Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

wogma rating: Switch channels if it's on cable (?)

quick review:

Would it have worked if it were shorter? Naah, it would have been as tedious and boring.

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Director: Sooraj Barjatya
Running time: 180 minutes
More Movie Info

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo - Preview

My eyes hurt! Yes, just from the two-minute trailer, I feel like shutting my eyes to give them a rest. It is not the colors, it is the glitter – like that of a TV serial. In fact, the colors are gorgeous! I remember from the time I lived in the US – when Hindi movies were a once in six months affair - I could watch a Hindi film just for the colors on screen. I can imagine myself lapping up Prem Ratan Dhan Payo just for that – if it were back then, that is.

Now, I am older and hopefully wiser and I watch an average of one Hindi film a week. For better or for worse, my requirements have increased – I certainly need a movie to have more than elegant women wearing lovely color combinations.

Of that though, I have little hope with Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. The lavish backdrop, the wedding atmosphere, the rivalry all seem too repetitive, even if it is just through trailers. While, the lilt in the trailer is inescapable, it is unlikely that it will last for too long.

Music Reviews:
Bollyspice - "4/5"
Bollywood Hungama – "4.5/5"
glamsham – "3.5/5"
koimoi - "2/5"
Milliblog - "This Prem is more Rajshri than Himesh."
Music Aloud – "6.5/10"

- meeta, a part of the audience

A coronation set in present day India – it is fantasy world, alright. Within that framework too though, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo doesn't have an interesting tale to tell. Neither do you quite 'get' the characters' motivations nor their greivances. Also, all the extravagance you see in the trailer is all there is. The rest of the film is a visual drab too.

A few situations make you feel like you are in a time-warp. Mythili, a successful entrepreneur who also runs a charitable organisation (as superficial as it might look) is suddenly demure about wearing a short dress. She seems pretty comfortable with what she wears so far in the film and carries it well too. It seems more like a Barjatya obsession. Have the lead lady become all aware and weird about a “western” dress that her man wants her to wear.

The writing is too conscious of itself too – trying too hard to be a Barjatya-Salman film that has to teach you a thing or two about family values. As blasphemous as it sounds, a stranger showing up in a family to solve their internal squabbles, reminded me of Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Bawarchee. But, why set it up in a “princedom”? You lose connect immediately. If you want me to escape from my real-life problems, why would you bring up familial issues? To top it off, add TV serial style lighting, décor, costumes-jewelry and melodrama.

In the midst of this, there's one honest moment when Mythili has had enough and can't handle the strain of her relationship with the prince any more. But, other than that, there too much effort put into making us believe what the character is feeling. To blame it on the actors would be take the easy route out.

Sure, Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Swara Bhaskar are all guilty of trying too hard to be what they are supposed to be rather than make their characters believable. But, they have no help from the script. The dialogue induce eyerolls. And the innuendos seemed pretty out of place.

The lesser said about the screenplay, the better. Just because it is Diwali season, you have a song with mathri and chakli1 and a scene with Bhaubeej2? All too cheesy. All this serves the sole purpose of elongating the run-time of the film. More time in the theaters is a festival gift?

I saw Prem Ratan Dhan Payo in a single screen theater, in a small town in Maharashtra - a theater where a house full of whistles drowned down dialogue for a good part of the first half hour. That is how excited the audience was to be there. While I wasn't too happy with the movie-watching experience, I was excited about watching the film with the target audience. In a way, it was sad to sense a lull in the crowd for most of the second half. No one should have to watch a film they didn't like on a festival day. A few people left the theater before the end too. But hey, if films which prefer so-called extravagance (with shoddy CGI) to some effort in writing are beginning to bore people, I see a silver lining.

(1) Indian savories that are found in every household this time of the year.
(2) A part of the Diwali festival

- meeta, a part of the audience

28 reviewers(?) - 8 yays 9 so-so 11 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, PREM RATAN DHAN PAYO is the perfect Diwali entertainer for the entire family. The film will win abundant love [prem], while its investors will reap a harvest [dhan], making it a memorable Diwali for all concerned. This one’s a record-smasher — scoring from East to West and from North to South, scoring at plexes as well as single screens, scoring at metros as well as non-metros, scoring in the domestic market as well as in the international arena. B-L-O-C-K-B-U-S-T-E-R! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Mehak Khurana , Desi Martini : ...Verdict - Salman Khan is back as Prem and he's as endearing as ever! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Aneela Zeb Babar, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - such a long journey for Prem&Barjatya,sometimes the journey is our Desi ghee destination ... full review

Thumbs up, by Sarita A Tanwar, DNA : ...PRDP is a must-watch for all Salman fans and will be best enjoyed with your family. Because no family film gets bigger than this one! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Jaidev Hemmady, Movie Talkies : ...Like all Barjatya movies, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is a wholesome family drama, with loads of emotions, romance, family drama, a dash of comedy and a couple of action scenes thrown in. Barjatya has made the film on a grand scale and the opulent and vibrant sets will remind you of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The music is not worth writing home about and the number of songs inserted in the movie might test your patience. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Jyothi Venkatesh, Star Blockbuster : ...Last Word: Though you will be sadly mistaken if you go to see the Sooraj R Barjatya who had directed Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hai Kaun, it is worth watching for Salman’s charisma.... full review

