Yuvvraaj

Yuvvraaj
2008
3/5 stars


Deven Yuvvraaj (Salman Khan) is in love with Anushka (Katrina Kaif), but her father (Boman Irani) refuses to allow the match.  When Deven's estranged father dies leaving a fortune, Deven is sure that he will inherit and be able to marry Anushka.  However, his father disinherits both Deven and his younger brother Danny (Zayed Khan), in favor of their mentally challenged elder brother Gyanesh (Anil Kapoor).  Deven and Danny then become tentative partners in a game to scam Gyanesh out of the money.

In this family drama, the plot is mostly good, with uneven bits.  Both Khan's give credible, if not exceptional, performances.  Kapoor's performance is hindered by his part; his character is depicted as only very little resembling the autistic savant he is supposed to be, seeming at times to be fully functioning and at other times as challenged.  This really lessened Kapoor's sometimes strong performance, as well as the movie in general.  The songs are generally lovely, and the costumes--particularly in the musical numbers--are extravagant and impressive.  Overall, it's a visually pleasing film with a positive message, but only mediocre otherwise.

This movie is available to rent on Google Play.

Baazigar

Baazigar
(translates as "gambler")
1993
4/5 stars

The less known about the plot, the better the viewing experience for this drama.  Briefly, Shah Rukh Khan plays a man who is courting two sisters (played by Shilpa Shetty and Kajol) under two different personas.  He has pressing reasons, which the viewer learns through well-told back story as the film progresses.

This often tense film delivers an impressive surprise early on, and keeps the viewer on edge through out.  Khan delivers an excellent performance, and Kajol and Shetty do well, also.  The music and choreography are only average, keeping the movie from a full five stars.  Otherwise, this is an impressive, suspenseful, and emotional film (reminiscent of Hitchcock) that is well worth watching.

Cast also includes: Master Sumeet, Johnny Lever, and Dalip Tahil.

This movie is available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlliV_Nit7I&t=20s

Baghban

Baghban

(translates as "gardener")

2003

4/5 stars

Raj Malhotra (Amitabh Bachchan) and his beloved wife of 40 years, Pooja (Hema Malini), have given all they have emotionally and monetarily to their five sons, four natural and one adopted (played by Salman Khan).  When Raj retires, he has no money set aside and assumes that his children will help him as he has helped them.  Instead, his four natural sons resent his request and split up the loving couple with plans to rotate their parents between homes.  Raj and Pooja are heartbroken without each other, but have no way to change their circumstances until chance helps them out.

This sometimes overly sentimental movie is a sweet love story of a long-married couple.  It's also a discussion of respect and what is owed to one's parents.  Bachchan is a wonderful actor, as is Malini.  Their chemistry was excellent.  There are some truly beautiful songs, but little in the way of choreography.  Overall, it's film that requires some understanding of Indian culture to appreciate, but if one does, it makes for good viewing.

This movie available on Amazon Prime and  YouTube:

Emma

Emma
4 part mini-series
2009
5/5 stars

Based on Jane Austen's novel, this mini-series focuses on Emma Woodhouse (Romola Garai), vain, spoiled, and the belle of her small town, as she tries her hand at matchmaking with disastrous results.  As with the novel, this Emma is almost unlikable, and yet. . . there is still a goodness about her that Mr. Knightly(Jonny Lee Miller) and the reader/viewer are able to see.

This is one of my favorite Austen novels for it's wit and perspicacity.  I was delighted with how closely the series followed the book, deviating only in minor matters.  The producers also kept a good feel of Regency times; I had issues, again, with only minor matters.  Costumes, hairstyles, locations, and sets were all fantastic. The actors were well cast, and they all did a fine job.  Tamsin Greig was particularly good as Miss Bates, as was Michael Gambon's portrayal of Mr. Woodhouse. I truly enjoyed this mini-series and would recommend it for both fans of the book, and those unfamiliar with the novel.

This movie is available with Amazon Prime.

