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.
Jaanam Samjha Karo (translates as "sweetheart, try and understand") 1999 4/5 stars Chandni (Urmila Matondkar) has been forced to become a dancer to support her extended family. Despite this, she lives a virtuous life, dreaming of marriage. Womanizer Rahul (Salman Khan) sees her and is determined to seduce her, but she is not taken in by his lies. This romantic drama showcases Matondkar's excellent dancing with some impressive musical numbers. Shammi Kapoor is great in his role as Grandfather. While this is a familiar role for Khan, he does it well enough that I intensely disliked him at times. The plot was good, predictable in it's happy ending, but still enjoyable. Overall, it's an entertaining film for Bollywood fans.
Bandhan 1998 4/5 stars Pooja (Ashwini Bhave) marries well and brings her young brother with her. Raju (Salman Khan) grows up into a simple man, intensely devoted to his sister and her husband, Thakur (Jackie Shroff). The family breaks apart, however, when Raju and Thakur's sister (Rhambha) fall in love, and when Thakur becomes bewitched by a prostitute (Shweta Menon).
This is a drama focusing mainly on the bond between brother and sister, the importance of family, and how much one will risk for those he loves. The romantic musical numbers do not fit in with Khan's role, unfortunately, and are a distraction. The rest of the story is good, though, and is certainly a movie worth watching.
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.
Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (translates as "If you loved someone, don't be afraid") 1998 4/5 stars Muskaan (played by Kajol) is an orphan being raised by her uncle (Dharmendra) and overly-protective brother (Arbaaz Khan). She goes away to college and is wooed and won by Suraj (Salman Khan), but her brother doesn't approve.
This is a sweet romantic comedy with two particularly good songs and some fun choreography. The plot, while predictable, is enjoyable. The chemistry between Kajol and Arbaaz Khan was a bit more than should be for siblings at times, which gave the first of the movie an odd feel. Salman Khan was charming, as usual, and did well in his silly role. Overall, it's a fun, lighthearted, and entertaining film.
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.
Raju (Salman Khan) and Yash (Sanjay Kapoor) are best friends through college. Afterwards though, Yash takes over the family organized crime business while Raju (unbeknownst to Yash) becomes a CID Inspector. When Raju is given the assignment to investigate Yash, a conflict of interest seems at hand.
Khan and Kapoor have good chemistry together, and portray best friends well. The plot, while not credible, is entertaining. There are no memorable songs, but there is some good choreography. The film is full of violence, naturally, with some fun action scenes. Overall, though, it's just an average movie.
Biwi No. 1
