out and see the world afresh and wants to break free from the monotony of his family man existence. Anil acts really well but he is letdown by poor screenplay in parts. Juhi does her job reasonably well. The ending to this tale is acceptable.but abrupt!
*6. Sohail Khan - whats her name again?
*Amazingly funny! While wacthing the film, you pray that Sohail cmes back as soon as possible to enertain the classes and to a crertain extent, the masse with his Haryani antics. He plays a deperate for love newly married man who somehow muddles up everytime he tries to seek a little pleasure from his marraige. Very Very well done!
The movie is technically sound but looks like a box of assorted chocolates.with a lot of rotten pieces thrown in. Nihil Advani tries too hard and his actors seem kind of bored with their lot! This move drags on and on.I felt like hurling my slippers at the movie screen time and again. The only thing that prevented me from doing so was teh thought of going home barefoot after this sheer watse of three and a half hours. STRCITLY AVOID THIS MOVIE.it is a cheap tribute to Raja Hindustaani, Shaadi Se Pehle(why this movie?), and many others. Nikhil, think up something original next time. We know you have the capability but inspiration is something for which you shall have to do a lot of soulk searching. Till then, spend your time trying to bury the hatchet with K-Jo, your former mentor.
The music is good enough and is hummbable. Ya Rabba and teh title track are pleasing to the ears. Cinematography is good as well.but the movie is undercooked and slow throughout.a lack of character development and cast participation makes me give this movie a thumbs down!
WATCH IT IF YOU HAVE NOTHING TO DO ONA SUNDAY AFTERNOON. BUT I SUGGEST A WALK IN THE PAK INSTEAD. ATLEAST YOU’LL SAVE YPUR TICKET CASH. Give this movie a miss, and rate my review. And comment on it as well!