Namastey London

Namastey London
2007
3/5 stars

Jasmeet (Katrina Kaif) was raised in London and has turned into a wild young woman, rejecting her Indian roots and going by the appropriate name of "Jazz".  Her father (Rishi Kapoor) takes her on a trip through India, ending in his hometown in Punjab.  While there, he marries her (not willingly) to his best friend's son, Arjun (Ashkay Kumar).  When the couple returns to London, Jazz announces that she doesn't recognize the Indian marriage, and proceeds with her plans of becoming the fourth wife of her boss (Clive Standen).  Arjun, must either give in gracefully and lose his wife, or find a way to fight for his marriage by showing Jazz that true love can win.

The plot is cute and fun, and I enjoyed it. Kumar is a good actor and played both comedy and serious well.  I'm not fond of Kaif, and don't feel that she is a particularly good actress, but she was well suited for this role.  The supporting cast (especially Nina Wadia) are excellent.  The locations and cinematography were great.  However, I actively disliked the club music/dancing, and for me that lowered the movie from four stars to three.

This movie is available on Amazon Prime.

Victoria and Abdul

Victoria and Abdul
2017
3/5 stars

Victoria and Abdul is the "'mostly" true story of the unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) and a Muslim Indian, Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal).  Karim is sent from India as an emissary, and the Queen is taken with him and his easy personality, treats him with favor, and bestows honors on him.  Her family and attendants, especially her son Bertie (later to be Edward VII, played by Eddie Izzard), dislike him and his influence and try to discredit him with the Queen.

Dame Judi is fantastic in this role.  She plays ailing, grouchy, and old to perfection, then lights up the screen with grace, majesty and strength. It would not surprise me to see her win awards for this performance.

Fazal was also wonderful in his role as sweet, endearing, devoted to the Queen.  However, his part was not three-dimensional--he was too perfect, too servile.  The viewer was left wondering what made Abdul tick, and what his motives were.

In addition, the story (which covered the 15 years of Karim's service to the Queen) was short on plot.  It was, instead, a string of tableaux in which both featured, but without their relationship developing or maturing.  Furthermore, the portrayal of Queen Victoria as a liberal-thinking woman was, I think, colored more by wishful thinking than historical accuracy.

I did like the film, though.  It is cute, sweet, and at times, funny, with a positive message of tolerance and equality.  It was enjoyable to watch, but the lack of depth to the plot kept it from being fully immersive.  The cast (supporting cast included) were all excellent, as mentioned.  Overall, it's an fun light movie, but not one to rely upon historically.

This movie is available to rent on Amazon.

Yeh Dillagi

Yeh Dillagi
(translates as "this romance")
1994
3/5 stars

Sapna (Kajol), the chauffeur's daughter, goes to Mumbai to become a model so that she can earn money and be on equal footing with her father's rich employers.  She matures and gains confidence, and as a result turns the heads of both of the sons of the house: Vicky, unprincipaled playboy (Saif Ali Khan) and hardworking buisnessman Vijay (Akshay Kumar) Their mother (Reema Lagoo) is a stickler for social position, and refuses to allow either son to consider an alliance with the daughter of a servant.  They woo Sapna in their own way, and when one wins her love, he faces the difficulty of brotherly conflict and parental disapproval.

On the face of it, this romantic comedy (loosely based on Hollywood's Sabrina), is a love triangle that pits brotherly love against romantic love.  The story goes deeper than that, though, and becomes an evaluation of social snobbery.

Kumar, Kajol, Khan

It is a mostly fun film, but to my surprise contained two somewhat steamy scenes that didn't seem typical of a 1990's Bollywood movie, and detracted from the experience.  I also had a difficult time enjoying Lagoo's performance.  She's my favorite Bollywood mummy, and I'm not used to seeing her in an unsympathetic role.  The acting of the three main characters was good, and they had fine chemistry together.  The music was average, but there were some entertaining dance scenes.  Were it not for the two detractors mentioned above, this would be a 4 star movie, but as a result, I could only find it average.

This movie is available to rent on Google Play.

