In this romantic comedy/drama, Shyam (Salman Khan) is a rich man working in London who travels to India to find a bride (played by the lovely Sridevi). While there, enemies form a plan to kill him and take his fortune.
To begin with, the plot is a good one and the story is interesting and engaging. However, in the last 45 minutes or so, the plot becomes convoluted, and the film becomes less enjoyable. The musical numbers are good, though, with beautiful costumes and some impressive choreography. Overall, it's a solidly good film throughout most of it, and is worth watching despite the mishmash toward the end. Cast also includes Anupam Kher.
God Tussi Great Ho (translates as "God You are great")
2008
4/5 stars
In this romantic-comedy/fantasy, AP (Salman Khan) is in a rut of bad luck, and he loudly blames God (Amitabh Bachchan). God decides to let AP be God for 10 days, but it doesn't turn out as AP expected.
God Tussi Great Ho is a delightful movie, full of humor and charm, with an inspiring message as the final result. The musical numbers were not impressive, but the script was cute, and Khan's performance spot-on as usual. Don't let the negative reviews influence you; this one is worth watching. Cast also includes Priyanka Chopra and Sohail Khan.
Andaz Apna Apna (translates as "Everyone has their own style") 1994 3/5 stars Young con-men Prem (Salman Khan) and Amar (Aamir Khan) both set out to woo and win the same rich girl, but comic complications arise. (Raveena Tandon and Karisma Kapoor also star.)
Watching this movie is like watching an episode of the Monkees: it is ridiculously silly, and yet has it's own sweet charm. Sadly, the musical numbers do not add anything to it, the plot is predicable, and the humor gets tedious at times. While it's a cute movie, it's best watched in small doses and with the understanding that, in the end, it's not particularly memorable. Movie available on Amazon Prime.
Veergati (translates as "martyrdom") 1995 4/5 stars In this grim and violent drama, Salman Khan plays Ajay, abandoned as a baby and raised by a police officer. Despite his adopted father's kindness, Ajay finds life difficult and grows up serious, hard, and deadly. When he tangles with the local crime boss, Ajay's family and friends are targeted. Ajay then becomes a vigilante and sacrifices all to free his community. Unlike the typical Bollywood film, there is no romance or comedy. It is strictly drama, addressing serious issues such as forced prostitution, government corruption, and the near impossibility of rising from poverty to a decent life. Khan's character carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, and Khan doesn't smile once until the poignant last five minutes of the movie. While this is not a movie I'd ever watch again, it is powerful, and I'm glad I've seen it.
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 (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.
Ek Ladka Ek Ladki (translates as "a boy and a girl")
1992
4/5 stars
Neelam Kothari plays a rich, arrogant, demanding girl, Remu, whose uncle has been embezzling from her. She has a run in with a poor farmer, Raja (Salman Khan), and has him thrown into jail. Her uncle attempts to murder her, and when she is found with amnesia, Raja decides to get his revenge on Remu by pretending she is his wife.
This romantic comedy is amusing and sweet, with some clever scenes. Khan is charming and Kothari plays her two roles (spoiled heiress and humble farmer's wife) quite well. There are some fun songs, but the choreography is not memorable. Overall, though, it's an enjoyable film. Cast also includes Anupam Kher.
