Yeh Hai Jalwa

Yeh Hai Jalwa 
(translates as "this is magic")
2002
4/5 stars

Raju (Salman Khan) was raised only by his mother.  After her death, Raju sees a man on television who he recognizes as his father.  Ecstatic, he flies to London to meet him and is crushed when the man (Rajesh Mittal played by Rishi Kapoor) refuses to recognize Raju as his son.  Raju decides to infiltrates Mittal's family and wreck it in retaliation.

Cast also includes Ameesha Patel as the love interest, as well as Kader Khan and Anupam Kher, with a cameo by Sanjay Dutt.

The story is predictable, but enjoyable -- even emotional at times.  Salman Khan, Rishi Kapoor and Kader Khan give strong performances, with Anumpam Kher being extremely entertaining as always.  The songs, while not exceptional, are catchy.  Patel and Khan have good chemistry, despite their romance being mostly off-screen.  Overall, it's an enjoyable film of typical Bollywood style, with an engaging plot and a feel-good ending.

Movie is available on You Tube:

Tere Naam

Tere Naam
(translates as "in your name")
2003
4/5 stars

Radhe (Salman Khan) is a kind-hearted young man, but he turns to violence to solve most problems. He falls in love with Nirjara (Bhoomika Chawla), the gentle and innocent daughter of a Brahman priest. She despises Radhe's violence, and rudely rejects him. Radhe begins to become unhinged as a result. Eventually, Nirjara returns his love, but a tragedy strikes, changing everything.

Tere Naam seems at first to be just another romance, but it becomes a serious drama that left me emotionally raw and empty. Khan is fantastic in his role, expertly playing a range of emotions. He was thoroughly convincing throughout the movie, in all the phases of his character's mental state. Chawla, as well as the supporting cast, also gave strong performances. The song-and-dance numbers didn't fully fit the film, but the incidental/atmospheric music was excellent.

Overall, with the exception of one scene that didn't flow with the rest of the movie (keeping it from being a 5 star film), Tere Naam is an amazing and unsettling emotional experience.

This movie is available to rent on Google Play.

Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge

Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge
(translates as "I will take the bride")
2000
3/5 stars

Sapna (Karisma Kapoor) has been raised by three strict uncles, who have three separate ideas of what would make a good husband for her. Stifled under their protection, she runs away for a European tour, during which she meets Raja (Salman Khan). They fall in love, and on their return to India, scheme for a way to make all three of her uncles agree to the match.

Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge is a cute romantic comedy with little meat to the plot, but with good acting from Kapoor, Khan, and the supporting cast. Kapoor and Khan have excellent chemistry and matching energy, and make an engaging couple. The songs weren't above average, with the exception of Hai Na Bolo, which made a lovely finale. Overall, this isn't a particularly memorable film, but is fun fluff.

Cast includes: Kader Khan as Mr. Oberoi, Johnny Lever as Tour Manager, Om Puri as Bhola Nath, Paresh Rawal as Prabhu Nath, Anupam Kher as Vicky Nath. 

Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye

Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye
(translates as "beware, you might fall in love")
4/5 stars
2000

Prem (Salman Khan) is heartbroken when his fiancée (Nisha, played by Raveena Tandon) cancels their marriage. After some time, Prem pulls himself together with the help of his loving family. He falls in love again, this time with neighbor Priya (Rani Mukerji), only it seems he'll have his heart broken again.

This is a sweet romantic comedy showcasing Khan's charm and talent. The musical numbers are average, but the plot is strong and the acting good. It ties up a bit too nicely at the end, but other than that it is fine and entertaining film.

Cast includes Reema Lagoo, Jackie Shroff and Mohnish Behl

Movie available on YouTube:

Hero

Hero
2015
3/5 stars

In this romantic action film, the daughter of an Inspector General (played by Athiya Shetty) and the son of a notorious criminal (played by Sooraj Pancholi) fall in love. Naturally, there is no easy path for such a romance.

From the clips and descriptions, I expected a much more romantic and emotional film, and was disappointed with the actual plot. Shetty and Pancholi, both in debut roles, had good chemistry. Pancholi was excellent, but I didn't feel that Shetty gave a good performance. Her unappealing character made a dramatic and unbelievable turn around from spoiled brat to sensitive adult, showing a weakness in story writing. The fight scenes were well-done, but the choreography and music were mediocre (with the exception of the fantastic "Main Hoon Hero Tera"). 

Honestly, the best part of this average movie was during the credits, when Salman Khan sings "Main Hoon Hero Tera" in a charming video. The movie is worth watching for that alone, but don't expect a great deal from the film itself.

Movie available on Amazon Prime.

Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega...

Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega... 
(translates as "every heart that loves")
2000
4/5 stars

Raj (Salman Khan) saves a woman (Pooja, played by Rani Mukerji) from being run over by a train. During the accident, Pooja becomes injured and is in a coma. Her family believes Raj to be her husband, and for various reasons he plays along. Things become complicated when her best friend Jahnvi (Preity Zinta) returns home and Raj falls in love with her.

This is a fun romantic comedy with solidly good acting, a strong plot, above average musical numbers, and exceptional costumes. While it lacks some of the charm of the original (Hollywood's "While You Were Sleeping"), and has a few plot holes, it is a fine movie well worth watching.

Movie is available on You Tube:

Chal Mere Bhai

Chal Mere Bhai
(translates as "Come on, my brother")
2000
5/5 stars

Vicky (Sanjay Dutt) and Prem (Salman Khan) are brothers and the closest of friends. Sapna (Karishma Kapoor), Vicky's secretary, and Prem fall in love, but Prem waits to announce it hoping that his older brother will find a wife first. Unfortunately, when Vicky settles on a bride, it's none other than Sapna. Prem is torn between his new love for Sapna and his long-standing devotion to Vicky.

As often happens with Bollywood, this begins as a lighthearted romantic comedy, but in the second hour becomes a more serious family drama dealing with love, duty, and sacrifice. Dutt and Khan have excellent chemistry together and were entirely convincing as brothers. Kapoor, as usual, gave a fine performance, both comedic and serious. The musical numbers were good and the costumes were beautiful. Overall, it's an excellent and enjoyable movie from beginning to end.

Cast also includes Nagma, with special appearances by Twinkle Khanna and Sonali Bendre.

edit: (April 2020)  After rewatching this, I'm doing something I rarely do and changing my rating. The acting is quite good, the plot convincing and even moving at times, the music catchy, and the costumes gorgeous.  Most of all, though, the chemistry between the three leads is spectacular, making Chal Mere Bhai a 5 star film. 

This movie is available on Amazon Prime, as well as on You Tube:

Kurbaan

Kurbaan
(translates as "sacrificed")
1991
4/5 stars

Prithvi (Sunil Dutt) and Suraj (Kabir Bedi) are best friends until a tragedy comes between them, turning Prithvi into a dacoit, while Suraj remains on the side of the law as a police officer. Some years later, their children (Aakash, played by Salman Khan, and Chanda, played by Ayesha Jhulka) meet and fall in love. When their romance is discovered by their fathers, they are forcibly separated, and must find a way to be united.

This sometimes melodramatic romantic drama has a predictable plot, and yet it is enjoyable despite that. There is some solidly good acting, especially from the supporting cast. The music, both incidental and songs, is truly beautiful, while the costumes are gorgeous.

All in all, while not an outstanding movie, Kurbaan is entertaining to watch and a delight to hear.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
(translates as "something happens")
1998
5/5 stars

The film begins with Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) mourning his wife Tina (Rani Mukerji). Tina has left letters for her daughter, Anjali (Sana Saeed), the last of which tells the story of how Tina accidentally came in between Rahul and his college best friend, also named Anjali, and asks young Anjali to try to find the adult Anjali (Kajol) and bring her and Rahul together. When they meet again, Anjali and Rahul have immediate attraction, but Anjali is already engaged to Aman (Salman Khan). 

The plot of this sweet film is enjoyable, if predictable, and while the musical numbers were good, with one being memorable. The story is divided into two parts: college life and adult life. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol do a wonderful job playing both college students and mature adults. Kajol's emotional acting was also good. Mukerji, in her breakthrough role was natural and polished.  Sana Saeed, in her first role, was the life of the movie, though. Overall, it's easy to see why it has become a classic, as it is an example of Bollywood at it's best.

Movie available with Amazon Prime.

Biwi No. 1

Biwi No. 1
(translates as "Wife Number One")
1999
2/5 stars

Prem (Salman Khan) is happily married to Pooja (Karisma Kapoor) until he becomes infatuated with model Rupali (Sushmita Sen). Pooja is devastated when she discovers his infidelity, and then forms a plan to win him back.