Tubelight

Tubelight
2017
5/5 stars

Laxman (Salman Khan) is a mentally challenged adult who is devoted to his younger brother, Bharat (played by Khan's real life brother Sohail).  When tension breaks out on the China/India border, Bharat joins the army.  Laxman is lost without him, so a friend (Om Puri) encourages him to follow Gandhi's teachings and increase his belief.  Meanwhile, a mother (Zhu Zhu) and son (Martin Rey Tangu) of Chinese descent move to the village, creating dissension among the community.  The young boy and Laxman become good friends.  Armed with a new friend and increased faith, Laxman tries to end the war through his hope.

Khan, Tangu

This is a marvelous film about love, hope, and the bond between brothers.  The chemistry between the Khan brothers was natural and perfect.  Salman Khan played a mentally challenged man with excellence, and was simply amazing in the role.  The sets and locations were gorgeous.  The songs and choreography were also good.  Overall, this is a fantastic film that has not gotten the recognition it deserves.


Also includes a cameo by Shah Rukh Khan.

On a personal note: any movie that can make me cry just as hard the second time is a great movie!


This movie is available on Amazon Prime.

Jaan-E-Mann

Jaan-E-Mann
(translates as "sweetheart")
2006
4/5 stars

In this romantic comedy/drama, Suhan (Salman Khan) and Piya (Preity Zinta) are divorced, and she is asking for alimony which the out-of-work actor can't provide.  When a former college classmate (Agastya played by Akshay Kumar) confesses to being in love with her still, Suhan decides the best thing to do is to help Agastya win Piya, to avoid alimony.  The only trouble is that Suhan still loves her, too.

Despite a few too-silly parts, this movie is truly funny with many laugh-out-loud moments.  Khan and Kumar play well together, and Kumar makes an excellent straight man.  Zinta is convincing as both college student and adult.  All three portray their emotions well.  Anupam Kher, was surprisingly convincing as a little person.  The songs are good, with two particularly so, and there is some nice choreography.  This is a thoroughly enjoyable film, with a good mix of comedy and drama, that shows all three stars to advantage.

This movie available on YouTube:

Baabul

Baabul
(translates as "the love a father feels for his daughter")
2006
5/5 stars

Avi (Salman Khan) falls instantly in love with Millie (Rani Mukerji), and after much wooing and a little trouble, wins her.  She is welcomed by his parents, Balraj (Amitabh Bachchan) and Shobhna (Hema Malini) as if she were their natural daughter.  She and Avi experience years of happiness, and then a life-changing tragedy occurs.  Balraj shows his great love for Millie as he defies traditions to make her happy again.

The first half of this is a delightful romance following the happy life of Avi and Millie.  Mukerji and Khan have good chemistry and played lovers well.  After the tragedy, the film looses it's light-heartedness and becomes a drama.  Mukerji and Bachchan both gave excellent emotional performances.  The supporting cast were quite good.  There was some lovely music, and nice choreography as well.  The plot was strong, well written, and well-executed.  This is a wonderful film overall.

This movie is available on YouTube:

Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya

Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya
(translates as "why did I fall in love")
2005
4/5 stars

Womanizing doctor Samir (Salman Khan) always tells his girlfriends that he is married, so as to prevent any serious relationships.  When he falls in love with Sonia (Katrina Kaif) and wants to marry her, Samir tells her that he will get a divorce.  Sonia insists on meeting his wife first, so Samir persuades his nurse Naina (Sushmita Sen) to pretend to be his wife.  When Samir's mother (Beena Kak) arrives and discovers that he is "married", further complications ensue.  All the while, Sonia's neighbor (Soliel Khan) is trying to woo her, too.

Based on Hollywood's 1969 Cactus Flower, this romantic comedy is quite amusing.  While I wasn't impressed with all the music, I found some of the group choreography quite good.  Sen gave a great performance, and Salman Khan did well also.  While I'm not fond of the slapstick humor used by Soliel Khan in this movie, the chemistry between the brothers was fun to see.  Kaif is the weak link in this film.  Either she is a poor actress (I wasn't fond of her in Partner, either) or her role wasn't well written.  If you compare this film to the original, it doesn't stack up well; however, on it's own as an example of typical Bollywood, it's fun to watch.

