Yeh Hai Jalwa

Yeh Hai Jalwa 
(translates as "this is magic")
2002
4/5 stars

Raju (Salman Khan) was raised only by his mother.  After her death, Raju sees a man on television who he recognizes as his father.  Ecstatic, he flies to London to meet him and is crushed when the man (Rajesh Mittal played by Rishi Kapoor) refuses to recognize Raju as his son.  Raju decides to infiltrates Mittal's family and wreck it in retaliation.

Cast also includes Ameesha Patel as the love interest, as well as Kader Khan and Anupam Kher, with a cameo by Sanjay Dutt.

The story is predictable, but enjoyable -- even emotional at times.  Salman Khan, Rishi Kapoor and Kader Khan give strong performances, with Anumpam Kher being extremely entertaining as always.  The songs, while not exceptional, are catchy.  Patel and Khan have good chemistry, despite their romance being mostly off-screen.  Overall, it's an enjoyable film of typical Bollywood style, with an engaging plot and a feel-good ending.

Tere Naam

Tere Naam
(translates as "in your name")
2003
4/5 stars

Radhe (Salman Khan) is a kind-hearted young man, but he turns to violence to solve most problems. He falls in love with Nirjara (Bhoomika Chawla), the gentle and innocent daughter of a Brahman priest. She despises Radhe's violence, and rudely rejects him. Radhe begins to become unhinged as a result. Eventually, Nirjara returns his love, but a tragedy strikes, changing everything.

Tere Naam seems at first to be just another romance, but it becomes a serious drama that left me emotionally raw and empty. Khan is fantastic in his role, expertly playing a range of emotions. He was thoroughly convincing throughout the movie, in all the phases of his character's mental state. Chawla, as well as the supporting cast, also gave strong performances. The song-and-dance numbers didn't fully fit the film, but the incidental/atmospheric music was excellent.

Overall, with the exception of one scene that didn't flow with the rest of the movie (keeping it from being a 5 star film), Tere Naam is an amazing and unsettling emotional experience.

This movie is available to rent on Google Play.

Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge

Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge
(translates as "I will take the bride")
2000
3/5 stars

Sapna (Karisma Kapoor) has been raised by three strict uncles, who have three separate ideas of what would make a good husband for her. Stifled under their protection, she runs away for a European tour, during which she meets Raja (Salman Khan). They fall in love, and on their return to India, scheme for a way to make all three of her uncles agree to the match.

Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge is a cute romantic comedy with little meat to the plot, but with good acting from Kapoor, Khan, and the supporting cast. Kapoor and Khan have excellent chemistry and matching energy, and make an engaging couple. The songs weren't above average, with the exception of Hai Na Bolo, which made a lovely finale. Overall, this isn't a particularly memorable film, but is fun fluff.

Cast includes: Kader Khan as Mr. Oberoi, Johnny Lever as Tour Manager, Om Puri as Bhola Nath, Paresh Rawal as Prabhu Nath, Anupam Kher as Vicky Nath. 

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

Hero

Hero
2015
3/5 stars

In this romantic action film, the daughter of an Inspector General (played by Athiya Shetty) and the son of a notorious criminal (played by Sooraj Pancholi) fall in love. Naturally, there is no easy path for such a romance.

From the clips and descriptions, I expected a much more romantic and emotional film, and was disappointed with the actual plot. Shetty and Pancholi, both in debut roles, had good chemistry. Pancholi was excellent, but I didn't feel that Shetty gave a good performance. Her unappealing character made a dramatic and unbelievable turn around from spoiled brat to sensitive adult, showing a weakness in story writing. The fight scenes were well-done, but the choreography and music were mediocre (with the exception of the fantastic "Main Hoon Hero Tera"). 

Honestly, the best part of this average movie was during the credits, when Salman Khan sings "Main Hoon Hero Tera" in a charming video. The movie is worth watching for that alone, but don't expect a great deal from the film itself.

Movie available on Amazon Prime.

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:

Chal Mere Bhai

Chal Mere Bhai
(translates as "Come on, my brother")
2000
5/5 stars

Vicky (Sanjay Dutt) and Prem (Salman Khan) are brothers and the closest of friends. Sapna (Karishma Kapoor), Vicky's secretary, and Prem fall in love, but Prem waits to announce it hoping that his older brother will find a wife first. Unfortunately, when Vicky settles on a bride, it's none other than Sapna. Prem is torn between his new love for Sapna and his long-standing devotion to Vicky.

As often happens with Bollywood, this begins as a lighthearted romantic comedy, but in the second hour becomes a more serious family drama dealing with love, duty, and sacrifice. Dutt and Khan have excellent chemistry together and were entirely convincing as brothers. Kapoor, as usual, gave a fine performance, both comedic and serious. The musical numbers were good and the costumes were beautiful. Overall, it's an excellent and enjoyable movie from beginning to end.

Cast also includes Nagma, with special appearances by Twinkle Khanna and Sonali Bendre.

edit: (April 2020)  After rewatching this, I'm doing something I rarely do and changing my rating. The acting is quite good, the plot convincing and even moving at times, the music catchy, and the costumes gorgeous.  Most of all, though, the chemistry between the three leads is spectacular, making Chal Mere Bhai a 5 star film. 

This movie is available on Amazon Prime, as well as on You Tube: