Vivah

Article Updated 12 November, 2006 12:12:30 AM IST

Vivah

Sooraj Barjatya's 'Vivah' is a cute film but comes a little late in the day. The film would have done well one or two decades ago. The film, is a going back to innocence, after an attempt at modernization by the Barjatyas'. It's very Indian but the slow first half kills the film. The turning point in the second half is the USP of the film, besides some special moments, and may appeal to the female and family audience, in particular.

The story. Prem (Shahid Kapoor) is a gentle and soft-spoken rich Delhi guy. Poonam (Amrita Rao), an orphan, has been brought up in Madhupur, a small town, by her Chacha (Alok Nath). Her chachi (Seema Biswas), is jealous of her beauty.

Prem agrees to meet Poonam for marriage, just to please his dad (Anupam Kher), but falls in love with her at first sight. Soon the two discover that they are soul mates.

The two are engaged and the marriage is scheduled to take place after six months. Just when everything is set for the wedding, there's a crisis in their lives. Will the marriage take place as planned?

The film starts off very well and proceeds at a good pace until Prem and Poonam get engaged. Surprisingly, there's no movement in the story thereafter.

There are only songs and the usual feasting that's so much a part of every Barjatya film. The only saving grace of the film is the twist in the tale in the last half hour that makes the film worth watching again.

Some of the sequences between Shahid and Amrita are good especially their first meeting. These two make a good screen pair. Mohnish Bahl, in a special appearance, delivers a dialogue that's sure to win over the audience in the interiors.

Now for the performances. Shahid is good as the subdued well-behaved guy while Amrita fits the part of the shy and charming bride to be. Amrita Prakash, who plays her cousin makes a brilliant debut in a supporting role. Alok Nath, Seema Biswas, and Anupam Kher are excellent, as usual. The rest of the cast is adequate.

But the downside of the film is Ravindra Jain's music. It's too old-fashioned. Cinematography is okay. Some of the dialogues are wonderful but seem too sugary sweet in places.

The film seems to have good prospects in the interiors and in smaller towns. In the metros, its business seems doubtful. It would also be interesting to see the reaction of the overseas audience.

** (Two Stars)

*poor; **average; ***good; ****very good; *****excellent

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