Includes cameo by Arbaaz Khan.

Cactus Flower

Cactus Flower
1969
5/5 stars

Womanizing Dr. Julian Winston (Walter Matthau) has told his new girlfriend, Toni (Goldie Hawn) that he is married, to prevent the relationship from getting serious.  He decides he does want to marry Toni, and tells her that he will get a divorce, but she insists on meeting his wife first.  He persuades his longtime nurse Stephanie (Ingrid Bergman) to pretend to be his wife.  Stephanie and Toni meet, but things don't turn out just the way Julian had expected.

This romantic comedy is pure fun, with great lines and perfect delivery from the two veteran actors.  Goldie Hawn's Oscar winning debut performance is a true delight.  The sets and costumes looked wonderful, and the supporting cast of Jack Weston, Rick Lenz, Vito Scotti, and Irene Hervey added greatly to the overall experience.  This is a film well worth watching.

This movie is available to rent on Amazon.

Dil Tera Aashiq

Dil Tera Aashiq
(translates as "heart is your lover")
1993
3/5 stars

Sonia (Madhuri Dixit) is in need of money to support her ill mother.  She disguises herself as Savitri, an older governess, and is hired by Chaudhary (Anupam Kher) for his young niece and nephew.  His older nephew (Vijay, played by Salman Khan) meets her as herself and is immediately love-struck, little knowing she is also the governess.  Chaudhary eventually falls in love with "Savitri" and Sonia finds herself in an interesting situation.

This romantic comedy has an uneven plot, being quite good in the beginning, then turning too silly.  The songs, with the exception of the title song, are average.  The dancing/choreography is a bit below average.  The cast is good, and Dixit and Khan have good chemistry together.  Kher, as always, gives a great performance.  Dixit does a nice job balancing her two roles, but Khan is just average in this film.  Overall, it's fun to watch, but not memorable.

The cast also includes Kader Khan and Shakti Kapoor.

Keeping Mum

Keeping Mum
2005
4/5 stars

The family of the retiring and oblivious Reverend Goodfellow (Rowan Atkinson) is falling apart: his wife (Kristin Scott Thomas) is lonely and looking for solace with the golf instructor (Patrick Swayze), his daughter is running wild, and his son is being bullied at school.  When the new housekeeper, Grace (Maggie Smith), arrives, things begin to look up for the Goodfellows as problems seem to miraculously disappear.  What they don't realize is that 43 years ago, Grace was responsible for clearing up a problem of her own in a most interesting way.

In this disturbingly entertaining black comedy, the veteran cast display their excellent acting skills. Atkinson is particularly great, and it's hard to find a better actress than Dame Maggie Smith.  The story line was engaging from the beginning and flowed with good timing. The humor is not going to be for everyone, but I often found it laugh-out-loud funny.  Overall, while I can't give it a universal recommendation, it was an enjoyable film for those who appreciate the twisted British wit.

Meri Pyaari Bindu

Meri Pyaari Bindu 
(translates as "my lovely Bindu")
2017
4/5 stars

Abhi (Ayushmann Khurrana) is a successful horror writer; he wants to pen a romance, but is undergoing writer's block. He finds an old mixed tape that he made with his one real love, Bindu (Parineeti Chopra), and it inspires him to write of that love, from their first meeting as children, to the last goodbye.

This is a bittersweet romantic comedy/drama.  The plot is interesting and engrossing through to the end.  Khurrana and Chopra have good chemistry together, and both acted well, though  Khurrana looked too old to play the part of college-age student. The music was nice, but there was very little dancing.  Overall, it's a relatable and enjoyable film.

Movie is free with Amazon Prime.

Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa

Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa
(translates as "the one whom my heart longs for")
2004
4/5 stars

Rishabh (Salman Khan) and Pari (Preity Zinta) have a deeply happy, loving marriage until Pari is killed in an accident.  At her death, she becomes connected to a young woman (Dhani, played by Bhumika Chawla) in a real and tangible way.  Unaware of the connection between them, Rishabh and Dhani meet.  Dhani immediately falls in love with him, and Rishabh, though attracted, fights against it, as he'd rather live in the past with Pari.  When the connection is discovered, their lives will be changed.