Thumbs up, by Srijana Mitra Das, Times of India : ...Because nothing hurts like your own blood - and nothing heals like it too. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Ritika Handoo, Zee News : ...The director has tried his best to keep the ethics of Indian culture right at the center of his screenplay. The movie is a sureshot family entertainer, without any uncomfortable scenes. However, it does take a while to digest that such a perfect family and ethics can co-exist in today's time. ... full review

So-So, by Sreeju Sudhakaran, Bollywood Life : ...Sooraj Barjatya should never be blamed for believing in the goodness of the nineties and incorporating it in today’s cinema. But what needs to be blamed is that he still sticks to the old style film-making and expects the audience to accept it. That’s where Prem Ratan Dhan Payo as a film fails. What could have been Salman Khan’s sweetest Diwali gift to his fans turns out to be so depressing that you wait for this festival to get over asap! If you are a true Salman Khan and have patience to bear melodrama for more than 3 hours, go enjoy the challenge! ... full review

So-So, by Rachit Gupta, Filmfare : ...Despite its flaws, PRDP manages to entertain you. It's long yes, and most of its story is almost too sentimental. But then it works, especially if you like family dramas with a dash of style and humour. This is definitely worth a watch. ... full review

So-So, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...For all those who think Sooraj Barjatya is the master of the ‘family’ film, it’s time to think hard, again It’s all very well for the Rajshri’s to hide behind the filmy facade of happy families but it does little good for an audience that is searching for a connect even in such oblivious offerings. Frankly, it’s high time they came out of their ‘favorite’ hiding place and made something a little more accessible ,compelling and enjoyable! ... full review

So-So, by RAJEEV MASAND, IBN Live : ...Alas, the predictable plotting and the lazy characterization never really allow you to be invested in any of the film's characters or to even care for them. Make no mistake, Salman Khan is the sole draw of this film, and he works hard for his top billing. The actor is in good form - terrific in the comic scenes, and earnest in the emotional ones - turning on the charm to help you survive, and even enjoy, this nearly 3 hour film that's crammed with songs, and over-styled to a fault. ... full review

So-So, by Ananya Bhattacharya, india today : ...In all, the film works for both Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya's specific audience bases. While a Salman fan might miss his super-human antics at times, he does a great job otherwise. Watch the film for Salman. ... full review

So-So, by Surabhi Redkar, koimoi : ...Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is not everyone’s cup of tea! It is a family watch and best for those who love to watch happy endings with emotional undertones. This is a typical Rajshri affair so watch it only if you can digest it. I am going with a 3/5 for the film. ... full review

So-So, by Sukanya Verma, Rediff : ...A lot of visible effort has gone in designing Prem Ratan Dhan Payo's opulence and scale but ultimately it is just lacklustre, recycled fare from a man stuck on men versus women sporting contests, midnight kitchen rendezvous and the pristine aura of Prem. ... full review

So-So, by Sonia Chopra, Sify Movies : ...The film has its faults, but with Salman Khan's dual force (yes, he plays a double role), a lilting romance, and the ODing on traditional values – this one's sure to hit the right spots with the family junta. Salman is real 'ratan' in this tradition-soaked romance, likely to bring in enough dhan for the makers! ... full review

So-So, by ANUJ KUMAR, The Hindu : ...They are stereotypes that fit into the Rajshri crossword without demanding any clue. It is Deepak Dobriyal who rises above the staple friend. Similarly Swara Bhaskar manages to make an impact as the step sister and Anupam Kher shows how repetition doesn’t necessarily be dreary. His scenes with Salman provide some sinew to the melodrama. Wish Himesh Reshammiya were a little more consistent in a film that runs for almost three hours to accommodate all his compositions. Wish the dialogues had a little more punch. Wish Sooraj reflected a little more on the darkness beneath the light but overall it is a family get together that you don’t mind attending in festive mood. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Anna MM Vetticad, annavetticadgoes2themovies : ...Frankly, spending so much time writing such a long review is in itself giving more credit than is due to this half-baked, lifeless, low-IQ film with its juvenile humour and family politics that resembles circumstances in the cheapest saas-bahu soaps now running on Hindi fiction TV. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ...We look at the actors – indie names like Deepak Dobriyal (in the Laxmikant Berde part), Sanjay Mishra, Swara Bhaskar – and think they’ve been cast for a reason. But they’re just filling out chalk-outline parts. It’s like hiring Arnold Schwarzenegger to lift your laptop bag. Only Anupam Kher, as the faithful family retainer, gets something to do. And of course, Salman Khan. If nothing else, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo makes a compelling case for his stardom... full review

Thumbs down, by Deepa Gahlot, cinemaah : ...PRDP does not even pretend to have a coherent screenplay and when there’re two Salman Khans why bother about a proper story? So Vijay Singh is the proud, tradition-bound prince whose coronation is a few days away, when there is an assassination attempt on him. He is travelling in a chariot, by the way, not one of his vintage cars. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Mohit Patil, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - A bland and banal, if not unbearable ode to the institution of family. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Krish Sripada, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - A colossal bore with a script fit for an Ekta Kapoor serial! ... full review

Thumbs down, by Ameen Bhuvan, Desi Martini : ...Verdict - salman infuses life intermittently into this otherwise dead horse of a film ... full review

Thumbs down, by Martin D'Souza, Glamsham.com : ...It's a pity that Sooraj Barjatya never exploits the negative aspect of the movie for which he has incorporated Neil Nitin Mukesh. That could have given the film some substance. He gives Neil no screen time nor does he build up his role. With 174 minutes at his disposal, Barjatya does no justice to this talent. However, Neil does manage to impact whenever he comes on screen. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Rohit Vats, Hindustan Times : ...The trouble with PRDP is, fun-filled scenes turn into tearjerkers in a moment, and you don’t know what’s hit you. It has everything a quintessential Hindi ‘masala’ family film would crave for. But take our advice: Go with a full packet of tissues, you will need all of them. To me, PRDP stands for ‘Poor Rich Devout People.’ ... full review

Thumbs down, by UDITA JHUNJHUNWALA, Live Mint : ...Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is an endlessly long saga with a sheesh mahal at the end of a treacherous precipice propped up by illegitimate children, fake football matches and overly made-up actors. You can imagine brides-to-be making mental notes of which lehengas and saris they want copied as they watch this opulent, colour-coordinated costume drama. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Salman gives this weightless film an occasional push and a shove in the right direction, but Sonam drags it back with an unconvincing performance. Gawky, giggly and gloriously gooey, she is completely out of her depth here. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Rummana, yahoo! India : ...Alas, it is the Salmantricks and some comic relief provided by the likes of Deepak Dobriyal and Sanjay Mishra that make the film watchable in parts. ... full review

91 tweeters(?) - 55 yays 4 so-so 32 nays

x0dolly: And I loved everything about Prem Ratan Dhan Payo #notbadatall

WithDueRespct: Watched prem ratan dhan payo today at @Attriumcinemas Awesome movie ★

walkawave: Nicely portrayed ....supb #$alman(prem diwale) Love diz film https://t.co/FVuVinwJ6c

VickyMelwani: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, amazing movie.

VAIDEHI54776921: sir prem ratan dhan payo movie was so good and it was good family entertainment movie https://t.co/P8roqCpzZZ

teamofsalman: Families are coming to see Prem Ratan Dhan Payo..... Only Sooraj Barjatya and Salman Khan Can Give Family Films in Today's Time ! HATSS OFF

TazninNur: prem ratan dhan payo...super film...salman khan rock..

Tabather_S: I don't care what the critics or other people say. I loved Prem Ratan Dhan Payo!!!

SumiDjsj143: I watched prem ratan dhan payo Nicee movie....

sourabh_kapadi: awesome movie#@sallu bhai u rocks#@we love u salman bhai#@prem ratan dhan payo 2015

smgr105: My #PRDP review : Watch dis clean family entertainer 4 d sizzling chemistry between @sonamakapoor & @BeingSalmanKhan https://t.co/llH3qr83xr

SimranGill_1D: So finally watched Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, can't ignore Salman and Sonam was just so fabulous

shweta_arya: Watched Prem Ratan Dhan payo' , Prem dilwala stole d show..

shubham35230097: Bhaiyo kal sunday hai toh prem ratan dhan payo dekho apni familiyo ke saath aur diwali mey double dhamaal machao yaaro acchi film don't miss

Sanchjenny24: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is a great movie. Because it shows the meaning of having family. A very strong feeling! @BeingSalmanKhan

RavipatRavi: Prem ratan dhan payo is the greatest movie....

PulseKhan: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo uffff nyc movie

pri__ya: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo ❤

PoonamSalihar: Enjyed watchin prem ratan dhan Payo..superb awesome family muvi;-)

pawarp272: Prem ratan dhan payo good movie

parthrraval1235: Awesome Movie #PremRatanDhanPayo #SalmanKhan #SonamKapoor #SoorajBarjatya ji #PRDP #PremIsBack... https://t.co/GEc56URn08

mohamma67458598: Bahut achi movie he prem ratan dhan payo

mehuldoshi60: I think i got Prem Ratan Dhan Payo after watchibg the movie PREM RATAN DHAN PAYO #FamilyCelebrationPRDP

mdWarish12: Prem ratan dhan payo Beautiful movie

ManjeetDreams: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is The Most Cutest Film of This Era of 2015 Time, Specially The Character of Prem Deewana... https://t.co/MiSwWbHGjH

Lovekirtisingh: Prem ratan dhan payo loved the movie :) @BeingSalmanKhan @prdp

lollipopcandyz: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo best hindi movie so far..Rugi kalau tak tengok..

kiransjadhav0: Salman khan sir aap ki movie bahot bahot pashnd aayi h such me movie dil chu liya prem ratan dhan payo

Kiran13872972: Hi Salman I love prem Ratan dhan payo this movie I saw yesterday .. I love

khalidrafiq141: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo movie review: Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor starrer is a perfect treat for families this Diwali https://t.co/Az5m9ff3aF

khaleeshanishat: Prem ratan dhan payo nice movie ★★★

Jemishaparmar: Prem ratan dhan payo is awesome movie...enjoyed alot...

jas_dhillon12: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo was a great watch

HannanSameed1: All i can say is payo ji payo maine Prem Ratan Dhan Payo! Go watch it with ur family! It's very awesome Movie❤ https://t.co/OQZpm4QHQv

gurkiratsekhon6: Prem ratan dhan payo awsome movie .. Must go with family .. Watch as much time as u can..@BeingSalmanKhan thanks sir for a diwali gift

Geo_sahilL: Watch best move salman khan. Prem ratan dhan...payo. His best move coming up .sinemas .new

gaurangp666: friends plesase watch prem ratan dhan payo film.vary heart touching film

freak_b2utyelf: Prem ratan dhan payo is such an amazing movie!!

DipakSh28277706: Prem ratan dhan payo is superbbbbbbbbb!!!!!!!!! Film.....

dineshhanwate: Prem ratan dhan payo awesome movie

DeepakkumarTara: Today I saw "Prem ratan Dhan payo" Bollywood movie, really so nice story, fully family drama.

bhaumikshukla: PRDP - Prem Ratan Dhan Payo - Movie Review - As expected from Sooraj Barjatya, it was a family entertainer... https://t.co/Tl426m1c5W

Beingsherry27: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.. ❤

BeingAnkushGoel: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo = Complete Family Entertainer #प्रेम_आया_प्रेम_छाया

Being_Vishuu: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo #प्रेम_आया_प्रेम_छाया

AshwiniKumari10: 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' Super Duper Hit https://t.co/PH9xBWBcMD

arjunKR: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo good movie, 2nd half was little boring, overall liked it 3.5/5

Appy_Nd: Prem ratan dhan payo blockbuster movie

Amalina_Azmi: Prem ratan dhan payo was fun!!!

AfterDark143: Fantastic job by @BeingSalmanKhan in PREM RATAN DHAN PAYO..... Omg gland to see full of #fun too Much Enjoy wid family...

adnanmurrad: What a poignant and pleasingly sensible film this is. #PremRatanDhanPayo #SalmanKhan Rating: ★★★½ https://t.co/GzmoyCISAz

AditiDewra: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is not all that bad like it's been said. I quite enjoyed it

Adesai0121: Salman khan is my nigga and all but I'm sorry.. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo was awful lol

Abhishek88150: Prem ratan dhan payo awesome movie great work @anupam Kher @salman khan

___MaryamAlM: Prem ratan dhan payo is a blockbuster!!!

mallika_dutt1: And finally to all Twitter folks- #Prdp is not bad; it's slow but watchable! Better than mindless movies being made https://t.co/POLkuyKZbF

lokeshgautam: Movie: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, My Rating 3/5. not as per the expectation https://t.co/9uW6RPF8gb

kathyfgibson: The new Hindi romance PREM RATAN DHAN PAYO is fine, but uninspired. My review: https://t.co/C49Wo5lhlA

basantpant3: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo an average movie. Same traditional film as Bollywood known. Choice is yours.

Syed_Hyderabadi: ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ will not lull you to sleep; at 2 hours and 45 minutes it is closer to a coma-inducing experience....

SunilVBothra: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo = PRDP = Pakake Rakh Diya Pura....

SRK_Virat: Prem Ratan dhan payo mayo bapo puri film ne dimag khayo bahot neend ayo sonam kapoor ne toh puch mat bahot rulayo

sarwan_bhullar: I think this is one of the slowest movie ...not much funny...only Salman & Salman...rest nothing ..story... https://t.co/as43PdXmbC

sarabmeet: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is such a stupid movie so far.

SanthM: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo was just poor cinema. Ironically, Tamasha's tagline sums up this movie: Why always the same story?

samkhan31633125: Bakwash movie of the year #prem ratan dhan payo

rughanimihir: prem ratan dhan payo par mero dhan main kho aayo #PRDP

RoseHeartRosie: Watched Prem Ratan Dhan Payo yesterday. @SoorajBarjatya I want my "DHAN" Back !

