Marigold

Marigold
2007
3/5 stars

In this Hollywood/Bollywood "crossover" film, Marigold (Ali Larter), a vain and spoiled American actress arrives in India to star in a film.  When it is cancelled, she has the good luck to make a friend and find another movie.  On the set, she meets Prem (Salman Khan), whose gentleness and kindness help her to change, and they fall in love.  Prem has a secret, however, that will prevent their happiness.

The cute plot is typical Bollywood, with both romance and drama.  Songs were average, but did nothing to advance the plot; the choreography was generally good, though.  The costumes, particularly Marigold's, were gorgeous.  Khan's role was stereotypical and two dimensional, giving him little scope for acting.  Larter did a good job being unlikable, but did it so well that it was hard to warm to Marigold even after her personal transformation.  Sadly,  Khan and Larter did not have good chemistry.

Other problems I had include finding the personality change to be too abrupt and not credible, and disbelieving that Prem could fall for Marigold before this change.  By suspending belief on those points, I was able to enjoy most of the film, but it's not one I would universally recommend.

Special appearance by Helen.