This is a sweet, emotional drama, celebrating the depth of true love.  Khan has good chemistry with both Zinta and Chawla, and all play their parts well.  Helen plays Dhani's grandmother and is, as always, a delight.  The music is nice, but the choreography is below average.  Overall, despite a resolution I found to be too quick, this is an excellent film.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
(translates as "a match made by God")
2008
4/5 stars

Vivacious, beautiful Taani (Anushka Sharma) suffers a catastrophe on the eve of her wedding, and at her father's request, she marries his trusted student Suri (Shah Rukh Khan).  Serious, nerdy Suri fell in love with her at first sight, but Taani tells him she'll never be able to love him, nor be happy and light-hearted again.  Suri takes on the role of a fun-loving Raj in her dancing class, hoping to make her laugh again, and hoping to use Raj to help Taani fall in love with Suri.  Things don't work as Suri had hoped, and he sees his chance of happiness with Taani become slim.

In this romantic drama, Khan plays an average man as Suri, and brash and loud as Raj, neither the handsome or charming character that is his usual role. This he does suprisingly well.  Sharma, in her first role, was excellent, and fully believable in her emotions. While the songs and choreography were average, the cinematography, locations, and sets were lovely.

I was conflicted as to the credibility of Taani's reaction to the truth, but otherwise found this to be a sweet and enjoyable film with a beautiful message, celebrating unselfish love.

Special appearances by Kajol, Bipasha Basu, Lara Dutta, Preity Zinta, and Rani Mukerji .

Movie available for free through Amazon Prime.

Badrinath Ki Dulhania

Badrinath Ki Dulhania
(translates as "Badrinath's bride")
2017
3/5 stars

Badrinath (Varun Dhawan), spoiled younger son of a wealthy family, meets Vaidehi (Alia Bhatt) at a wedding and falls in love with her.  She refuses his marriage offer several times, as they don't have similar backgrounds, or the same ideas about women, careers, and dowries. However, he at last persuades her to agree.  On their wedding day, Vaidehi makes a decision that rocks Badri's world and he is forced to mature and decide if he will be like his overbearing, misogynistic father, or become his own person.

On the face of it, this sounds like a delightful movie, and parts of it are.  There are some good songs, solid acting, lovely costumes, and great cinematography.  Dhawan and Bhatt have good chemistry together.  However, the plot is weak in parts, disconcerting in others, and overall the film is not memorable.

Movie available through Amazon Prime.

Jai Ho

Jai Ho
(translates as "Let Victory Prevail")
2014
4/5 stars

Jai (Salman Khan) is an ordinary man with a desire to help others.  He formulates a plan in which, instead of saying "thank you" for a kind act, the recipient will vow to help three others, telling them to do the same.  In helping others, Jai crosses the local political family, starting a feud.

This is a serious and violent drama with a most positive message, encouraging the doing of good, and celebrating the power of the common man.  It is an engrossing film, with an exceptionally good supporting cast.  Khan wears the same serious face throughout most of the movie, and does little acting other than action, but that doesn't lesson the film.  The music is good, the choreography nice, and the costumes often beautiful.  Overall, this is an intense, yet feel-good film, in the best Bollywood style.

Note: Cast includes Tabu as Geeta, and Daisy Shah as Rinky.

Movie available through Amazon Prime.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
(translates as "the big-hearted will take away the bride")
1995
5/5 stars

Simran (Kajol) lives in London and is betrothed to the son of her father's best friend in Punjab. The summer before she is to be married, she takes a European rail vacation with friends, and meets Raj (Shah Rukh Khan). They don't realize that they have fallen in love until they have parted. Raj then follows Simran to India, determined to win her father's approval for their marriage.

