The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Swinging exercise calls for tolerance

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Saturday, Jun 16, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Swinging exercise calls for tolerance

Film: Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (Hindi)

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol, Lara Dutta

Director: Shaad Ali Sahgal

If you thought Siddharth Anand’s “Tara Rum Pum” was about the lousiest film to come from the Yash Raj Films in recent times, here is a chance to revise your opinion. Shaad Ali Sahgal’s “Jhoom Barabar Jhoom” takes the famous banner to a half mast, almost in mourning, considering “Tara Rum Pum” did nothing to bring cheers. Shaad’s film is just so much hype, so much hope, but meagre, really meagre fulfilment. A little bree zy moment here, a stolen delight there. That is all. Coming to the storyline of this film, well it has none! Unless you consider a long, long meeting – first leisurely, then yawn inducing – between Preity Zinta and Abhishek Bachchan as the story. They meet at the railway station, no a little eating joint, while waiting for their respective special friend! And decide to exchange lovey-dovey notes about them! Abhishek is a con master. What does Preity do for a living? Never mind. She earns enough to spend on her mini skirts and show off those legs when all British women are covered head to foot! She has a guy in her life, Bobby Deol, a kind of Prince Charming, a man who does not need to break into sweat to earn a million! Ah! Bollywood and escapism! Abhishek has Lara Dutta, a Miss World, no less, for his girlfriend. They are all in love? But are they? That is to be sorted out before each man gets his girl. Before all that, the beauty queen declares herself to be the practitioner of the oldest trade, and the millionaire, is actually just a salaried man!

Along the way, there are lots of forgettable songs, and one great song. Featuring the one and only Amitabh Bachchan as a rock star in a jacket designer Akki Narula designed from the pavement stuff, Big B is still a big delight. He infuses life into his walk-on role. Walk on, did one say? Yes, he is wonderful as long as he is there, but he is not there long enough.By the way, Lara is a pleasant surprise. Her French accent is endearing and her complete ease at using gutter language is, well, quite likeable. Not so Preity, who insists on being Preity rather than being the character. Or Abhishek and Bobby, both of whom have clearly reserved their best for another day. Watch “Jhoom…” if a long, drawn out flimsy romance with occasional perky moment is your idea of entertainment.

ZIYA US SALAM

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