RealHyderAli: Honest Review Of PREM RATAN DHAN PAYO!!! This Movie Is A Total Disaster!!! https://t.co/bv8U41U8jo via @rajnivscidjokez

ratul_views: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo - Simply a royal pain! Why on earth was such a movie made! @BeingSalmanKhan

rajivdingra: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is soo bad that it's actually good. You will laugh at how bad it actually is and you will actually enjoy it!

pankajjadhav3: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo a disappointment; two Marathi films take the cake https://t.co/4QXBldVfFe

Nathansv: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, a.k.a Mat Dekho, Sukh Payo.#PRDP

MemonKamal: Sorry for prem ratan dhan payo... A shit of a movie....

MananPat3l: Prem ratan dhan payo movie sucked balls & Sonam Kapoor, Pls stop acting smh I need to watch something else to erase this shit from my memory

Laugh_riot: Don't blame Salman Khan for this movie.It was Salman's driver who forced him to sign Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.Blame & abuse Salman's driver only

keshrot: pune... multiplex... prem ratan dhan payo... with family..... accha diwala nikala re prem tune bakawas film dilhakar... — feeling hurt

kchhabria: "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo"- stupidity personified

IshanMohan: why did kattapa kill bhaubali???? coz bhaubali made him watch 'prem ratan dhan payo' !!!

Fan_Kamalesh: crap film prdp https://t.co/cFvryCPnCm

Dulanjana_: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.. Salman humara paisa khayo..

Dreamboyyyy: Fail to win audience heart....#Prem_ratan_dhan_payo

djravi123: Prem Ratan dhan payo... Plz yeh movie dekhne mat jayo..

divu123: ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ review: Nothing is a fit in this Salman Khan film https://t.co/nSx6IBwNik

disinfucktant: Being engineer is better than Being someone who did Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.

desiexpress: ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ – This Prem backfires (Rating – **) https://t.co/8fzVTnVxrV

B_L_PaTel: Hum sabki tickets ke paise khake, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo! Now the title seems appropriate :P

ayushmohpal1: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo Mere 400₹ Khayo.

arharaza: Prem ratan dhan payo me waqt zaya kiya.

alexraja_sr: Movie: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, My Rating 2/5. Watch Only Then. Better Go To Restaurants, Malls, Shopping and Spend Har https://t.co/eKpz6toKYK

Aaditey618: Kill terrorism, show them Prem Ratan Dhan Payo in loop till they beg for death.

6 readers - 4 yays 2 so-so 0 nays

Not Interested in Watching, by Darshan

Not Interested in Watching, by Kananda Songs Lyrics

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Fan

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Harpreet Singh : Go watch it and obviously don't expect a documentary on family love by BBC. It's a Bollywood movie !

Yay! Thumbs Up, by raj : Great movie made with good intentions. Salman gives a nice performance.

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Raut : Great movie. Salman & Sonam rock!! Movie gives you a feel good effect.

So-So, by Anuj

So-So, by Atul : One Time Watch

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: A fight scene.
  • Language: But for a few innuendos, clean
  • Nudity & Sexual content: None
  • Concept: A stranger brings a family together
  • General Look and Feel: Bright and loud

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
Story:
Lead Actors:
Character Artists:
Dialogues:
Screenplay:
Music Director:
Lyrics:

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo - Cast, crew, links

Music Director:
Running time:
180 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:

Comments (39)

Click here for new comment

Fan

Between Bajrangi and PRDP Salman still remains a criminal - and so my point of view on encouraging him remains the same as in July.

However this time around there are 2 more factors to weigh, the name Rajashree productions and the tag of Diwali blockbuster. What the heck, it is festival time - and one should forget all sins (if at least temporarily) and celebrate. For a person like me who has time and again voiced the point of view in favour of family oriented films, nothing can get more family oriented than a Rajashree production. I wish it all the success possible just to ensure that family affairs continue to thrive.

On the other hand, less than a week prior to the release I am getting a very sick feeling - that this Diwali is going to be a disaster as far as Hindi films are concerned. The promos - and some of them mediocre - are all relying on the HAHK fame. If the connection just stops there, i.e. same team as HAHK less Madhuri Dixit, then it is fine. However, if they have tried to recreate HAHK then in my humble opinion it is a monumental blunder. Agreed that HAHK was a giant killer in its time - agreed that it is probably in the top 5 all time Hindi film money earners, and agreed that we still enjoy watching the replays on TV. But then it was a success of 20+ years ago, a path breaker and a pioneer of wedding genre in those days. Cut to 2015. The theme has been milked dry by the YRFs and Dharmas. Audience cannot throng theatres in that many numbers to rewatch a HAHK sans Madhuri Dixit.

So I am hoping that they have not been time capsuled like Subhash Ghai was (by coincidence with Salman too). I hope that they have adapted with times and have made a film in line with today's themes and quality. And I hope that they are going to dish out something other than HAHK. If rumours are to be believed then it is going to be a remake of Raja Aur Rank - which should see them sailing through. Raja Aur Rank was a reasonably successful in its days, and has a sufficiently strong story. So hoping against hopes that the Barjatya's are learners and adapters and offer something new.

rajesh

Great movie made with good intentions. Salman gives a nice performance. Music is good. Its 2015: So what, lets sometimes taste the old magic also. For a feel good factor, go and watch, today!!