In this romantic comedy/drama, family values and respect for elders is placed in high regard, even while portraying that the most hardened of hearts must be softened in the face of true love. Both Kajol and Khan are excellent in their roles, maturing their characters perfectly. The supporting cast is stellar. While there is no breath-taking choreography, the songs are lovely and memorable. The costumes, cinematography, locations, and sets are all beautifully done. Overall, this is a funny, sweet, and serious movie that is a must- watch for any Bollywood fan.

Movie available through Amazon Prime.

Jab Harry Met Sejal

Jab Harry Met Sejal
(translates as "when Harry met Sejal")
2017
4/5 stars

Sejal (Anushka Sharma) looses her engagement ring on a family European tour. She convinces the guide, Harry (Shah Rukh Khan), to retrace the tour in order to find the lost ring. While searching for the ring, they find what neither was expecting: love.

This is a cute, feel-good film about the changing power of love. Sharma is charming in her role as the naive and sweet Sejal. Though not a serious role, Khan (debonair as always) does interject some emotion. The music was good, but there was very little choreography. While not a deep plot, it is enjoyable and was overall entertaining.

Suryavanshi

Suryavanshi 
1992
4/5 stars

The wicked princess Suryalekha (Amrita Singh) falls in love with the one man who is able to defeat her champions. This man, Suryavanshi Vikram Singh (Salman Khan) deceives her, then leaves her in disgrace. Incensed, she kills herself and her ghostly self torments the area as she waits for Suryavanshi to be reborn and return to her.

Hundreds of years later, an archaeologist uncovers part of Suryalekha's palace. His team, including his daughter Sonia (Sheeba) and son-in-law Vicky (Salman Khan), visit the palace grounds. Suryalekha's spirit is convinced that Vicky is Suryavanshi reincarnated and calls to him. It is left to Sonia to overcome the evil with her love and protect her husband.

This is, at times, a silly movie, and sometimes overly dramatic. That said, it's still an enjoyable tale, full of action, romance, the supernatural, and music. There is much more to the plot that can be explained in a brief synopsis, and the romance was a good story. Singh was fantastic as the beautiful and evil Suryalekha, and Sheeba's portrayal of the opposing pure and lovely Sonia was equally good. Both of Khan's characters were less than three-dimensional, but still appealing. The most unfortunate aspect of the entire movie was the light brown hair/beard of Suryavanshi, which looked simply goofy on Khan. The music and choreography were good, as were the costumes for these numbers. Overall, while bordering on the ridiculous in parts, it was an entertaining movie and a good example of the Bollywood of the 1990s.

Movie available on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/sh1wwILGvp0

Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar

Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar
(translates as "I'm screwed by getting married")
2006
3/5 stars

This movie begins as a romance, when Ayaan (Salman Khan) meets model Ahana (Shilpa Shetty) and falls in love with her. After finding her diary, he woos and marries her with the help of the information her diary provides. Then the movie becomes a domestic drama, with their marriage on the rocks--with the diary as the apex--and the viewer is left wondering if love will be enough to reconcile them.

The plot starts off interesting, but after a while, the arguments become tiresome. The resolution happens too quickly, and is not fully believable. Khan goes from charming to stubborn well, but the viewer will be conflicted as to whether he is in the right. Ahana's character is too spoiled and sullen to be fully likable; whether this is the fault of the actress or the writing is uncertain. There are some quite good songs, but the choreography is below average. Overall, this is an okay movie, but not one I would universally recommend.

Movie available on YouTube:

Chandra Mukhi

Chandra Mukhi
(translates as "moon-faced beauty")
1993
3/5 stars

The lovely Sridevi plays Chandramukhi, a princess from another planet. She has fallen to Earth, and during that fall lost her magical-power-granting leaf. She meets Raja, a boy of around 10, who is being abused by his step-uncle. To help Raja, she uses the remains of her powers to age him so that he can defend himself. After this, she and the adult Raja (Salman Khan), go on an adventure to find her leaf.

