Hichki

Hichki
("hiccup")
2018
5/5 stars

Naina (Rani Mukerji) has Tourette Syndrome, and the dream to become a teacher.  After repeatedly being turned down for teaching positions over the course of 5 years--all due to her Tourette Syndrome--she is hired to fill an urgently needed post.  Her class is made up of resistant, uncooperative underprivileged students, determined to drive her out.  Naina must find a way to teach them not only academics, but self-respect as well.

The feel-good plot is somewhat predictable, but that doesn't lessen the power of the film.  The issue of Tourette Syndrome is treated with respect.  The acting is superb, with Mukerji giving an incredible performance.  The students were also amazingly good.  Unlike typical Bollywood movies, there is little music, and no choreography, but the film doesn't suffer as a result.   The acting makes this an exceptional film, and with it's positive message, it's a winner.

This movie is available through Amazon Prime.

Chhote Sarkar

Chhote Sarkar
(translates as "small government")
1996
4/5 stars

Aman (Govinda) is mistaken for Rohit, the deceased fiance of Seema (Shilpa Shetty). Seema has become mentally unsound from grief, and her father (Kader Khan) persuades Aman to pretend to be Rohit to help Seema recover.  Aman falls in love with Seema, but after professing his love to her, is arrested for the murder of his uncle.  Aman, then sets out to discover the true facts about his uncle's death.

Govinda and Shilpa Shetty

Oh-so-cute Govinda plays both the serious and comedic roles well in this film.  He and Shetty have good chemistry, and Shetty is convincing in her part. The choreography is not extensive, Govinda not being the best dancer, but at times was quite cute.  The music, while obviously 1990s, ranges from average to above.  The plot is quite good, and delivers two clever surprises.  Overall, it's a suspense/comedy that is well-worth watching.

This movie is available on YouTube:

Humko Deewana Kar Gaye

Humko Deewana Kar Gaye
(translates as "You Made Me Crazy")
2008
3/5 stars

Kumar and Kaif

Aditya (Akshay Kumar), who is engaged to Sonia (Bipasha Basu), travels to Canada for his job.  While there, he makes the acquaintance of Jia (Katrina Kaif); they first become friends, then fall in love.  However, Jia is also engaged, to powerful and possessive industrialist, Karan (Anil Kapoor).  When a misunderstanding comes between Jia and Aditya, they both return to India to plan their separate weddings, while still in love with each other.

The plot is mostly predictable, but still generally enjoyable.  The music ranges from okay to good, but choreography is well below average; this is a shame as Kaif is an excellent dancer but had no chance to shine.  Kumar and Kaif had good chemistry together, and she wasn't as stiff as she has been in other movies.  Kapoor was simply perfect for his role.  The ending, to me, was rushed and somewhat weak.  All together, the movie was a nice time-pass, but not spectacular.

Cast also includes Helen, Bhagyashree, Mahesh Thakur, and Gurpreet Ghuggi.

Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic

Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic
(translation: A Little Love, A Little Magic)
2008
4/5 stars

Ranbeer (Saif Ali Khan), a recalcitrant workaholic, kills a couple in a car accident.  The judge gives the unusual ruling that the four children left orphaned by the accident are to live with him.  All five are miserable and pray for help.  God (Rishi Kapoor) hears their pleas and sends his favorite angel, Geeta (Rani Mukerji), to help them become a family.

This is a sweet movie that, with the exception of one song, is oriented to family viewers, and gives uplifting messages about loss, prayer, and God.  Khan is perfect for the role, gradually going from gruff and brooding to open and loving.  He and Mukerji have good chemistry.  She is her usual perky, cheerful self, and makes a delightful angel.  Kapoor is excellent in his minor role.  The children play their parts well.  The music is average, with very little choreography.  Overall, this film, while not perfect, is certainly a pleasure.   

Mukerji and Kapoor

Hum Tum

Hum Tum
(translation: "Me and You")
2004
4/5 stars

Steady and responsible Rhea (Rani Mukerji) and happy-go-lucky ladies' man Karan (Saif Ali Khan) meet as college students, and end up not liking each other.  A few years later, they meet again at Rhea's wedding preparation, and find each other a bit more tolerable.  In another few years, they meet after Rhea is widowed, and become fast friends.  Karan wants to find a husband for Rhea, but instaed falls in love with her himself, knowing she couldn't be happy with a man like him.

Loosely based on Hollywood's When Harry Met Sally, the plot is enjoyable and fun.  Khan and Mukerji have nice chemistry and act well together.  Both were believable in their roles, and aged and matured their characters nicely.  Rishi Kapoor has a minor role as Karan's father, and is fantastic.  The music is average, as is the choreography.  Overall, though, the film is an enjoyable romantic comedy with just enough drama to make it interesting.

Cast includes Kirron Kher, Rati Agnihotri, and a cameo by Abhishek Bachchan.

This film is available on Amazon Prime.

Socha Na Tha

Socha Na Tha
2005
4/5 stars


Viren (Abhay Deol) and Aditi (Ayesha Takia) are introduced as a potential match, but privately decide together that he will refuse her quickly because he has a secret girlfriend, Karen (Apoorva Jha). His refusal causes a serious problem between the two families, leading to hostilities. Viren and Aditi meet by coincidence later, and clandestinely become friends. When Viren finally gets approval to marry Karen, though, he discovers he is actually in love with Aditi.

This is a charming movie, with an entertaining plot and mostly good music. Deol, in his debut role, was natural and believable; Takia was graceful and credible, as well. Their on-screen chemistry was good. The location shots were lovely. While not a classic, it's certainly enjoyable and even rewatchable.

This movie is available with Amazon Prime.

Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute to Love

Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute to Love
2007
4/5 stars

This is an anthology of six love stories:
Ashutosh (John Abraham) and Tehzeeb (Vidya Balan) are very much in love, living happily until an accident robs her of her memory and of any knowledge of him.

 Raju (Govinda), a taxi driver, falls in instant love with the non-Hindustani woman Stephanie (Shannon Esra) who has come to India to stop her boyfriend's wedding.

 Vinay (Anil Kapoor) has been married to Seema (Juhi Chawla) for fifteen years, but finds himself tempted to stray with the much younger Anjali (Anjana Sukhani).

Shiven (Akshaye Khanna) is engaged to Gia (Ayesha Takia) in a love match, but suddenly finds that he cannot go through with the marriage.

Conman Rahul (Salman Khan), pretends to be the invented boyfriend of Item Girl Kamini (Priyanka Chopra), in order to help improve her image in the press.

 Finally, for comic relief, Ramdayal (Sohail Khan) is newly wedded to Phoolwati (Isha Koppikar), but disaster after disaster prevents them from consummating their marriage.

This is an ambitious film, but works surprisingly well.  The music is excellent, and the choreography quite good.  The variety of stories, and the way they weave in and out of each other, is nicely done and keeps the viewer's interest.  All the cast gave good performances; there were no weak links.  The critics generally disliked this movie, but I found it most enjoyable.  I will point out, though, that at 224 minutes long, one will need to make a commitment to watching the movie or break it into several nights, as I did.

Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra