大象传媒

Rabb Ne Banayan Jodiean tells the story of three brothers, whose lives are torn apart by their father's conventional attitudes towards love and marriage. The film features an eclectic mix of stars from Punjabi cinema such as Babu Mann, as well as Brit-Asian export Jas Pandher of Indian Babu fame. The influence of Hindi cinema is everywhere, and while the film adheres to the conventions of traditional story telling, it is technically adept and well-plotted, making for unexpectedly engaging viewing.

When Jehli, son of wealthy industrialist Vichitra Singh, falls in love with Biba, a lowly chauffeur's daughter, his father forbids him to marry below his status. Jehli refuses to forsake his love and so Vichitra enlists his henchman to kill Biba. He finally spares her life on the proviso that she never sees Jehli again, but defiant, Jehli goes in search of his love. Meanwhile, his younger brother must find an inventive way to marry the woman he loves in the face of his father's opposition.

"A LITTLE HARD TO STOMACH IN PLACES"

It would be unfair to draw on age-old preconceptions about Punjabi cinema without giving a film a fair hearing. Rabb Ne Banayan Jodiean is a prime example of how a movie might exceed expectations. The performances have some depth, while the comedic contribution from KB Singh is genuinely amusing. That's not to say the film isn't a little hard to stomach in places. The suggestion of "death by sugar cane-juicing machine" is utterly ludicrous. Meanwhile Jehli, who earnestly extols the need for love and understanding, looks more like an axe-murderer. Luckily, his strong delivery makes the performance work, but the same cannot be said for London born export, Jas Pandher, whose every effort just isn't compensation enough for his lack of expression.

In all, there's nothing new here, but a good effort all the same.