Jhoom Barabar Jhoom - the Dance-a-thon!
Shaad Ali created a wave with Bunty Aur Babli. The script was so strong it created real-life heists and gave birth to a number of Bunty Aur Babli like scams. Whether is was seeing Big and Little B dance together with Aishwariya in “Kajra Re” or Rani’s ever so popular designer outfits, later emulated by the masses, the film made a statement. FUN was in!
Jhoom Barabar Jhoom is an energetic musical romance comedy. A number of Bunty aur Babli fans will drop from the list, feeling a slight disconnect to this comedy. It’s not nearly as clever of a screenplay. With a basic story your average joe-schmo writer could come up with in his sleep and narrate in 6 minutes tops, it’s amazing how Shaad Ali pulls along for 2 hours and 20 minutes. But what’s even more striking is how he’s able to entertain for a good 2 hours of that duration. Fun is his motto, fun is his mantra, as Shaad Ali keeps the film, light, bouncy, and flowy. Substance free the movie skips along pointlessly. The first half sets the situation and can be a bit of a bore. The second half is where the film picks up with the addition of Bobby and Lara.
When viewing a Yash Raj film, you know you’re going to get quality cinema, if nothing at least on the technical front. The production house ensures the best of cinematography, visuals, gloss and style are in tact.
Keep in mind it’s a “musical romance comedy”, therefore there are songs at every turn. The good thing is, much of the story is communicated through the musical pieces and thankfully Shankar Eshan Loy are behind the tracks. As always, every track is worth its every penny. The lyrics by Gulzar aren’t exactly poetic masterpieces, but do a fair job in telling the story. In fact the lively music, with creative sets, and excellent choreography is the strength of the film.
Amitabh Bachchan does what would be equivalent to an item number for a bombshell. He’s merely there for star power and has no relevant part to play at all. Looking good while dancing, but not so much in his Pirates of the Carribean attire, he has the best track. Abhishek fits in the role of a punjabi boy from Batinda, but seems to be delivering an extended performance from one of his Bunty aur Babli characters. Although he hams a bit, he still succeeds in making audiences laugh with his comedic timing. Preity Zinta looks delightful and is a complete natural. Bobby Deol is in form after quite some time. He’s extremely likeable in the second half and proves why he’s deserving of this industry. The same can be said for Lara Dutta. She molds herself perfectly for the role. You forget it’s ex Miss Universe Lara Dutta, but really this drop dead gorgeous foreign hottie.
Jhoom Barabar Jhoom is a tension free entertainer with a must buy soundtrack. The film is likely to appeal to younger audiences with modern sensibilities. Ritu smiles at Jhoom Barabar Jhoom with 3 stars.