Humor is an intensely personal thing, and for me, watching Prem deceive his wife while trying to appease his mistress was not funny. The acting was great, and some of the musical numbers spectacular, but I just didn't enjoy the plot.

Cast also includes Anil Kapoor, Tabu, and Saif Ali Khan.

Jaanam Samjha Karo

Jaanam Samjha Karo
(translates as "sweetheart, try and understand")
1999
4/5 stars

Chandni (Urmila Matondkar) has been forced to become a dancer to support her extended family. Despite this, she lives a virtuous life, dreaming of marriage. Womanizer Rahul (Salman Khan) sees her and is determined to seduce her, but she is not taken in by his lies. 

This romantic drama showcases Matondkar's excellent dancing with some impressive musical numbers. Shammi Kapoor is great in his role as Grandfather. While this is a familiar role for Khan, he does it well enough that I intensely disliked him at times. The plot was good, predictable in it's happy ending, but still enjoyable. Overall, it's an entertaining film for Bollywood fans.

Bandhan

Bandhan
1998
4/5 stars

Pooja (Ashwini Bhave) marries well and brings her young brother with her. Raju (Salman Khan) grows up into a simple man, intensely devoted to his sister and her husband, Thakur (Jackie Shroff). The family breaks apart, however, when Raju and Thakur's sister (Rhambha) fall in love, and when Thakur becomes bewitched by a prostitute (Shweta Menon). 

This is a drama focusing mainly on the bond between brother and sister, the importance of family, and how much one will risk for those he loves. The romantic musical numbers do not fit in with Khan's role, unfortunately, and are a distraction. The rest of the story is good, though, and is certainly a movie worth watching.

Movie available on You Tube:

Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai

Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai 
(translates as "when one falls in love")
1998
4/5 stars

Suraj (Salman Khan) is a rich playboy who goes from woman to woman. When he meets Komal (Twinkle Khanna), he falls in love for the first time. Just as he has finally convinced her of his sincerity, his past returns in a very tangible way and threatens to ruin his happiness.

The plot is mostly excellent, beginning as a romantic comedy and turning into a serious drama. Khan acts his part well, first as playboy, then as reformed man. He is supported by a talented cast; Aditya Narayan was especially good.

Twinkle Khanna was not particularly convincing as Komal, nor was the part written well, as Komal was not entirely likable. This detracted from an otherwise great movie.

Cast includes Johnny Lever and Anupam Kher.

Movie available on You Tube:

Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya

Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya 
(translates as "If you loved someone, don't be afraid")
1998
4/5 stars

Muskaan (played by Kajol) is an orphan being raised by her uncle (Dharmendra) and overly-protective brother (Arbaaz Khan). She goes away to college and is wooed and won by Suraj (Salman Khan), but her brother doesn't approve.

This is a sweet romantic comedy with two particularly good songs and some fun choreography. The plot, while predictable, is enjoyable. The chemistry between Kajol and Arbaaz Khan was a bit more than should be for siblings at times, which gave the first of the movie an odd feel. Salman Khan was charming, as usual, and did well in his silly role. Overall, it's a fun, lighthearted, and entertaining film.

Judwaa

Judwaa
(translates as "twin")
1997
4/5 stars

Salman Khan plays twins (Raja and Prem) that were separated at birth. Prem is raised by his parents in America, and becomes a singer. Raja is raised as an orphan and becomes a thief. When Prem and his parents return to India, confusion abounds affecting the two men, their girlfriends (played by Karisma Kapoor and Rambha), the police, and even the local crime lord.

This is a silly film, but cute. The plot is predictable, but Khan's dual roles are enjoyable to watch. Some of the songs are catchy and most of the choreography is good as well. Overall, it's good fun, though not exceptional.

Movie available on You Tube:

Auzaar

Auzaar
1997
3/5 stars

Raju (Salman Khan) and Yash (Sanjay Kapoor) are best friends through college. Afterwards though, Yash takes over the family organized crime business while Raju (unbeknownst to Yash) becomes a CID Inspector. When Raju is given the assignment to investigate Yash, a conflict of interest seems at hand.

Khan and Kapoor have good chemistry together, and portray best friends well. The plot, while not credible, is entertaining. There are no memorable songs, but there is some good choreography. The film is full of violence, naturally, with some fun action scenes. Overall, though, it's just an average movie.

Movie available on You Tube: