Review By: Ulhas Shirke
Rating ( **1/2)
Inspired by Mark Twain’s novel, ‘The Prince and the Pauper’, many Bollywood films have been made in past fifty years. And, one of them was 60s film ‘Raja Aur Runk’ starring Sanjiv Kumar, Mahesh Kothare (in double role), Kum Kum, Nazima, Ajit and others, made by L.V.Prasad. Even otherwise, we have seen many Hindi films on this subject, with few changes here and there. But, the formula has been the same.
Now, Rajashri productions, who have made lots of quality films during the past 53 years, have presented their 50th film ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ in the same way. They have released this film in a big way, using their popular hero Salman Khan, after a long time. But, instead of attempting something different, in this love story, this big production house thought of following the same old formula. And hence, ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ has served old wine in a new bottle.
In the film, we find, Yuvraj Vijay Singh (Salman Khan) the prince of Pritampur,who is soon to be crowned as king. He is already engaged to princess Maithili (Sonam Kapoor), but due to his obstinate nature, this Yuvraj faces many problems with Maithali, besides the issues he has with his step brother and sisters. Like, typical jealousy noticed in such type of films, we find his step brother Yuvraj Ajay Singh (Neil Nitin Mukesh) planning to kill him, with the help of his manager Chirag Singh (Armaan Kohli), who misguides him every time. But, Yuvraj Vijay survives and is badly injured. Meanwhile, we find Yuvraj Vijay’s look alike Prem Dilwale (Salman Khan) a happy go lucky stage actor, also falling in love with princess Maithili. When he reaches Pritampur, to meet her, along with his friend Kanhaiya (Deepak Dobriyal), he is noticed by Yuvraj Vijay’s manager( Anupam Kher). So, while Yuvraj is still recovering in a hideout, the Manager uses Dilwale, in his place; for the safety of the life of Yuvraj. But, that brings Dilwale and Maithili closer and also the step bother and sisters forgiving the past and coming together to make a happy family.
But, in this family drama, we find many unwanted happenings, which do not interest the modern day cinema lovers. Too many songs in this film, have consumed maximum time, as only two songs in this film, are presented well. Salman Khan is at his best in double role; but his chemistry with Sonam Kapoor hasn’t appealed much. Sonam Kapoor has done well in this film; but she doesn’t have to do much in this film, as far as acting is concerned. That emotional part has gone to the share of Swara Bhaskar, who plays Rajkumari Chandrika, the step sister of Yuvraj Vijay, who fights for her rights. In the supporting cast, Anupam Kher does well. But, there is not much to the share of Neil Nitin Mukesh and Armaan Kohli, who have tried to make their presence felt, through few scenes in negative roles.
Director Sooraj R Barjatya has failed to generate the desired impact, through his own screenplay. And therefore, the film has failed to appeal, as expected. But, cinematographer V. Manikandan has captured all the important events in the film, very efficiently. All in all, this film has turned out to be an ordinary entertainer