Saathiya

Saathiya
("companion")
2002
3/5 stars

Aditya (Vivek Oberoi) falls in love with Suhani (Rani Mukerji) and, after some time, wins her.  Both of their fathers are against the match, but they choose to marry anyway, sure that love will overcome all problems.  Instead, they discover that marriage is a difficult game of give and take, and they struggle to keep faith with each other.

This romantic drama is a remake of the 2000 Tamil film, Alaipayuthey (my review here), which gives a realistic view of marriage.  Oberoi and Mukerji have generally good chemistry, and make an attractive couple.  Mukerji gives a convincing performance throughout, but Oberoi's emotions are not convincing in the end scenes.  Shah Rukh Khan and Tabu give an extended cameo appearance, but their chemistry is decided lacking, and what should have been some of the most moving scenes fell rather flat.  However, Tanuja, who plays Suhani's difficult mother, gave an excellent performance. The songs were mostly beautiful, with the incidental music being used quite effectively.  Overall, I found the movie to be entertaining, but with an ending too abrupt to be fully satisfying.

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.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
(translates as "a match made by God")
2008
4/5 stars

Vivacious, beautiful Taani (Anushka Sharma) suffers a catastrophe on the eve of her wedding, and at her father's request, she marries his trusted student Suri (Shah Rukh Khan).  Serious, nerdy Suri fell in love with her at first sight, but Taani tells him she'll never be able to love him, nor be happy and light-hearted again.  Suri takes on the role of a fun-loving Raj in her dancing class, hoping to make her laugh again, and hoping to use Raj to help Taani fall in love with Suri.  Things don't work as Suri had hoped, and he sees his chance of happiness with Taani become slim.

In this romantic drama, Khan plays an average man as Suri, and brash and loud as Raj, neither the handsome or charming character that is his usual role. This he does suprisingly well.  Sharma, in her first role, was excellent, and fully believable in her emotions. While the songs and choreography were average, the cinematography, locations, and sets were lovely.

I was conflicted as to the credibility of Taani's reaction to the truth, but otherwise found this to be a sweet and enjoyable film with a beautiful message, celebrating unselfish love.

Special appearances by Kajol, Bipasha Basu, Lara Dutta, Preity Zinta, and Rani Mukerji .

Movie available for free through Amazon Prime.

Hello Brother

Hello Brother
1999
2/5 stars

Hero (Salman Khan) who works for a courier company owned by Khanna (Shakti Kapoor), is in love with his best friend, Rani (Rani Mukerji). Inspector Vishal (Arbaaz Khan) is investigating the courier company as a drug ring, and also falls in love with Rani. Vishal and Hero become entwined in an unforeseen way, and together they defeat Khanna.

This movie is ridiculous beyond compare, and is so slapstick that is hard to watch at times. Arbaaz Khan plays the straight guy well, but Salman Khan's role is so silly that it's hard to find sympathy for him. Mukerji doesn't appear enough to give a quality performance. The premise (which I won't give away) was truly great, but the presentation of it was truly terrible. Really, the only good part was watching the real- life brothers play opposite each other, and even that couldn't raise this movie to anything beyond mediocre.

Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye

Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye
(translates as "beware, you might fall in love")
4/5 stars
2000

Prem (Salman Khan) is heartbroken when his fiancée (Nisha, played by Raveena Tandon) cancels their marriage. After some time, Prem pulls himself together with the help of his loving family. He falls in love again, this time with neighbor Priya (Rani Mukerji), only it seems he'll have his heart broken again.

This is a sweet romantic comedy showcasing Khan's charm and talent. The musical numbers are average, but the plot is strong and the acting good. It ties up a bit too nicely at the end, but other than that it is fine and entertaining film.

Cast includes Reema Lagoo, Jackie Shroff and Mohnish Behl

Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega...

Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega... 
(translates as "every heart that loves")
2000
4/5 stars

Raj (Salman Khan) saves a woman (Pooja, played by Rani Mukerji) from being run over by a train. During the accident, Pooja becomes injured and is in a coma. Her family believes Raj to be her husband, and for various reasons he plays along. Things become complicated when her best friend Jahnvi (Preity Zinta) returns home and Raj falls in love with her.

This is a fun romantic comedy with solidly good acting, a strong plot, above average musical numbers, and exceptional costumes. While it lacks some of the charm of the original (Hollywood's "While You Were Sleeping"), and has a few plot holes, it is a fine movie well worth watching.

Movie is available on You Tube: