Hum Saath-Saath Hain

I saw my first Bollywood movie during a vacation to India in 2000. Since then, I have seen at least 15 and have collected seven of the more popular recent releases. This was the second movie I saw in the theaters there (the first was horrible except for an excellent dance number), and I enjoyed HSSH immensely. Even without subtitles (and I don't speak Hindu), the plot, easy to follow, was not a barrier to what I considered to be excellent singing, dancing, and entertainment. I loved Karishma Kaapoor and Saif Ali Khan, was exposed to several actors which appeared in subsequent movies which I enjoyed, and in short had a good time. I have purchased this movie to show to friends as their first up-close encounter with Bollywood. Since seeing this film, I have enjoyed only one movie, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, more. I would recommend this movie to anyone but particularly to someone trying to learn fresh about this key segment of the movie industry.

Even though I am Indo-Caribbean and do like watching films just to connect with motherland,I do feel that we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.We will make films like K3G and Lagaan bigger hits overseas than good films like Chandni Bar.I waited two years to get this because I wasn't interested and because it grossed $2 million in USA and films that gross over $300,000 get pirated the fastest.

Mr Sooraj sure knows how to make the perfect formula.Put six attractive stars (and hide one) all over on trailors and posters and cd's and then only have Karishma Kapoor and Neelam (the hidden one) steal the show from the females Tabu and Sonali Bendre,which is disappointing because all four are talented,but Tabu only gets 12 lines and Sonali,probably 15.Then for our males...Salman Khan's name is first and he only gets 10 lines where Saif Ali Khan and Mohnish Behl steal the spotlight anyways.Even the supporting artiste get more lines and even the children get more scope,all Salman,Tabu and Sonali get to do is stand in the background and blush.

Well, only two good tracks are 'Mere Hiwda Mein' and 'Maiya Yashoda'.It has a really good repeat value because I have seen it three times and if you like it,then you must not like films with high meaning like Lajja,Chandni Bar,Dil Se or Astivta,and Tabu won best actress awards for Chandni Bar and Astivta.Glad she was the first actress to do crossover into art films because she is not going to waste herself any longer in silly commercial masala!

6/10

I liked this movie.It is quite good.It is a nice feel good movie.The movie is so colorful.The story is quite confusing.It tells about Ram and his wife Mamta and there 3 sons and 1 daughter.Their 3 sons name is Vivek,Prem,Vinod.Vivek is the adopted one.Vinod is the youngest.One day on the wedding anniversary day completes a picture(I mean lot of characters).Vivek marries Sadhana.Later Prem is engaged to Sangeeta.Later Vinod is engaged to Sapna.Skip a long story.Later they all fight and are separated.The title is good and suits the story very well.Barjatyas story telling in this tale is wonderful and confusing.I liked the bond and there emotions were excellent.Mohnish does a great job.Salman did a great job too.Saif overacted in the first half but he did good in the second half.Tabu was great.Sonali was great,Neelam was good,Karishma was pathetic in an unusual role.Alok,Reema,Ajit,Rajeev and the others did good.The 3 Lady's which played Reemas friends were annoying.Himani was okay.tc.The cinematography is excellent and flawless.The music is great with excellent picturisations.One song "Yeh To Saach Hai"showcased Mohnishs character feelings very very well.Overall A good family movie Rating-7/10

'Hum Saath Saath Hai' is a simple family drama. It's one of the films I enjoy most when watching with family. It's a colourful feel good film and not one that will make you seriously pick your brains. The moral of the story is that family should stick together, that's when they're the strongest. Just sit down and enjoy it without expecting a serious drama. The family tradition is nicely portrayed. Yes, it's larger than life and some might call it 'too good to be true' but it's entertaining. The set designs are impressive and the locales are spectacular (particularly the Rampur scenes). The songs are very pleasant and nicely add to the screenplay. In addition to that the dances have been beautifully choreographed. All the actors suit their roles very well. Tabu and Sonali add grace and sincerity to their characters. Tabu's downplayed expression in the scene right after Alok Nath and Reema Lagoo's argument is stunning. Sonali as the shy Preeti is amazing. She adds a lot of class and her body language is a standout. The two actresses are more than a positive addition. Karishma and Saif add to the humour. Saif is wonderful as the hyperactive Vinod as are Salman as the quiet Prem and Mohnish as the responsible Vivek. Alok Nath, Reema Lagoo, Shakti Kapoor and the rest of the cast are mostly brilliant. Neelam stands out as the sister. The three friends who play Lagoo's friends seem like caricatures. The plot is predictable but there's more to the film. I'd say it's one film best watched with the family. The only other Barjatya films I watched are 'Vivah' and 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun' (so it's quite clear that his films aren't to be taken too seriously) but for me 'Hum Saath Saath Hai' definitely tops those two. I'd recommend watching and enjoying it with family.

i have seen movie and bought video casette. we enjoyed the movie and felt this is a MUST see for every good family who believe in traditional values. It reminds of Ramayana. With modern values. It gives clear message about how to deal with family problems and how to control ego and how to develop let-go feelings within family members. We have preserved video just in case any dispute arise between family members, we will see the movie and get back normal unity. hats off for such a daring movie. it may be commercial failure. but these clean movies are welcome.