This is a truly silly fantasy flick, but mostly enjoyable nonetheless. While the songs are average, the choreography is good and Sridevi is truly a fine dancer. Khan's part is odd in that, at times Raja seems to have matured as he aged (particularly when wooing Chandramuhki), and at others seems to still have the mentality of a child. This made the romancing feel a bit awkward, but nonetheless, Khan and Sridevi had good chemistry. Khan was charming, but overacted at times. On the whole, it is an absurd plot, but one can't help but like it anyway.

(movie not currently available)

Partner

Partner
2007
4/5 stars

Prem (Salman Khan) is a Love Guru, helping the less prepossessing men to marry the women they love. When Bhaskar Chaudhary (Govinda) comes to him for help to win the heart of his boss (played by Katrina Kaif), Prem accepts a near impossible challenge. Meanwhile, Prem himself falls in love with Naina (Lara Dutta), who resists all his attempts to woe her.

This is a sweet and funny movie. Khan is charming and plays his role well. Govinda is hilarious, and does an excellent job. The chemistry between the two is great. Kaif's character is rather one dimensional, whether the fault of the role or the actress is uncertain. Dutta is cute and personable as Khan's love interest. The music is good, with average choreography. Costumes and filmography are great.

This movie would be a 5 star one, but for the plot line with the Don. That either needed to be eliminated or expanded. It just didn't work well the way it was.

Otherwise, Partner is a fun movie, with laugh-out-loud moments that is worth watching more than once.

Kick (2014)

Kick
2014
4/5 stars

Devi (Salman Khan) is an adrenaline junkie and does every thing he can to get a kick. After breaking up with his girlfriend (Jacqueline Fernandez), he becomes a daring thief known as "Devil" who risks it all on high profile escapades. Randeep Hooda plays the police officer who has made it his personal goal to catch Devil.

There are times when this action packed film is a bit confusing (keeping up with locations, for instance) but that doesn't detract from the fun. Khan is wonderful in his role, as is Hooda. Though Fernandez is not as strong an actor as the other two, she acts naturally and believably. The songs (with the exception of "Hangover") and choreography are average, but the filmography is grand. Overall, this thriller will keep the viewer thoroughly entertained.

Movie available through Amazon Prime.

Karan Arjun

Karan Arjun
1995
4/5 stars

Durga Singh (Raakhee) has two sons, Karan (Salman Khan) and Arjun (Shah Rukh Khan) that are the joy of her life. When they are murdered, she prays to Kali to reincarnate them, and restore them too her, so that they can take vengeance on her enemy. 

This is both a poignant story of a mother's love and faith, and an action packed tale of revenge. The music and choreography are average, but the costumes are spectacular. The fight scenes are well staged and exciting. The supporting cast is quite good. Khan and Khan are both great in their roles, and it is fun to see the superstars act together. It's a solid movie overall, and will please fans of either Khan.

Bajrangi Bhaijaan

Bajrangi Bhaijaan
(translates as "Brother Bajrangi")
2015
5/5 stars

Salman Khan plays Pawan, a devotee of Lord Hanuman. He finds a lost little girl (Harshaali Malhotra) who is mute. It is eventually revealed that she is Pakistani, and Pawan must risk his life and freedom to travel there and return her to her home.

Khan plays his gentle character perfectly, but Malhotra--even silent-- steals the show. Both actors relate well to each other, and their camaraderie feels genuine. The plot is touching, serious, and heartwarming. Overall, it's a fantastic movie.

Note: Cast includes Kareena Kapoor as the love interest, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the reporter.

Available through Amazon Prime:

Yoddha The Warrior

Yoddha The Warrior
2014
Did Not Finish

This movie tells the story of two lovers who died together in battle and are reincarnated and must fight the evil that killed them in their first lives.

The premise is good, and the movie starts well. The C.G.I. scenery looks great, and the costumes in the "historical" portion are impressive. Unfortunately, the movie suffers from over-acting and over-dramatics. I watched over half, and it became so silly that I couldn't finish.

