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Masala mix

What is Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge about? Throw in some rehashed scenes from Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, a svelte Karisma Kapoor, a bare-bodied Salman Khan (so, what's new?), a few well-choreographed catchy numbers, some inane comedy, and you've covered the story!

It's a David Dhawan fare all the way, so if you manage to leave behind the 8 grams in your head, you are assured an enjoyable time! One can compare Dulhan... to popcorn -- light and easy to digest, but you eventually long for something more filling.

But then, these days, if one can sit through a movie without longing for the comfort of home, it's saying a lot! And Dulhan... is easy on the senses! It's an out and out 'feel good' movie.

The story revolves around Sapna (Karisma Kapoor), an innocent 19-year-old, trying to simultaneously please all three of her eccentric uncles (Om Puri, Paresh Rawal, Anupam Kher), each of whom has an idiosyncrasy. Puri is obsessed with fitness, Rawal thinks only of God while Kher has a fetish for being 'with it.' All three valiantly try to make Sapna follow their doctrines of life, which results in her running away from home.

She runs away on a holiday where she meets -- who else? -- Raja (Salman Khan). And the rest, as the saying goes, is typical Dhawan fare! The rest of the plot is devoted to how Raja wins over Sapna's uncles with the able assistance of Johny Lever, who proves his prowess in the rib-tickling department yet again!

Karisma Kapoor and Salman Khan elicit more than their fair share of cat calls in the movie and make a delectable pair. Both are in form -- Karisma looks glamorous and at ease while Salman has perfected the lost-boy-muscle-man get up. Om Puri, Paresh Rawal and Anupam Kher play the three uncles with aplomb. Actors of good repute, they are eminently watchable in this flick. Johny Lever is his usual self and a hit with the masses. Farida Jalal is graceful and Kader Khan enjoyable in their brief roles as Salman's parents.

The music is promising in parts. Composer Himesh Reshammiya (this is his first as a solo music director), tries his hand at music that has a very '60s feel to it. This aspect is further strengthened with the choreography that incorporates twists et all! The most hummable tracks are Dheere dheere, Mujhse shaadi karogi and Pyar dilon ka mela hai. Though there is an overdose of music, especially in the latter part, the choreography is slick. Karisma and Salman match steps with enviable comfort and evident enjoyment.

Director David Dhawan definitely knows what will work and what won't. He's all for commercial cinema and proud of it too! All in all, Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge is worth a watch. Here's a movie that will take some of the attention away from Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai.

So take off your thinking caps, don't question the impossible coincidences that are seen only in Hindi movies, discard the garb of the discerning critic, then go ahead and enjoy the movie!

PLEASE SEE:
The preview