EssexJay

While this film is far from perfect, it's still a great experience for those who hope for a revival in Indian cinema. The storyline is relatively simple - I haven't read the book it's based on, but can only assume that it was relatively dumbed down for the film. But what makes it special is the entire "package" - no over-the-top acting here, great period sets, smooth narration and actors who give a good dimension to the characters they portray.

I think Pradeep Sarkar and Vinod Chopra have to be given due credit for producing this little gem. It's nice to see that their artistic integrity has been (relatively) not compromised here. That's not to say that the film would not appeal to the masses, it has all the elements of a love story in the "Bollywood" genre - song, dance, family melodrama, happy ending etc. - but all these are delicately interwoven into the narrative without losing focus on the story or rather the strong characters. The only complain I had was from the "product placements" that seemed forced and totally out of place in the film :)

I am amazed that a film this good was overlooked, by the selection committee, for an entry to the Oscars this year. I am not saying this is a "Pather Panchali" but amongst what was available, it could be argued that this film stood a better chance to find appeal amongst an international audience.

My vote – 7 out of 10... definitely worth your time!

PS: Like another reviewer pointed out here, watch this film on the big screen or its original DVD release that does complete justice to the beautiful cinematography and art direction!

... but this film does let you down like most "sequels" do... I came out wishing the makers of the film had not bothered at all with this!!

What made the former special was it's originality, spontaneity and raw energy that appealed to almost everyone - mostly Indian techies like me in the US who could relate to lots of it! The sequel on the other hand just prods on, quite aimlessly for the most part, and never really builds the pace to keep your engrossed or care for the characters on screen!

However, there are moments that are genuinely funny - mostly involving Nagesh's government employed buddy Sanjeev and his wife Seema - I am surprised I have not seen these 2 in more mainstream movies. Production quality though is below average and so is the acting; with Nagesh's success with more superior work like "Teen Deewarein", I was surprised with the "home movie" feel this film had.

That said, the few good moments don't really hold the movie together or make it nearly as charming as the former. I surely would not have missed anything if I had decided to skip this one entirely :-)

The film, out on DVD now, does have it's moments but what surprises me is that Stellan Skarsgard actually appears awkward thru most of the movie. Now there are moments when Naseer and Stellan actually seem to bring the lackluster script to life but for the most part the film just prods on, rather unsteadily, despite the presence of some fine Indian actors.

However, as one of the earlier reviews point out, the movie does bring about the look and feel of a city like Bombay and all it's paradoxes. It's touching to see remnants of a culture perched against a back drop of the South Bombay skyline that's amongst the most expensive piece of real estate in the world. WHile a film like this would not help western audiences, looking for an insight into Indian culture and rituals, it does provide entertainment in the form of mannerisms, superstitions, culture specific behavior (like Ghote's middle-class Maharashtrian background, the Goan wedding event taking place in some suburb in Bombay) that are so uniquely Bombay - a place with such an amazing identity and diversity that it leaves a permanent impression on you!