Baaghi: A Rebel for Love

Baaghi: A Rebel for Love
1990
4/5 stars

In this tale of love and morality versus corruption, Salman Khan plays Saajan, a college student who falls in love with Kajol (Nagma), who has been kidnapped and forced into prostitution. Based on Khan's own idea, the story is sweet and moving, with good action scenes, and average music. Nagma gives a good performance in her first role, and Khan is his usual charming self. The viewer will be engaged until the end, hoping for a happy ending from a dire situation.

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Note: Cast also includes Kiran Kumar as the Colonel and Mohnish Behl as Jaggu.

Sanam Bewafa

Sanam Bewafa
1991
3/5 stars

Sher Khan (Danny Denzongpa) and Fateh Khan (Pran) are sworn enemies, as were their fathers before them. Their children Salman (Salman Khan) and Ruksar (Chandni) meet and fall in love. Just when it seems that they have overcome their fathers' enmity, the situation worsens and it seems there will be no happy ending for the young couple.

Sanam Bewafa has a predictable Romeo and Juliet type plot, but is entertaining nonetheless. The music and choreography (dance and fighting) are average, but the costumes are stunning. Chandni plays her role naturally, but Khan, Denzongpa, and Pran tended to overact in serious moments. Bollywood fans will find it enjoyable, but not outstanding.

Dum Laga Ke Haisha

Dum Laga Ke Haisha
2015
2/5 stars

Prem (Ayushmann Khurrana) is persuaded by his family to marry for financial reasons to an overweight woman he doesn't find attractive. His new wife, Sandhya (Bhumi Pednekar ) is an educated woman who tries to make her marriage work, but Prem has no interest in so doing. They are persuaded to take part in the "Dum Lagao" contest, where the husband carries his wife on his back through an obstacle course, in so doing they reconcile.

The premise of this movie is fantastic, but it just doesn't deliver. There is very little character development, less happiness, and an ending that is too sudden and not credible. Khurrana, who is too old for the role, wears a scowl the entire movie and plays his part one- dimensionally. Pednekar, in her first movie, is fantastic, giving depth to Sandhya, portraying believable emotions, and acting nearly flawlessly. Her performance is so good that she nearly saves the movie, but not quite.

Silsila Hai Pyar Ka

Silsila Hai Pyar Ka
1999
3/5 stars

Abhay (Chandrachur Singh) is a spoiled womanizer who takes no interest in the family business. His father (Alok Nath) decides it is time that Abhay become more responsible and he puts him to work, and hires a devout, plain secretary (Vanshikha, played by Karisma Kapoor) to keep him in line. Vanshikha falls in love with Abhay, but he finds her unattractive. She changes her appearance, capturing his attention, but he doesn't want a serious relationship. They then embark on an adventure that causes them to reevaluate their feelings for each other.

Silsila Hai Pyar Ka is a movie with very little substance. The plot is mostly predictable, with the exception of the unbelievable adventure, and focuses on the importance of beauty over personality. Singh is only average at acting, dancing, and action, leaving the viewer to wish for a more dynamic hero. The supporting cast are dependable veterans, but don't have extensive parts. Kapoor is the bright spot in this mediocre film. She is an excellent dancer, an exuberant actress, and a pleasure to watch.

The cast includes Shakti Kapoor, Alok Nath, Johnny Lever, and  Danny Denzongpa.

Sultan

Sultan
2016
5/5 stars

Sultan (Salman Khan) becomes a wrestler to impress Aarfa (Anushka Sharma) and discovers a great talent for it. He goes on to become a world champion, but in so doing is not there when a tragedy occurs, leading to an estrangement between him and Aarfa. Ten years later, he reenters the sports world, hoping to win money for a cause dear to his heart, reestablish a relationship with his wife, and earn self respect.

This is a magnificent film, with a strong and heartwarming plot. Khan takes his character through Sultan's various phases of innocence, arrogance, and brokenness believably and masterfully. He plays his role to perfection. Sharma gives a masterful performance as well. The music, songs and incidental, are good and sometimes moving. The scenery, sets, and location shots are impressive. Overall, this is a near perfect movie. I highly recommend it to both fans and non-fans (of which I am) of wrestling.

This movie is available on Amazon Prime.