Chalte Chalte

Chalte Chalte
2003
3/5 stars

Raj (Shah Rukh Khan), owner of a small trucking business, is involved in a minor accident with Priya (Rani Mukerji). She is wealthy, and they have nothing in common, but he falls in love with her, wooing, and eventually winning, her.  After they marry, they find their differences to be nearly irreconcilable, and the film follows them as they try to make their marriage a success.

(Cast also includes Johnny Lever, Lilette Dubey, and Satish Shah, among others.)

This is a mostly enjoyable, but highly improbable, romantic comedy/drama with lovely scenery, average music, and a good cast.  Khan and Mukerji have good chemistry and work well together; their romantic and comedic scenes were quite good. However, the plot is predictable, with a weak and not fully believable conclusion, making it overall an average film.

Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon

Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon
(translates as "I am crazy about Prem")
2003
4/5 stars

Sanjana (Kareena Kapoor) falls deeply in reciprocated love with Prem (Hrithik Roshan), a wealthy NRI and the choice of her parents. Every one is ecstatic over the match until another Prem (Abhishek Bachchan) arrives and also falls in love with Sanjana. He is even more eligible, and he and Sanjana have much in common. Sanjana's mother (Himani Shivpuri) pushes for this match, instead. As in any love triangle, someone must come away hurt.

The plot is predictable, which doesn't lessen the enjoyment, but the resolution lacked the depth of emotion that it should have had.  Kapoor was vivacious and acted her part well.  Roshan's Prem was overly enthusiastic and outgoing, and that made it hard to warm to him at first; I don't know if this was Roshan overacting, or the fault of the script.  Bachchan played his gentle Prem well, and drew the audience to him.  The musical numbers were good, with one being particularly memorable.  The scenery was lovely, giving an excellent backdrop to the film.  Overall, it's a enjoyable time pass, though weak in parts.

This cast also includes Johnny Lever, Rema Lagoo, and Pankaj Kapur.

This movie is free with Amazon Prime.

Roshan, Bachchan, Kapoor

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

Deewana Mastana

Deewana Mastana

1997
3/5 stars

In this comedy, two small time crooks, Raja (Anil Kapoor) and Ghafoor (Johnny Lever) get lucky and rob a payroll delivery.  They go to Bombay with their loot, and Raja immediately falls in love with psychiatrist Dr. Neha (Juhi Chawla), and pretends to be a rich American to woo her.  In the meantime, Bunnu (Govinda) comes to Dr. Neha for help with his many phobias; he, too, falls in love with her.  Raja and Bunnu then begin a vicious rivalry to win her.

The energetic and oh-so-cute Govinda, undoubtedly the star of the show, is a delight to watch.  His antics are well timed and nicely executed.  Johnny Lever won an award for his performance in this movie, but I felt it wasn't up to his usual standard.  Kapoor does a well enough job, but isn't a strong enough comedian to play opposite Govinda.  The music is nice, with average choreography.  The plot is fun, light, and occasionally silly, but though it does contain a twist, is not memorable.

Govinda (l) and Anil Kapoor (r)

Chori Chori Chupke Chupke

Chori Chori Chupke Chupke

(translates as "Secretly and Stealthily")
2001
4/5 stars

In this drama, happily married Raj (Salman Khan) and Priya (Rani Mukerji) are devastated to learn that Priya can not have children.  She considers adoption, but for certain reasons, settles on the idea of a secret surrogate pregnancy.   Raj finds a young prostitute, Madhubala (Preity Zinta) who is willing to carry a child for the couple.  As can be expected, the path chosen by Raj and Priya is not a smooth one.

For the most part, this is a solidly good film, that has the viewer uncertain as to what will be the eventual outcome.  Those familiar with Hollywood's Pretty Woman, will recognize certain scenes, but they work quite well in this setting, too.  Khan seems to have only one emotion in this movie,  and  Mukerji spends most of her time weeping.  However, they are generally convincing in their roles, especially as they are the backdrop for Zinta's exceptional performance as Madhu. Regardless of how one feels about the topic, the movie is worth watching for her alone.

The cast also includes Amrish Puri, Farida Jalal, Prem Chopra, and Johnny Lever.

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.

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.

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. 

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.