Dhai Akshar Prem Ke

Dhai Akshar Prem Ke
("Two and a half letters of love")
2000
3/5 stars

Karan (Abhishek Bachchan) is on leave from the Army, anxious to see his girlfriend, Nisha (Sonali Bendre).  On the way home, he saves the life of Sahiba (Aishwarya Rai), and escorts her home where he is mistaken for her husband.  Unable to clear up the misunderstanding, he leaves, but Sahiba has fallen in love with him.

The plot, while sometimes unbelievable, is still attention-holding.  The supporting cast, including Amrish Puri, Anupam Kher, and Shakti Kapoor, were excellent.  Neither Bachchan nor Rai, though, expressed much emotion during the film, and they had little chemistry together.  The music was somewhat above average; the choreography was not exceptional, but was enthusiastically danced.  This would have been an above average film, had Rai and Bachchan been more lively.

This movie is available on You Tube:

Nishchaiy

Nishchaiy
1992
3/5 stars


Ravi Yadav (Vinod Khanna) works as a servant for a harsh man (played by Rajiv Verma) and his kind wife, Renuka (Moushumi Chatterjee), and takes care of his much younger brother, Rohan. Ravi is framed for crime and sentenced to twelve years in prison. Renuka promises she will take care of Rohan, and gives him to a friend (played by my favorite Mummy, Reema Lagoo) who adopts him, and renames him Vasu. When Ravi is released from prison, he seeks out Renuka, who has lost her memory and cannot tell him where Rohan/Vasu (Salman Khan) is now. In the meantime, Vasu grows up into a successful lawyer, falls in love with Payal (Karisma Kapoor), and dreams of being reunited with Ravi. Unfortunately, Vasu has made an important enemy, and his future happiness, if not his life, is at stake.

The best part of this melodrama is the light romance between Vasu and Payal.  The main plot, which should be  moving, is convoluted at times, and the acting not convincing.  Even Karisma Kapoor does not display the enthusiasm and energy of her later movies.  The songs are average, and the choreography unremarkable.  Reema Lagoo's beauty and elegance shine through, but otherwise this is a mediocre movie that does well enough for a time-pass, but is not memorable in the long run.

Saeed Jaffrey, Salman Khan, Reema Lagoo

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. 

Chal Mere Bhai

Chal Mere Bhai
(translates as "Come on, my brother")
2000
5/5 stars

Vicky (Sanjay Dutt) and Prem (Salman Khan) are brothers and the closest of friends. Sapna (Karishma Kapoor), Vicky's secretary, and Prem fall in love, but Prem waits to announce it hoping that his older brother will find a wife first. Unfortunately, when Vicky settles on a bride, it's none other than Sapna. Prem is torn between his new love for Sapna and his long-standing devotion to Vicky.

As often happens with Bollywood, this begins as a lighthearted romantic comedy, but in the second hour becomes a more serious family drama dealing with love, duty, and sacrifice. Dutt and Khan have excellent chemistry together and were entirely convincing as brothers. Kapoor, as usual, gave a fine performance, both comedic and serious. The musical numbers were good and the costumes were beautiful. Overall, it's an excellent and enjoyable movie from beginning to end.

Cast also includes Nagma, with special appearances by Twinkle Khanna and Sonali Bendre.

edit: (April 2020)  After rewatching this, I'm doing something I rarely do and changing my rating. The acting is quite good, the plot convincing and even moving at times, the music catchy, and the costumes gorgeous.  Most of all, though, the chemistry between the three leads is spectacular, making Chal Mere Bhai a 5 star film. 

This movie is available on Amazon Prime, as well as on You Tube:

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
(translates as "something happens")
1998
5/5 stars

The film begins with Rahul (Shah Rukh Khan) mourning his wife Tina (Rani Mukerji). Tina has left letters for her daughter, Anjali (Sana Saeed), the last of which tells the story of how Tina accidentally came in between Rahul and his college best friend, also named Anjali, and asks young Anjali to try to find the adult Anjali (Kajol) and bring her and Rahul together. When they meet again, Anjali and Rahul have immediate attraction, but Anjali is already engaged to Aman (Salman Khan). 

