Devdas

Aishwarya Rai

Devdas
2002
5/5 stars

In the early 1900's, Devdas (Shah Rukh Khan) returns from school in England, and wishes to marry his childhood sweetheart Paro (Aishwarya Rai), who has loved him devotedly all the time he's been away.  His family objects, and he leaves Paro to debauch in a brothel,  where he meets Chandramuki (Madhuri Dixit) who falls in love with him.  The two women bond over their shared love of Devdas, but are powerless to help him as he slips into drunkenness.

Madhuri Dixit

Based on a 1917 novel by Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay, the plot is tight and engrossing.  All three main actors are near perfection in their roles.  The supporting cast (which includes Jackie Shroff) are also solid.  The music is good and the dances breath-taking.  The extravagant costumes and sets are a feast for the eyes.  This is a serious drama that will keep the viewer entranced to the very end.

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.

Hum Aapke Hain Koun...!

Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! 
(translates as "who am I to you")
1994
5/5 stars

Hum Aapke Hain Koun. . . ! is a movie about family, sacrifice, duty, and most of all, love. It is a story that will bring laughter and tears, and is heart-warming all the way through. The choreography and music were excellent, the costumes were lovely and vibrant, and the cinematography was beautiful. Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan were perfect in their roles, and the supporting cast was also fantastic. This sweet film comes highly recommended.

Cast includes: Mohnish Bahl, Anupam Kher, and Alok Nath

Movie available on Amazon Prime.

Saajan

Saajan
(translates as "beloved")
1991
4/5 stars

Serious poet Aman (Sanjay Dutt) and irresponsible playboy Akash (Salman Khan) have been best friends since they were children, and were raised as brothers. When both fall in love with the same girl (Madhuri Dixit), sacrifices must be made, hearts broken, and friendship tested.

Both Dutt and Khan are excellent in their roles; the emotions they display later in the film are convincing. Dixit is a delight as always, both playful and serious. There are many musical numbers, with some lovely songs, but very little in the way of choreography. The plot, while familiar, is still engaging and moving. All in all, it's typical Bollywood--but that is a plus.

The cast includes Kadar Khan and Reema Lagoo.


Movie available to rent on Google Play.