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