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By Prema K ©2003 Bollyvista.com |
Raj and Pooja have raised their sons with great love and care and made sure that they are well settled. But right from the first frame the focus is only on the undying love between Raj and his wife. They seem very content to just be with each other. There is hardly any display of emotion between the parents and the sons and their families. But the bond between Raj and his foster son, Alok (Salman Khan) is sufficiently developed.
This glycerine drama is long and sluggish and the only relief comes in the form of Paresh Rawal. Finally there are a few laughs from the audience that has only been sniffing into their handkerchiefs till now. Fortunately, the film does not end with a typical family reunion. In fact, the climax is in the form of a lesson that will hopefully get today’s youngsters to suffer from guilt pangs! Salman Khan and Mahima Chaudhry are fairy tale characters, yet endearing and identifiable.
Of the songs, 'Meri Makhna Meri Soniye', and 'Pehle Kabhi Na Mera Haal Aisa Hua' are melodious. Barun Mukherji’s cinematography is striking. Amitabh Bachchan delivers a splendid performance though he has the tendency to go a bit overboard at places. Yet from his generation, no one could have delivered more and better. Hema Malini looks elegant and conveys the pathos convincingly. Lilette Dubey is lovable, as is Divya Dutta. The rest of the supporting cast is far from impressive.
On the whole, ‘Baghban’, despite an overdose of flaws and tears, might appeal mainly to the 35+.
** (TWO)
*poor; **average; ***good; ****very good; *****excellent |
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