Fan

A rating of switch channels if on TV - is extreme.

The other extreme is by a noted reviewer who has gone all ga-ga and claimed it to become THE blockbuster in India and outside India, in cities and in villages, in plexes and in single screen theatres.

Definitely the truth would be between these 2 extremes.

Harpreet

Of course the movies stupid, that's the reason it will do good business and people will come out smiling. The khans should not be critiqued for they pull crowds and in the end give you a smile on your face. Not every movie has to be serious. I saw Jurassic World too and yeah I'm sorry the dinasaurs last impressed me in 1995 only. Same goes for this movie. But it still works. At the end of Jurassic world I was entertained and my pop corn was finished. Same goes for this movie.

Ehinome Okojie

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo: A film with a nice message which is executed in an anachronistic manner. 260cr is feasible
Audience score is 2.8/5 thereabout.

ANUJ

Yet another one sided and epic review by the reviewer who seems to be bordering on idiocy of late. Agreed, PRDP is no classic and not a patch on HAHK, but to give it a 1/5 rating is outright ridiculous. But of course, as always audiences are supposed to be "tolerant". Tolerant of these bogus reviewers misguiding the viewers week in and week out. Tolerant to bear a motor mouthed "former" superstar stammering and shivering his way through a desperately self obsessed FAN movie. And perhaps, tolerant of what not!

Anuj

@Fan : I guess the reviewer you're referring to is the infamous Taran Adarsh whose given 3.5/5 ratings to films like Rascals. None among the trade or audiences take him seriously anymore.

Raut

PRDP is a nice film. Wholesome entertainment. Salman has once again proved that he can handle any situation well. His comic timing is superb. Go get a good and genuine feel.

Fan

@Anuj: well guessed. I know perfectly well his penchant for over rating a film. Hence my feeling that it will neither be the pitiable saga that Meetu is making out to be, nor the masterpiece that Taran is making it out to be.

I think that once you know how to read TA's reviews, and you ignore his stars or numbers but read the text then you get a good feeling on the pulse. He has his pulse on the mass-mood, unlike most of the reviewers. And he is able to judge pretty okay on how the film is going to swing. Thereafter you take his rating with a pinch of salt.

Fan

@Anuj: well guessed. I know perfectly well his penchant for over rating a film. Hence my feeling that it will neither be the pitiable saga that Meetu is making out to be, nor the masterpiece that Taran is making it out to be.

I think that once you know how to read TA's reviews, and you ignore his stars or numbers but read the text then you get a good feeling on the pulse. He has his pulse on the mass-mood, unlike most of the reviewers. And he is able to judge pretty okay on how the film is going to swing. Thereafter you take his rating with a pinch of salt.

Ha, ok, I must admit it was nice to go back to this genre of film after a long gap but it could have been a lot better. The feel of the movie overall seems too artificial for my personal taste. The music on the other hand has some good songs like Jab Tum Chaho and Jalte Diye. Most of the music sounds quite traditional. It's an ok one time watch.

ehinome okojie

The trend is comparable to Ra.One's, this will end up below 197cr (Hindi). Only Dilwale will rock and beat PK at box office.

Anuj

Dilwale will sink and meet the same fate as crappy new year. [This part of comment deleted because of personal attacks]

Anuj

The performance & trending of PRDP is very similar to Barjatya's 1999 super hit Hum Sath Sath Hain. Just like HSSH, PRDP has been patronized and appreciated by the core Salman/Barjatya fan base in the tier 2/3 cities and the mass sector covering Rajasthan, UP/Bihar, MP, Gujarat and Maharashtra. The urban belt and tier 1 cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and Bangalore have completely rejected the film, something that we witnessed with HSSH too.

Fan

@Anuj: no offence but your last remark about the film being patronized by the core fan base in tier 2/3 cities does not tally with Meetu's personal experience of

"I saw Prem Ratan Dhan Payo in a single screen theater, in a small town in Maharashtra - a theater where a house full of whistles drowned down dialogue for a good part of the first half hour. That is how excited the audience was to be there. While I wasn't too happy with the movie-watching experience, I was excited about watching the film with the target audience. In a way, it was sad to sense a lull in the crowd for most of the second half. No one should have to watch a film they didn't like on a festival day. A few people left the theater before the end too."

Clearly I am missing some connection between the real life experience of the author and your statistical analysis.

Are you sure that it is rejected outright by metro audiences?

Fan

Dilwaale ... (as with Chennai Exp) if only the film had been made with another actor than SRK. Alas.

Clashing with SLB fresh from his RamLeela success - going to be an eventful pre-Christmas week.

