Director: Rajkumar Santoshi
Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Upen Patel, Darshan Jariwala
Information: Contains mild language and comic slapstick violence
Running time: 151 mins
BBFC cert: 12A
Release date: 6 November 2009 by Tip Top Entertainment & B4U Network Ltd
Rating: 4/5
Day-dreamer Prem and his idle friends are members of the Happy Club in their small, quaint town. With the aim of making everyone happy, their efforts end up in comical disasters much to the dismay of the town-dwellers.
Whilst helping one of his friends to elope with his girlfriend from an arranged marriage, Prem sets eyes on Jenny. He falls head over heels in love with her. Their initial encounter is a total debacle as expected from a clumsy Prem.
But no matter what, Prem goes the full hog to impress Jenny – by even getting a job!
All is well until Jenny is forced into a marriage she does not agree. Prem is quick on the mark in coming to her aid only to discover she loves someone else all along.
But a surprising turn of events awaits a disheartenedÌýPrem when he decides to help Jenny to be with her boyfriend (Upen).
Raj Kumar Santoshi comes up with a refreshing comic tale peppered with a Cinderella-style romance. The movie kicks off as a comedy full of gags having you in stitches. The the second half of the film changes tracks to a melodramatic romance which is equally interesting.
English-style background musical score further enhances the screenplay and cinematography making this movie different from other weekly releases.
Whilst Ranbir’s comic sequences remind you of the great actor Kishore Kumar, his nimble dancing feet takes you back to his late grandfather, Raj Kapoor – an accomplish Bollywood dancer.
Ranbir is quickly proving to be a versatile actor and a true superstar in the making given the varied roles he has played of late – Wake Up Sid, Bachana Ae Haseena and Sawaaryia.
With Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Ranbir is now well in line with Bollywood A-list of actors like Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan.
Whilst Ranbir holds the film throughout with his comic one-liners, Katrina Kaif provides the melodrama with her Cinderella-style character, Jenny.
Our London-born-and-bred Upen Patel makes an effective special appearance as Katrina’s rich boyfriend although he has some way to go in terms of brushing up his acting skills.
On the whole Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab is an uplifting comedy showcasing the many talents of young budding actor, Ranbir Kapoor.Ìý An enjoyable joyride. Watch it!
Reviewed by Manish Gajjar
´óÏó´«Ã½ Bollywood Correspondent
