Sooraj Barjatya's 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' has finally arrived & is the BIG Diwali release of the year. But is it worth all the hype? The answer is, partly yes, partly no!
Reason? While Barjatya's story is undeniably sweet, the narrative's structure appears outdated & the excessive running-time (169-minutes), spoils the fun. However, Salman charms as Prem & enacts dual-roles, endearingly.
'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' Synopsis: After a King (Salman) is nearly killed by his jealous step-brother (Neil Nitin Mukesh), a Lookalike (Salman, Again) fills his shoes. While there, the Lookalike, now posing as the King, falls for the princess & the King's bride to be (Sonam Kapoor).
'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' is great to look at & the message of the film, that being, love should always win over hate, is heartening. But, the storytelling comes along with an Erratic Screenplay & too many songs, that, sadly, don't add much to the film. Barjatya's Screenplay is sweet & some sequences (Especially in the first-hour), hold your attention completely. The second-hour loses grip & the songs keep popping up a bit too soon & stretch the film, without adding any weight to the drama.
Also, Barjatya's Screenplay has multiple sub-plots & not all engage. The one that appeals is the one involving Salman's estranged step-sister (played by a wonderful Swara Bhaskar). The sub-plot of the villains (Neil Nitin Mukesh & Armaan Kohli), doesn't really work. In short, Barjatya's Writing appeals in bits & pieces, not entirely.
Barjatya's Direction is simplistic, but has a dated vibe to it. However, He's handled a number of sequences, especially the dramatic ones, with command. V. Manikandan's Cinematography is grand. The Lensman has captured the huge canvas, wonderfully. Sanjay Sankla's Editing needed to be crisper. The film is a bit too long & could've easily been trimmed down by at least 25-minutes. Art & Costume Design are fantastic. Himesh Reshammiya's Music is good. Action-Sequences are finely choreographed.
Performance-Wise: Its Salman all the way, The Superstar is at his most endearing as Prem, the clean-hearted soul, who spreads love everywhere. Even as the King, he's done quite well. Its a delight to watch him, from start to end. Sonam Kapoor is nice & looks beautiful throughout. Anupam Kher is fantastic. His camaraderie with Salman, is fun to watch. Deepak Dobriyal is another topper. He brings in a lot of laughs, through his goofy portrayal as Prem's best friend. Swara Bhaskar is graceful, as always. Neil Nitin Mukesh & Armaan Kohli are strictly okay as the villains. Others lend adequate support.
On the whole, 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' isn't a wholesome entertainer, but a decent watch nonetheless.
Reason? While Barjatya's story is undeniably sweet, the narrative's structure appears outdated & the excessive running-time (169-minutes), spoils the fun. However, Salman charms as Prem & enacts dual-roles, endearingly.
'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' Synopsis: After a King (Salman) is nearly killed by his jealous step-brother (Neil Nitin Mukesh), a Lookalike (Salman, Again) fills his shoes. While there, the Lookalike, now posing as the King, falls for the princess & the King's bride to be (Sonam Kapoor).
'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' is great to look at & the message of the film, that being, love should always win over hate, is heartening. But, the storytelling comes along with an Erratic Screenplay & too many songs, that, sadly, don't add much to the film. Barjatya's Screenplay is sweet & some sequences (Especially in the first-hour), hold your attention completely. The second-hour loses grip & the songs keep popping up a bit too soon & stretch the film, without adding any weight to the drama.
Also, Barjatya's Screenplay has multiple sub-plots & not all engage. The one that appeals is the one involving Salman's estranged step-sister (played by a wonderful Swara Bhaskar). The sub-plot of the villains (Neil Nitin Mukesh & Armaan Kohli), doesn't really work. In short, Barjatya's Writing appeals in bits & pieces, not entirely.
Barjatya's Direction is simplistic, but has a dated vibe to it. However, He's handled a number of sequences, especially the dramatic ones, with command. V. Manikandan's Cinematography is grand. The Lensman has captured the huge canvas, wonderfully. Sanjay Sankla's Editing needed to be crisper. The film is a bit too long & could've easily been trimmed down by at least 25-minutes. Art & Costume Design are fantastic. Himesh Reshammiya's Music is good. Action-Sequences are finely choreographed.
Performance-Wise: Its Salman all the way, The Superstar is at his most endearing as Prem, the clean-hearted soul, who spreads love everywhere. Even as the King, he's done quite well. Its a delight to watch him, from start to end. Sonam Kapoor is nice & looks beautiful throughout. Anupam Kher is fantastic. His camaraderie with Salman, is fun to watch. Deepak Dobriyal is another topper. He brings in a lot of laughs, through his goofy portrayal as Prem's best friend. Swara Bhaskar is graceful, as always. Neil Nitin Mukesh & Armaan Kohli are strictly okay as the villains. Others lend adequate support.
On the whole, 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' isn't a wholesome entertainer, but a decent watch nonetheless.