Anuj

@Fan : I am sure of my footfalls and numbers. Cannot say the same for reviewers though. PRDP recorded strong numbers even on a working day like Tuesday in the B & C dominated circuits like Gujarat, parts of maharashtra (outside Mumbai city), Rajasthan, UP, Bihar and Orissa. In the metros of Delhi-NCR, Mumbai/Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad, this movie is running extremely low occupancies of 20-30%. This is ditto to what we saw with HSSH in 1999. The only difference being that since urban multiplexes contribute almost half the business in today's times, the collections of PRDP might fall short of even 200 cr and will end up in the same range as Ek Tha Tiger, Krrish 3 and Happy New Year.

Anuj

@Fan : Frankly, Dilwale's trailer looks awful even by Shetty's mediocre standards. It is not a patch on any of the Singham films. In comparison, Bajirao Mastani appears to be Bhansali's best work till date (at least on trailer). I do realize that Dilwale will open a lot higher than Bajirao due to its cast and the Rohit Shetty factor, but i wouldn't be surprised if week 2 onwards, Bajirao outnumbers Dilwale in occupancy and numbers, something similar to what SOS did to JTHJ in 2012.

ANUJ

As far as this review goes, PRDP is nowhere near as unwatchable as it has been described by the reviewer. I'm sure had the same movie been made with SRK or Ranbir in the lead, the rating would been a "watch if you have nothing better". Such is the blatant and absolutely ridiculous bias we have against Salman and Akshay films among the critics fraternity these days. We saw some similarly blasphemous reviews for decent mass entertainers like Holiday & Gabbar in the past. While a absolute fart of a movie like Bombay Velvet which has neither head nor tail was actually being defended by this same reviewer. Thankfully, a majority of the audiences (except for these critics stooges' who form 2% of the total audience viz the "Award Wapsi" supporting class ) are able to see right through the blatant favoritism and conspiracy of these worthless pen wielders.

Fan

@Anuj: I am a bit more optimistic for Bajirao. Several factors. First - it goes along similar lines as Ram Leela that tasted enormous success (different thing that economically it costed a fortune to produce).

Bajirao, like RamLeela, has a strong story - and this time with patriotic and historical zeal thrown in for a good measure. Movies with strong stories even if shoddily produced tend to succeed. Whereas here we have a strong story with grand opulence SLB style.

Thus, I am quite optimistic that Bajirao Mastani will be the same intense watch as was RamLeela.

Regards Dilwaale, I repeat, SRK's presence reduces the value of the offering to start with. Add to that a 50 year lead actress. Going to be a tough up hill drive. Yes the NRIs who had SRK and Kajol as the lead pairs during their college years would throng the theatres. I cannot say the same for current college going crowd.

As regards comparisons with Shetty's own films - well Singham and All the Best were the only 2 excellent productions IMHO. Others were time pass entertainers but not of any repeat watch values. Singham and All the best I could watch umpteen times without getting bored.

Anuj

@Fan : Golmaal 1 is the best comedy from the Rohit Shetty team thus far imo. It was absolutely outstanding to say the least. By the way, I suggest you check out the phenomenal trailers of Wazir and Airlift. Airlift seems like another Baby for Akshay while Wazir brings back Bachchan in Khakee mode.

Anuj

@Fan : You just increased Kajol's age by one whole decade in your above comment :P

Fan

@Anuj : I didn't bother to check in Wikipedia her date of birth before posting. I assumed that if all her co-stars of the 1990s are breaching 50, then she too.

Anuj

@Fan : She's a lot younger than the Madhuri's and Juhi's of Bollywood. Made her debut at 18! :O

Fan

@Anuj:

Just watched Airlift trailer on your reco. I was unaware that the trailer is out.

Awesome trailer. Let's hope that the end product is equally good. Akshay though risks getting typecast after relatively successful Holiday, Baby and Gabbar on similar lines.

ANUJ

@Fan : Bajirao, Wazir and Airlift. That's 3 movies i'm looking forward to now, after this 3 month drought since Baahubali, Bajrangi and Drishyam

ehinome okojie

Dilwale's third week will beat Babalawo Mastizaade's lifetime hahahaha wait all dream projects in Bollywood tend to flop except HNY is really considered a dream project. If Babalawo crosses 90cr, I will agree it Ranveer is a bigger star than Guzaarish actor.

ehinome okojie

Babalawo Mastizaade (Bajirao Mastani) is the story of a Maratha warrior who does conquests [comment partially delete for personal attack]. Why should SLB disgrace the Peshwars?

ehinome okojie

ABCD 2 crossed 100cr and Baby aka S26 returns got 80cr, Akki is on expiry mode.

ehinome okojie

If Dilwale does not beat BM with a ratio of at least 1.9 using boi.co.in figures I will accept Dilwale as clash losers.

ehinome okojie

If someone says Mohenjodaro will break all records, it will gladden me.

ehinome okojie

The fact that Bahubali did 109cr in Hindi shows that no Hindi epic will be accepted this year. Bajirao;s descendants have rejected this film, why should the Mumbai audience watch a film that will rubbish its heritage. Only E & F centres will watch nthis film with ticket sales of 3oRs and will be belw average.

ehinome okojie

Goliyon Ki Raaslela Ram Leela is the only genuine domestic hit of SLB and why will audirnce watch menege a trois?

ehinome okojie

If Dilwale does not cross 265cr as per trade? I will take a break of 4 months starting from January 15.

Anuj

@ [personal attack deleted] : Ho gaya? The [personal attack deleted] not even capable of contemplating a project such as Airlift or Baby, forget acting in one. Neither have you watched Baby nor have u watched Bahubali and nor will u be watching Bajirao or Airlift. All u can do is to sit and troll absurd and fake numbers on multiple internet social media sites like a [personal attack deleted] seeing his face on screen.

Anuj

I do remember this [personal attack deleted] making predictions of 350 cr at the time of Crappy New Year's release. Turns out that the 150 cr production ended with lifetime collections of 180 cr and a share of <100 cr, thus being a coverage film at best. That too after being a solo Diwali release with 2 open weeks. Of course, concepts such as Roi and distributor shares are too complex for illiterates who understand. Their definition of mathematics is 180>80 and hence HNY becomes a bigger HIT than Piku and Baby despite the fact that the latter 2 have been made on an investment of 40 & 60 cr respectively. I'm sure this guy considers Ra.1 & Don-2 to be better films than Dil Se and Swades.

Anuj

@Fan : Who doesn't mind getting stereotyped when doing films like Baby & Airlift? In fact, Akshay's fanbase itself was fed up of the monotonous braindead comedies and rubbish action films he had been doing for years together. It was high time for Akshay to experiment and rebuild his image and he has managed that perfectly through films like OMG!, Special 26, Holiday, Baby, Gabbar and now Airlift. While all the above films have been successful at various levels, the usual Akshay no brainers like Khiladi 786, Entertainment and Singh is Bling have flopped. That's a clear indication of how not only Akshay's fans, but even the general audiences want to perceive him on screen. I know a lot of people from among my friend and family circle (me included) who used to consider him as trash up until 5 years ago but have now actually started looking up to him with a lot of admiration and respect. OMG, Special 26, Baby, Holiday etc might not have achieved the numbers of Welcome or Singh is King but the ground reality is that these films have only expanded Akshay's fanbase to even the multiplex frequenting crowd and people who prefer watching their films on satellite TV/torrents piracy. The fact that he has managed this turn around at this stage of his career is commendable. All this, while the so-called superstars have been conning the audiences through their repeated trash products on the biggest of festivals year after year, be it Ra.1, Bodyguard, JTHJ, Kick, HNY and what not!

Fan

Well, finally watched the film yesterday - and on big screen.

Being an obsessed fan of commercial / masala films I did enjoy this film. I had walked in with trepidation remembering Meetu's rating of switch channels if on TV. But I walked out quite happy and in a feel good mood. This movie is not going to win any awards at any ceremony - but at the same time it achieves its purpose. Giving a perfect Diwali festival mood cheerful feel good movie. Yes I agree that the grievances or the methods used to resolve the grievances might seem trivial - but then human nature/psychology is a highly complex matter. What may seem a trivial reason to me, might be an extremely important reason for somebody else to break off a lifelong relationship. Another good reason to ignore such liberties (if I may call them that) is this a Diwali release. The movie is supposed to lighten you up, cheer you - and not to make you brood over some serious matters.

Coming to performances, Salman starts off with over the top entry sequence. I was quite dejected on seeing that sequence, and hoped that it would not continue like that. As the movie progressed, Salman's acting became more controlled - more in line with what we are used to seeing the past few years (which is less over the top that his entrance sequence). Anupam Kher entirely dependable. Security manager pretty good. Ladies department, just alright - what one expects in a Rajashri film of the past 20 years. Swara and others - not much scope. Arman Kohli, getting a Big Brother favour most probably, was an eyesore for me. Neil Nitin Mukesh after a hiatus was alright.

I did feel that songs were too many, especially in the first half. But then it is a Barjatya trait, and having seen many if not all Barjatya films since the 1960s I have no reason to complain - I know what to expect.

All in all if watched during Diwali time, this was a perfect holiday film. So in that sense deserves a far better rating than switch channels if on cable. Post-festivities, if you are zapping channels on cable, and happen to fall on a channel showing this, then do sit through it. A decent watch with family values (even though the 2015 audience might not appreciate it), loads of emotions of the positive kind, a feel good factor overflowing in every frame, and some tears of happiness moments if you are the softy kind. Certainly a good film if you happen to watch it.

Disclaimer: If you are the Kashyap brigade then stay away from this. You are too advanced a creature to understand or feel the basic animalistic emotions of family love.

LOL. One of the most over rated dumb movies :@

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