Movie Review: Yuvvraaj

Saturday, November 22, 2008




To celebrate the first night of fall break, I went to see the highly anticipated Yuvvraaj last night. This movie has been getting a lot of hype since it's the first time that Subhash Ghai and A.R. Rahman have worked together since Taal. I like Subhash Ghai because of his focus on the diasporic Indian experience- it's really nice to see that story also being explored. 

The movie starred Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, and Zayed Khan. I had decent expectations going in- I'm not really a huge fan of Salman, but everyone in India seems to love him so I guess I'm just not understanding something.

First of all, Im not totally sure what the main story line of the movie was. Essentially, the movie was about three estranged brothers, but the sub plots and concurrent storylines (ie the love story between Salman and Katrina's character) made the experience of watching the movie feel a little bit schizophrenic. It was all tied together in the end, but the ties weren't all very neat. Like most Ghai films, I felt the ending was rushed. 

Second of all, I thought the movie itself was pretty ridiculous. The characters, though battling for money, seem to have no trouble flying between Austria and London 6-7 times over the course of 40 days...all the while buying new cars and what not. The story lines in and of themselves are actually quite touching. The potential for complex characters that we could empathize with were there, but Salman and Zayed's performances were definitely lacking. I will say this, though- Anil Kapoor's performance was simply fantastic. He totally carried the movie in the second half...he's way underrated.  

I remember in Yaadein when Ghai tried using special effects in song sequences for the first time- remember Jub Dil Miley with its weird fantasy sequence in space and the army of Hrithiks? I'm sorry to say that Ghai didn't learn his lesson- within the first five minutes of the movie he brings these wonderful low-budget special effects back- this time, with Salman Khan flying through some fields. Needless to say, the bar dropped pretty quickly for me. 

The costumes in the song sequences were pretty outrageous too- some choice ones were: backup dancers pretty much replicating the costumes from Cats, men wearing goucho pants made of feathers, Zayed Khan in knee high boots with brass buttons down the side (no joke)...and there's a lot more. 

Also, Salman Khan might be attractive if he played age-appropriate roles. There were WAY too many unbottoned shirts and short shorts in this movie for me. 

Music:
I really love two of the songs from this movie: Tu Meri Dost Hain (a cute love song...cheesy, but definitely cute) and Manhini Morey. Manhini Morey has influence from Indian and Western classical styles and is a heartwrenching raga. <3>

Unfortunately, Manhini Morey was cut from the movie..that had me seething.

I didn't like any of the other songs. They were clearly filler music and, on the whole, I'm really not impressed with Rahman's attempts and making club music- Shano Shano might be catchy but sounds a little too mello to be a hot club track. Also, I think I might be influenced by the way the songs were picturised...the song sequences were all completely outrageous and not any fun to watch.

Overall, I'll give the movie 3/5 stars- mostly for Anil Kapoor's fantastic acting and for storyline potential. Also, I'm done watching new Salman Khan movies until he puts some freaking pants on.


I'd comment on Katrina's role in the movie, but all she really had to do was stand there and look pretty. Sigh. 


Happy Thanksgiving Break!

Posted by Viraj at 2:27 PM  

0 comments

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)