Ritu's Reviews

After their dynamite chemistry in Hum Tum, who wouldn’t want to see Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukherjee together again? Finally, director Siddarth Raj Anand who brought Priety and Saif together in his youthful romantic comedy, Saalam Namaste, now brings us Saif and Rani in a ‘racy’ manner.

Ta Ra Rum Pum – No idea what the name has to do with the story but what the story has to do with is the rise and fall of a star. But not just any star…rather, a dashing, good-looking, young, energetic, race-car star! Saif Ali Khan steals hearts in a flurry as he max’s the gages on his speedometer. Unlike Hrithek or John on motorcycles in Dhoom, Yash Raj goes the NASCAR way!
But it’s not exactly an action packed thriller. It’s a story about a family, their hardships, and how they work together to climb out of them. While that may sound like every Indian family drama, what’s different is this family is young and the main basis of a sportsman and his sport are the highlight.
Shot in New York, the film was meant to connect with NRI’s. From Times Square to Jackson Heights, the places are familiar and hit home. However the mediocre screenplay does not. Rather than hitting a home run, I’d say it gets to about third base. The first half almost seems forced, as Rani and Saif’s love story unfolds. The second half is really where the meat and bones lay. Intended to be emotionally charging, there are two tracks that try to reach audiences. The first is Saif’s emotional graph and the second is the riches to rag component. Saif’s struggle is penned well, but with regards to the new found unwealthy state of the family, the narrative goes overboard, exaggerates circumstances, and makes them unbelievable for viewers who know better.
Like many before him, director Raj Anand does not measure up to the polish of his debut film, Saalam-Namaste. A number of factors can be held responsible, but the mainstay is the shoddy screenplay. Where he excels the most, is in extracting the best from Saif and Javed Jafri. As lover, father, star, or loser, Saif plays his part with immense capability. The actor who at one time was touted incapable of doing a solo-venture, holds this film together. Accompanying him and shining bright is Javed Jafri. After making his crocadile-dundee, ‘eggjacktly’ mannerisms a hit, he steps in another unique and likeable role, in full form. Rani Mukherjee, who reins queen of the box-office and numerous awards, delivers a static performance. Her emotional expressions appear redundant and her appeal lacks ‘oomph’. The child artist in the film perform well and Victor Banerjee takes notice.
Vishal-Shekar disappoint with their musical compositions. The only song you may find yourself humming at is “Shona”. Cinematography and lighting are not up to par in standard shots, but are mind-blowing in the racing sequences. Extremely well executed Binod Pradhan’s camera skills are brilliant.
Ta Ra Rum Pum may not meet some expectations but averages out as a likeable watch. A sure hit with children for the kiddie elements and a must see theatrical watch for the experience of some excellent racing, Ta Ra Rum Pum scores 3 stars.

If you’re not into NASCAR or Formula One racing, you will be after this film! Or at least be on the edge of your seat with the nail-biting racing sequences.