The plot of this sweet film is enjoyable, if predictable, and while the musical numbers were good, with one being memorable. The story is divided into two parts: college life and adult life. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol do a wonderful job playing both college students and mature adults. Kajol's emotional acting was also good. Mukerji, in her breakthrough role was natural and polished.  Sana Saeed, in her first role, was the life of the movie, though. Overall, it's easy to see why it has become a classic, as it is an example of Bollywood at it's best.

Movie available with Amazon Prime.

Biwi No. 1

Biwi No. 1
(translates as "Wife Number One")
1999
2/5 stars

Prem (Salman Khan) is happily married to Pooja (Karisma Kapoor) until he becomes infatuated with model Rupali (Sushmita Sen). Pooja is devastated when she discovers his infidelity, and then forms a plan to win him back.

Humor is an intensely personal thing, and for me, watching Prem deceive his wife while trying to appease his mistress was not funny. The acting was great, and some of the musical numbers spectacular, but I just didn't enjoy the plot.

Cast also includes Anil Kapoor, Tabu, and Saif Ali Khan.

Judwaa

Judwaa
(translates as "twin")
1997
4/5 stars

Salman Khan plays twins (Raja and Prem) that were separated at birth. Prem is raised by his parents in America, and becomes a singer. Raja is raised as an orphan and becomes a thief. When Prem and his parents return to India, confusion abounds affecting the two men, their girlfriends (played by Karisma Kapoor and Rambha), the police, and even the local crime lord.

This is a silly film, but cute. The plot is predictable, but Khan's dual roles are enjoyable to watch. Some of the songs are catchy and most of the choreography is good as well. Overall, it's good fun, though not exceptional.

Jeet

Jeet
(translates as "victory")
1996
5/5 stars

In this action-filled drama, Sunny Deol plays Karan, a hired gun for the local crime lord. When planning to beat up Kajal's father, he sees her and instantly falls in love with her. Kajal ( Karisma Kapoor) hates Karan at first, but gradually falls in love with him as well. Her father, not knowing her secret, arranges a marriage for Kajal with Raju (Salman Khan), a family friend. When Raju crosses the same crime lord, Karan is hired to kill Raju and the unexpected happens.

This film is engrossing, sometimes moving, and always entertaining. It is quite violent, not atypical for Bollywood, and contains some impressive musical numbers. Deol is fantastic in his role, and is especially chilling as a killer. Khan was a bit over-the-top in his interpretation of Raju, but was as charming as ever. Kapoor played her emotional scenes spectacularly well.

Overall, this is an excellent film and well worth watching for Bollywood fans.

Cast also includes Tabu.

Movie available on You Tube:

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Hum Saath-Saath Hain

Hum Saath-Saath Hain
(translates as "we are together")
1999
5/5 stars

This is a sweet romance/drama about a family with three sons and one married daughter who are devoted to each other. The father wants the family to stay together, but friends influence the mother to make a break in the family, causing a crisis with the brothers. In addition, each brother's gentle romance is shown and the sister has a drama of her own.

The acting is excellent, with Karishma Kapoor's performance particularly enjoyable. The many music scenes were vibrant and fun. Overall, this gentle film is syrupy sweet, but perfectly enjoyable

The excellent cast includes:

• Mohnish Behl as Vivek 
• Salman Khan as Prem 
• Saif Ali Khan as Vinod 
• Tabu as Sadhana 
• Sonali Bendre as Preeti 
• Karisma Kapoor as Sapna 
• Neelam Kothari as Sangita 
• Mahesh Thakur as Anand 
• Reema Lagoo as Mamta 
• Alok Nath as Ramkishan

Movie available on Amazon Prime.