23 reels and it really lags in the middle. No question on that. However, Salaam-e-Ishq sail through rough waters. If at the end of a show of 3 hrs 38 minutes people are clapping for the situations and they wait to see the last glimpses on the short box and if it is of any indication, the movie is here to stay.
Six love stories. Six different stages of marriage in different situations. All but one connects together at some point. The idea is not new. But on the subject of Love, it is new.
- Kamini (Priyanka Chopra) was an item girl who was earlier doing bar dances. She aspire to become heroine of films for which she want to change her image as item girl to a lover. For that they made a plan and come Rahul (Salman Khan) appears. The story get a meaning when it reveals that the Salman was the bar boy of the bar where Kamini used to dance. However, the climax of this storyline was not convincing and this story not makes any impact. Though Priyanka’s character is developed well this story fails to impress. (2.5/5)
2 Rohit (Kushal) was in love with Stefani (Shanon). Rohit betrayed her for an Indian girl. Not knowing this, Stefani reaches India. Raju (Govinda) takes her to Agra where he misheard Taj to Taj Mahal than Taj Hotel, Delhi. Finally Govinda fell in love with her. The story developed very slowly, but finished in style. (3.5/5)
3 ..Shive (Akshay Khanna) is engaged to Gia (Ayesha Takia). However, fearing the complications of life Shive try to stay away from marriage. Throughout the movie scenes of this story line was very interesting and it ended up good. (4/5)
4 . Ramdayal (Sohail Khan) is just married, into his honeymoon bed. Due to his over excitement his "Shanti Muhoortha" is yet to happen. He tries it in every chance but end up in hospital. It is really funny story and the only problem with this story line was that it was sidelined too much in the second half (5/5) (Sangeeth Sivan can do a complete film based on this thread and if he wish, he can place the story in Kya Hot Hai Hum)
Ashu (John Abraham) and Tahzeeb (Vidya Balan) the Times Now reporter are married in love. Tahzeeb is Muslim and Ashu is Hindu. So, families oppose. The story takes a turn when Tahzeeb met with a train accident and her memory is lost in part. The story is brilliantly build one, but the climax of the story was not so convincing though. (4/5)
Vinay (Anil Kapoor) rich men, lives an imperfect life. He always dreams. He is lazy. He is in his forties. His wife Seema (Juhi Chawla) is lovable, but the relation got suffered due to laziness from both sides. They got 2 children. The story gets a turn when Anjali (Anjana) met Vinay and Seema got clues on that. The story uses a lot of time but without much impact. (2.5/5)
The introduction of the stories done brilliantly and in the first hour of the show it felt that the movie is definitely going for a big run. However, in the middle the story lagged and I almost thought that the story is losing its grip. However, the climax was exceptionally well shot and the director brought back his audience.
The stories have shades of various other movies as well. Raja Hindustani, Innale, Ankahee etc.
Akshay Khanna, Sohail Khan & Isha (Hilarious performances), Vidya Balan (Excellent), Govinda, Priyanka Chopra (Very Good) and rest of the star cast average.
Music is average plus. Piyush Shah’s Cinematography is excellent. Bosco-Ceaser’s Choreography is very good. The feel of the scenes are very rich. A lot of money is spent on costumes and it shows. Vikram Phadnis deserve a high applaude.
The film could have trimmed by 40 minutes without much loss in content. It is a poor show in the dept. of editing.
Nikhil Advani clearly gives a message that he has grown up as an independent Director and his his ability to deliver a story is evident. Huge Star cast is a big plus for the film. Nikhil manage to present the film without much complaint for any actor/actress. Each performer got good coverage, especially since Nikhil didn’t compromise on the length. However, he has to learn that Some times the fires of eagerness have to be restricted. Script writers need special mention. All those who worte those good stories and the one who compiled it worth applaud.
It may be the belief that Vidya Balan is a lucky actress which might have forced the director to begin the film and end the film with Vidya. If this film is going to be a hit, Vidya is going to have her third hit in a row, after Munnabhai & Guru. I also have a feel that Vidya is subjected to over exposure, too early.
The movie has lot of spice in the first half. It is not only the sweetness, but hot and sad numbers are there to entertain you. At the end, it gives a message as well for those who got it already.
Overall, it is a movie worth a watch. Considering the movie is releasing after a week’s gap from Guru and there is no major opposition in the coming weeks, it should do good business in multiplexes and metros. However, the content and the style of the movie is experimental in nature and one has to wait and see its impact on the masses