Watching Vasantam and Priyamaana Thozhi Back-to-Back

These two identical films, Vasantam and Priyamaana Thozhi, were written and directed by Vikraman,  They were filmed in separate locations in different languages, but released on the same day in 2003.  I watched them back-to-back and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Plot Summary:

Julie and Ashok have had a deep, platonic friendship since they were children. When Ashok becomes engaged to Nandini, Julie is ready to make any changes needed for the happiness of the marriage. By the same token, when Julie falls in love, Ashok is willing to sacrifice his dreams for the benefit of her future.

Both films feature the exact same plot and dialogue, so that part can be reviewed as one.  It is a charming, sweet story about the beauty and importance of friendship.  Though the feel-good plot isn't always believable, it's still a fun and pleasant experience.

Priyamaana Thozhi

(translates as "lovable female friend")

4/5 stars

In this Tamil-language version,  Madhavan stars as Ashok, Sridevi Vijayakumar as Julie, and Jyothika as Nandini.  The three leads have excellent, believable chemistry together.  Madhavan displays great energy and life, as well as open emotions.  The songs, both music and lyrics, are quite lovely, with some being memorable.  The cinematography is beautiful, with vibrant colors and effective backgrounds.  It may not be a five-star movie, but is worth watching, and definitely entertaining.

(Cast also includes Vineeth, R. Sundarrajan and Manivannan.)

Sridevi Vijaykumar and Jyothika

Vasantam

(translates as "spring")

3/5 stars

This is the Telugu-language version, and stars Venkatesh as Ashok, Kalyani as Julie, and Arti Agarwal as Nandini.  Venkatesh, a good actor in general, is miscast in this role.  The twenty-year age gap between him and both female leads is visibly obvious, and he doesn't project the joie de vivre that Ashok is credited with by the other characters.  Kalyani and Arti Agarwal have good friendship chemistry, but lack any with Venkatesh.  The filming is beautiful, bright and crisp, with effective backgrounds. The music is lovely, but I didn't have subtitles for the songs, so I can't comment on the lyrics.  It's still enjoyable, despite its faults, but of the two, it's not the one I'd recommend.
(Cast also includes Akash, Giri Babu and Tanikella Bharani.) 

Raakilipattu

Raakilipattu

(translates as "rock music")

2007

5/5 stars

This film is the Malayalam-language version of Snegithiye, a Tamil movie which was shot simultaneously in both languages, and intended to be released at the same time in 2000.  For reasons I couldn't discover, the release of the Malayalam version, as well as a Hindi dubbed one, did not happen until 2007.

Radhika (Sharbani Mukherjee) and Josephine (played by Jyothika) are best friends at college where they are free-spirits, and even pranksters at times.  Radhika's aunt wants to see Radhika become more responsible, and feels that marriage would be the answer.  To avoid this, the friends invent a boyfriend for Radhika, called Ramesh Nair.  When Radhika begins to receive letters and phone calls from someone calling himself Ramesh Nair, both girls become terrified.  However, things get worse when someone by that name is found dead and Radhika and Josephine are the prime suspects for his murder.  An Assistant Commissioner of Police, Gayathri (played by Tabu), is an alumna of their college and the two go to her for help.  She seems to believe Josephine and Radhika, but someone is determined that the girls will not be alive to tell their side of the story. 

What starts out as a fun film about female friendship quickly turns into a tense, twisty, amazing thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat, and then reduced me to tears at the end.

The acting by Jyothika, Tabu, and Sharbani Mukherjee is fantastic -- so believable and natural -- and the supporting cast is solid. The dramatic film techniques and effective incidental music add to the suspense and general excellence of the movie.  Though the music is average, with the exception of the memorable item number, it fits perfectly and is used effectively.  

It's important to note that the main story is worked around substories about the dangers women face, and as such, is peopled almost entirely by women.  There are only a few times when a male voice is heard throughout the whole movie.  This gives an additional depth to the overall feel of the film.

The first time I watched it, I was so caught up in the plot that I missed much of the nuances that add an extra layer.  The second viewing, I was able to take it all in, and was thoroughly wowed.  This is truly a sadly underrated gem. 

Two Starring Jr. NTR

RRR (Rise, Roar, Revolt)  
2022

5/5 stars

starring: N. T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan, Ajay Devgn, and Alia Bhatt 
Giving much of the plot will spoil the surprises, so suffice it to say that this Telugu-language action film/period drama is a love letter to both male friendship and patriotism. RRR is funny, moving, and exciting, as well as consistently entertaining.  Filled with excellence -- music, acting, cinematography, and story alike -- it's easy to overlook the glaring historical inaccuracies and just enjoy the epic experience.  My only complaint, and it's a minor one, is that I'm not used to seeing Jr. NTR as a timid character; his talent, however, made it seem a natural role. By the end, both my husband and I were ready to take up arms against the British invaders.  Jai Hind!

Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava

transl. Veera Raghava along with Aravinda

2018

4/5 stars

This action-drama is a sometimes moving, occasionally humorous, but always entertaining story of factions, revenge, and a desire for peace. N. T. Rama Rao Jr. as Veera Raghava, a young man thrown into a war between two villages, gives his typical strong and charismatic performance.  Pooja Hegde, who stars as the romantic interest Aravinda, is less impressive, though Jagapathi Babu and Sunil, who also feature, are excellent, as is the supporting cast.  The incidental music is especially effective, and the songs and choreography are generally appealing.  The action scenes look fantastic and the cinematography is equally good.  Overall, while having one of the most violent opening fifteen or so minutes I've seen, this is a genuinely engrossing and engaging film. 

Raavanan

Raavanan 

2010

5/5 stars

Dev Prakash  (Prithviraj Sukumaran), a ruthlessly determined police officer, is transferred to a province to capture Veera (played by Vikram), a local hero that has waged a bloody campaign against the area police.  Veera kidnaps Dev's wife, Ragini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), beginning a violent and bloody fourteen day chase that ends in a showdown between the two men.

(Karthik and Priyamani also feature.)

The acting is superb, natural, and believable, from the leads to the supporting artists.  Vikram is especially convincing as he treads the line between sane and unhinged, but Bachchan is equally impressive in her extremely emotional role. The camera work is stunning -- angles, colors, points-of-view -- and the entire film has a gritty, striking beauty.  The music (songs and incidental both) is often haunting and always highly effective.  As for the suspenseful story, it is chilling, well-plotted, nicely paced, and wholly engrossing.  Overall, it's simply a fantastic film, and while the violence and subject make it not universally suitable, I still highly recommend it.

(This film was shot in Hindi and Tamil simultaneously, with slightly differing casts.  My equally glowing review of the Hindi version can be found here.)

Late Summer Viewing

First Time Viewing:
Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007)  3/5 stars
Parts of it were unappealing,  but it has two excellent songs and great performances by Priety Zinta and Abhishek Bachchan.  

Janatha Garage  (2016)  4/5 stars

Mainly a predictable vehicle for Jr. NTR, but enjoyable nonetheless, and with a strong performance by Nithya Menen.

Delhi 6  (2009)  3/5 stars
Started off really good, but by the end I was rather puzzled.  Abhishek Bachchan gave a good performance, but Sonam Kapoor was unimpressive.

Dhoom 2  (2006)  3/5 stars
Action packed and fun, except for Aishwarya Rai's performance --she was so unsuited to the character that it was painful to watch.

Rewatched:
Raavan (2010)  5/5 stars (my review here)
My husband watched it with me this time, and he felt pretty much the same as I did.

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)  5/5 stars (my review here)
This was my third viewing and, if anything, I cried even harder.

While You Were Sleeping  (1995)  5/5 stars
I first watched this in the theater, and I can't tell you how many times after that.  This was the first time in a decade or so, though, and it stands the test of time.  It's a fantastic movie.

Funny Face  (1957)  3/5 stars
I loved this as a teen, but wasn't as impressed this time around.  The plot was thin, Astaire and Hepburn seemed mismatched, and her singing was weak.  Costumes were fantastic, though, and Kay Thompson gave a stellar performance.

Veer Zaara  (2004)  5/5 stars  (my review here)
I cried so hard this second viewing that I gave myself not only a headache, but a stomach ache as well.

Raavan

Raavan
2010
5/5 stars

Dev Pratap Sharna (played by Vikram), a ruthlessly determined police officer, is transferred to a province to capture the dangerous tribal leader/villain Beera (Abhishek Bachchan).  Beera kidnaps Dev's wife, Ragini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), beginning a violent and bloody fourteen day chase that ends in a showdown between the two men.

( Nikhil Dwivedi and Ravi Kishan also feature, with extended cameos by Priyamani and Govinda)

First off, let me say that a thriller of this sort is not my usual kind of movie.  I started it out of curiosity, merely wanting to see how well the married Bachchans acted together, only intending to watch a few minutes.  I finished it two hours and sixteen minutes later because they are great together (at times electric), because Abhishek is so convincing he scared the heck out of me, and because Vikram lives up to his glowing reputation.  Aishwarya is impressive in this extremely emotional role. Both the supporting cast and the cameo actors give solid, believable performances,  The camera work is stunning -- angles, colors, points-of-view -- and the entire film has a gritty, striking beauty.  The music (songs and incidental both) is often haunting and always highly effective.  As for the suspenseful story, it is chilling, well-plotted, nicely paced, and wholly engrossing.  As I said, not my typical film, but it was fully worth five stars.

(This film was shot in Hindi and Tamil simultaneously, with slightly differing casts.  My equally glowing review of the Tamil version can be found here.)

Brindavanam

Brindavanam
2010
5/5 stars

Indu (Samantha Ruth Prabhu) has a friend who is in a jam.  Bhumi (Kajal Aggarwal) wants to continue her studies in America, but her father, Bhanu (Prakash Raj). wants her to return to their village and marry a relative (whose name is never revealed, played by Ajay), who is, unbeknownst to Bhanu, evil and dangerous.  To avoid it, Bhumi lies to her father saying that she is in love with someone else.  When her father demands to meet him, Indu persuades her own boyfriend, Krish (N. T. Rama Rao Jr.), to play the part.  What should have been a simple, short-term deception involves Krish in a bi-village rivalry, danger to his life, and complications in love.

First off: I loved this action-drama-romance-comedy! The plot is complex in a positive way, rich and layered, and, despite it's length (nearly three hours), fully engrossing.  Jr NTR is a good actor, an excellent dancer, and is loaded with charisma. His chemistry with both actresses was convincing, as were their performances.   The veteran supporting cast was great, as well.  The fight scenes, though unbelievable, were well-choreographed and quite entertaining.  While the music was not spectacular, it was still good, and also well-choreographed.   Costumes, sets, and locations were all beautiful, and the film work was gorgeous.  I certainly found this movie completely enjoyable.

Dumm Dumm Dumm

Dumm Dumm Dumm
(literally: the sound of wedding drums)
2001

5/5 stars

Ganga (played by Jyothika), having scored second in her state in school board exams, wants to go to Chennai to study engineering. Adhi (Madhavan), from the same village, is currently in Chennai studying law, and enjoying his freedom from home. His father and her father greatly esteem each other, and arrange a match between Ganga and Adhi. The young people are in agreement that they do not wish to marry, and secretly work together to stop it. Their attempts fail, and they have just decided that perhaps marriage isn't such a bad fate when a terrible misunderstanding occurs between the two fathers and the wedding is called off. Ganga goes to Chennai to study, and Adhi runs into her there. To their surprise, they fall in love, but the enmity between their fathers is too great.

This movie is a delightful mix of drama, romance, and comedy. All the acting is solid, and Jyothika and Madhavan have excellent chemistry together. With one exception, the music is enjoyable, and there are two particularly nice dance scenes. The plot, though mostly predictable, is engrossing and entertaining. Overall, this is a charming film, and one that I will certainly watch again.

Un Samayal Arayil

Un Samayal Arayil
(translates as "in your kitchen")
2014
5/5 stars

Kalidasa (Prakash Raj), a gourmand, is still single in his 40s. A miss-dialed phone call introduces him to Gowri (Sneha), also single in her 30s. They begin a phone friendship based on cooking, which becomes deep enough that they want to meet in person. When the time comes, though, Kalidasa becomes nervous due to insecurities and fears, and so sends his nephew Naveen (Tejus) to scout out the situation first. Unbeknownst to Kalidasa, Gowri, for the same reasons, also sends her young friend Meghana (Samyukta Hornad). This sets up all four for heartbreak.

Un Samayal Arayil is a gentle movie with a compelling plot and believable characters. All four principle actors do a wonderful job, especially Raj, who displays emotions so well. In this film, music does not play as important a part as usual in Indian Cinema, but it is still lovely.  This is a beautiful movie that I can recommend universally.

Prakash Raj and Sneha

Dil Chahta Hai

Dil Chahta Hai
(translates as "the heart wants")
2001
5/5 stars

Akash (Aamir Khan), Sid (Akshaye Khanna), and Sameer (Saif Ali Khan), just graduated from college, are the closest of friends.  Sameer falls in and out of love regularly, while Sid is too involved in his painting to be interested in women.  Akash, a cynic, doesn't believe that love truly exists.  This coming of age drama follows their first tastes of real love, a devastating break in their friendship, and their eventual maturing.

The film also stars Dimple Kapadia, Priety Zinta, and Sonali Kulkarni.

This was a most impressive movie.  The three male leads were believable and natural as they gave award winning performances.  Zinta, and veteran actress Kapadia were also particularly good in their roles.  The soundtrack was uniformly enjoyable.  The plot is funny, moving, and engrossing, enhanced by excellent cinematography.  It is obvious that the screenplay writer/director, Farhan Akhtar (27 at the time), is talented and able to bring out the best in his cast.  It's easy to see why this film has become a cult classic.

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
(Translation: "never say goodbye")
2006
5/5 stars

This is the story of two broken marriages.  Dev (Shah Rukh Khan) and Rhea (Preity Zinta) were college sweethearts, but after an accident leaves him embittered, Dev becomes an emotionally cruel husband and father.  Maya (Rani Mukerji) and Rishi (Abhishek Bachchan) grew up together, but though Rishi is thoroughly in love with her, Maya has emotional reservations about their relationship.  Dev and Maya meet through an accident and strike up an unlikely friendship; they each encourage the other to fix their marriage.  Then the unexpected happens, and brings heartbreak for all involved.

This tear-jerking drama is a surprisingly outstanding movie, despite it's unhappy story line and average music.  The plot is  compelling and engrossing, as well as being tight and believable, and the characters well developed.  The acting from the four principals is fantastic, with realistic emotions and reactions.  While the topic is not one I "like", I have to say that this was a stellar movie.

(Dev and Rhea's son is played by Ahsaas Channa, Rhea's boss is played by Arjun Rampal, Dev's mother is played by Kirron Kher, and Rishi's father is played by Bachchan's real life father, Amitabh Bachchan. John Abraham and Kajol both make cameo appearances. )

Veer-Zaara

Veer-Zaara
2004
5/5 stars

After 22 years in a Pakistani prison, Hindustani Veer Pretap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan) is assigned a  novice lawyer, Saamiya (Rani Mukerji), to review and represent his case.  Having remained silent for the years of his imprisonment, he opens up to Saamiya and tells her the story behind his arrest: the love story between him and a Pakistani woman, Zaara (Preity Zinta).

The plot of this romantic drama is gripping, moving, and mostly believable.  It portrays Pakistan-India relations sensitively.  The music is average and above, with some enjoyable choreography. This is a gorgeous movie, with both costumes and scenery that were breathtaking.  Khan and Zinta have excellent chemistry and were entirely convincing.  Mukerji played the uncertain but determined attorney well. Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini were cast as Khan's parents, with Kirron Kher as Zaara's mother; the three were, naturally, fantastic. The cast also includes Divya Dutta, Anupam Kher, Zohra Sehgal, and Manoj Bajpayee, all of whom gave solid performances.  Overall, this is a wonderfully written and acted film, and I highly recommend it.

Khan and Zinta

This movie is available on Amazon Prime.

Dil Se. . .

Dil Se. . . 
(translates as "from the heart")
1998
5/5 stars

Amar (Shah Rukh Khan) meets a young woman (Manisha Koirala as Meghna) on a train platform and is instantly smitten.  This infatuation turns to obsession, as he tries first to trace her, then to convince her to love him.  As his passion slowly consumes his reason, he becomes entangled in a terrorism plot designed to bring attention to the insurrection in Northeast India.

This thriller is riveting, intense, and, for the most part, realistic.  Khan and Koirala have good chemistry and are convincing in their roles.  With her infectious smile, Priety Zinta makes a debut that is most natural. The music is unique, and quite good, and some of the choreography most impressive.  Not typical of Bollywood, the film work is gritty and is appropriate for the feel of the film.  This gripping, emotional drama comes highly recommended.

Malaika Arora features in the item number "Chaiyya Chaiyya"

Dil Dhadakne Do

Dil Dhadakne Do
(Translates as: Let the Heart Beat)
2015
5/5 stars

 Ayesha (Priyanka Chopra) and Kabir (Ranveer Singh) join friends and family on a cruise to celebrate the 30th wedding anniversary of their parents Kamal (Anil Kapoor ) and Neelam (Shefali Shah). Kamal is overbearing, and both parents are strictly traditional, as well as worrying about what others think of their family.  In addition, their marriage is less than successful. During the voyage, the siblings both go against their parents wishes in matters of love, creating more discord in their family.

This is not a lighthearted movie, though it does contain some humor and romance.  It is, instead, a serious drama about family dynamics, expectations, and acceptance.  The plot is rich and well-written.  The music and choreography are average.  Kapoor gives a stellar performance as the tightly-strung, controlling father. I had previously only seen Chopra in the rom-com setting, and was pleasantly surprised by her ability to play a deeper role.  Both Singh and Shah are also convincing in their roles. Rahul Bose plays Ayesha's husband, and does a fine job with varying emotions. The movie also stars Anushka Sharma and Farhan Akhtar, and both give credible performances.   I was impressed by this underrated film and found it to be just about perfect--near enough to round up to five stars.  This is one I certainly recommend.

Cast also includes Aamir Khan, Zarina Wahab, Vikrant Massey and Ridhima Sud, among others.

This movie is available with Amazon Prime.

Shah, Singh, Kapoor, Chopra

Fan

Fan
2016
5/5 stars

Gaurav (Shah Rukh Khan) bears an uncanny likeness to Bollywood superstar Aryan Khanna (also played by Khan), and as a result he becomes obsessed with Aryan.  When Gaurav goes to Delhi to meet Aryan and is refused, he looses his mental balance and becomes determined to ruin Aryan.

The strength of this thriller is not the plot, though it is suspenseful and well-written, but the make-up.  Khan as Gaurav is made to look just enough like the real Khan while not looking like him.  Tough to explain, but it works perfectly.  Khan gives a great performance, as well, playing both parts superbly.  While this isn't a perfect film, the amazing cosmetic artistry pushes the movie into five stars.


This movie is available with Amazon Prime.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
(translates as: sometimes there's happiness, sometimes there's sorrow)
2001
5/5 stars

Yash Raichand (Amitabh Bachchan) and his wife (played by Bachchan's real-life wife, Jaya Bachchan) have two sons they love dearly.  When the eldest, Rahul (Shahrukh Khan) marries Anjali (Kajol) against Yash's decision, Yash disowns him.  Ten years later, when the younger son Rohan (Hrithik Roshan) is an adult, he decides to try and reunite his family and enlists the help of Anjali's younger sister, Pooja (Kareena Kapoor).

Kajol and Khan

The plot of this drama was credible and moving.  The Bachchan's chemistry was perfect and natural, as was their acting.  Both Khan and Kajol, and Roshan and Kapoor also had good chemistry, as well as believable acting.  Kajol's enthusiasm and vivacity was especially wonderful.  The child actors for young Pooja (Malvika Raaj) and young Rohan (Kavish Majmudar) were particularly convincing.  The choreography was generally good, as Roshan is a fine dancer.  The music was also mostly good, with some songs being particularly catchy.  Truly, the only thing to dislike about the film is that sometimes Kapoor's outfits were so skimpy as to be painful to see.  Other than that, this is a stellar film about love, pride, and family, and was thoroughly enjoyable.

Cast also includes Rani Mukherji, Alok Nath, Johnny Lever, Jibraan Khan, and Farida Jalal.

Kajol, Roshan, Khan, Kapoor

This movie is available with Amazon Prime.

Hichki

Hichki
("hiccup")
2018
5/5 stars

Naina (Rani Mukerji) has Tourette Syndrome, and the dream to become a teacher.  After repeatedly being turned down for teaching positions over the course of 5 years--all due to her Tourette Syndrome--she is hired to fill an urgently needed post.  Her class is made up of resistant, uncooperative underprivileged students, determined to drive her out.  Naina must find a way to teach them not only academics, but self-respect as well.

The feel-good plot is somewhat predictable, but that doesn't lessen the power of the film.  The issue of Tourette Syndrome is treated with respect.  The acting is superb, with Mukerji giving an incredible performance.  The students were also amazingly good.  Unlike typical Bollywood movies, there is little music, and no choreography, but the film doesn't suffer as a result.   The acting makes this an exceptional film, and with it's positive message, it's a winner.

This movie is available through Amazon Prime.

Twelfth Night (Live From Lincoln Center)

Twelfth Night 
(Live From Lincoln Center)
1998
5/5 stars


This is a tale of twins, Viola (Helen Hunt) and Sebastian (Rick Stear), who are separated by a shipwreck. Viola disguises herself as a man (Cesario) and becomes an attendant to Duke Orsino (Paul Rudd), with whom she falls in love. He loves Olivia (Kyra Sedgwick), who in turn falls in love with Cesario. The plot is further complicated when Malvolio (Philip Bosco), Olivia's steward, is tricked into believing that she is in love with him.

This production is superb, played naturally and with joy and verve, emphasizing the humor of the play.  Hunt and Rudd have good chemistry, adding spice to their relationship.  Bosco is wonderful as Malvolio, playing comedy and drama with equal skill.  David Patrick Kelly made an entertaining fool (Feste).  The best performances were from Brian Murray (as Sir Toby Belch) and Max Wright (as Sir Andrew Aguecheek); their comic timing, expressions, and gestures were perfection.

My only complaint is with the play itself: so many subplots have to be tied up in the last act that it feels unwieldy at times.  This was handled well by the director (Nicholas Hytner), so that it wrapped up smoothly.

This can be viewed on Internet Archive:
https://archive.org/details/TwelfthNightLiveFromLincolnCenter1998

Hunt and Rudd

Mujhse Dosti Karoge!

Mujhse Dosti Karoge!
(translation: "will you be my friend")
2002
5/5 stars

As a young boy, Raj moves with his family to London.  He asks his crush, Tina, to write to him.  She says she will, but as she has no interest in so doing, their mutual friend Pooja writes to him instead, and in Tina's name, for fifteen years. After these fifteen years,  Raj (Hrithik Roshan) returns to India, halfway in love with the writer of the letters.  When Tina (Kareena Kapoor) turns out tobe  so beautiful and bubbly, Raj is certain that he loves her, not realizing that Pooja (Rani Mukherji), who loves him, is the letter writer and the one he truly loves.

The plot is standard Bollywood fare, but is good nonetheless.  The chemistry between Roshan and Mukherjee is excellent--so good it's palpable at times.  The loves songs were good, and the group choreography pleasant to watch. Kapoor's costumes, while fitting for her character, were so skimpy as to be almost painful to see.  This film works it way up to a tremendous ending, but instead it ties up too nicely and quickly.  This keeps it from being an exceptional movie, but it is overall good entertainment.

August 2020: After rewatching this, I have to up the rating to five stars.  Yes, it wraps up quickly, but it is effective, nonetheless, and a truly greet movie.

This movie is available on Amazon Prime.

Judaai

Judaai
(translates as "separation")
1997
5/5 stars

Kajal (played by Sridevi) is obsessed with money, and as a result begins to disrespect her upstanding, honorable husband, Raj, (Anil Kapoor) for not giving her what she wants.  When rich Janhvi (Urmila Matondkar) falls in love with Raj, Kajal bullies him into marrying Janhvi in exchange for a large sum of money.  Kajal soon discovers that the wealth she has so desired will not bring the happiness she expected.

The incomparably beautiful Sridevi gives an outstanding performance as Kajal, easily working the audience for and against her as the scene required.  Matondkar is also excellent in her role.  Kapoor, though playing his part well, is overshadowed by the two strong performances by the actresses, but that is as it should be for this film.  The direction is superb, the music is good, the choreography average, the traditional costumes stunning, and the supporting cast some of the finest.  I was surprised at just how fantastic this movie was, and it is written well enough that I was uncertain as to how it would finally end.  I highly recommend this film, if for nothing else than Sridevi's performance.

The star-studded cast also includes Kader Khan, Farida Jalal, Johnny Lever, Paresh Rawal, Upasana Singh and Saeed Jaffrey

Sridevi, Kapoor, Matondkar