Ta Ra Rum Pum

I wasn't even sure there would be sub-titles when I got to the theater last night, but I was pleasantly surprised at Ta Ra Rum Pum. I was surprised at the very good production values from a film created in the United States by an almost completely Indian cast.

Coming to the movies requires a suspension of disbelief, so I wasn't surprised to see "New York Speedway," but I enjoyed all those scenes filmed at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, NC ("The Rock") and The Milwaukee Mile in West Allis, WI.

I enjoyed the music, I enjoyed the five minutes of animation in an otherwise human-populated movie, I enjoyed the racing scenes, perhaps more so because they didn't use "real" sponsors and instead gave it a true short track feel.

I was amazed at the length of the film, but I'd been warned ahead of time. Did I get my $8 worth? You bet.

A movie like this could only be made by the Yashraj Studio. But if you're not expecting stark realism then its okay, because on the flip-side only Yashraj could pull off a movie like this, with their slick production values and the star power to make it work. Here, the mix of escapism and relatable characters is just right.

Saif Ali Khan demonstrates good versatility and Rani Mukherjee lends real grace to her more straightforward role. But the real star is the little girl, who upstages both in all her scenes. An amazingly good casting, she is reminiscent of the Award-Winning young Anna Paquin and hopefully she has a bright future ahead of her.

The pacing is very good. Just when it looks like things are about to get too clichéd or boring, it picks up again. The songs meld well into the story and the music is entertaining and upbeat.

Some people are trying to burn it at the stake calling a rip-off of Talladega Nights. It clearly started as such. But I think this is the superior and more enjoyable movie. I'm a Will Ferrell fan but I would recommend TRRP over TN. Consider it a case of fixing what was broke.

It has been almost 4 weeks since release of Namstay London and there had been no other major release recently. So, being movie aficionados we were quiet looking forward to this fast track racing action.

It is difficult to describe this film in a regular way. As we say in India; it is just too "Filmy"! It has all regular ingredients of a successful movie - a happy family (with dog), a tragedy, the downfall and then back to success amongst tears and a kid in hospital... It can't get more FILMY than this...

Having said that, I must say that it is an entertaining movie with some nice locations, rocking music, meaningful lyrics and decent acting from Saif & Rani. Saif doesn't quite reach the heights in terms of performances he gave in Omkara or Parineeta, but still he is looking good as family man.

This movie won't surprise you at all, in fact it has all tried and tested bollywood masala (right down to the Indian flags in the final winning sequence).

I generally do not prefer to write long previews as readers (including me) find them boring. In short, don't watch this movie for some extraordinary movie experience, but watch it if you want some decent fun with family & kids.

Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukherjee had a magnificent chemistry in Hum Tum. This one is just an unsuccessful attempt to repeat the magic of their previous collaboration. But this film is awfully uninspiring and the story of a family who goes bankrupt is annoyingly repetitive. Here the light romance turns into a cheesy melodrama and the director seems to be confused enough to not know what to do. There are of course touching moments, and the songs are good, but the portrayal of a family in times of trouble is terribly handled and is full of regular age-old clichés. Saif and Rani do their best but can't save the flawed script. The dialogues are cheap and overly emotional, and the reality nonsense is pathetic. All in all Siddharth Anand did not recreate Salaam Namaste, and Saif-Rani did not recreate Hum Tum.

Siddarth Anand is back in the director's seat after giving us Salaam Namaste.This time,Saif Ali Khan plays Rajveer Singh aka RV who is a successful race car driver.He is joined by his wive Radhika aka Shona(played none other by Rani Mukherji) and their two children,Champ and Princess.

The first half we see RV having a rags to riches story from being a tyre changer to a successful race car driver.He is joined by Billy from "Speeding Saddles",a disintegrating race company.He also falls in love with Radhika and we see their courtship to their eventual marriage.Following that they have 2 kids and a wonderful house and a wonderful life.

So that's that right? Apparently not.RV's career takes a turn for the worst when he gets involved in an accident during one of his racing stints.One year later,he attempts to get back into the racing game but memories from his accident still haunt him to this day.He eventually gets fired from Speeding Saddles.Money is now suddenly a big issue and the family of five (of course the would have to include a pet dog wouldn't they?)have to experience to live the hard life.

The first half is filled with racing scenes (surprisingly well done)and as mentioned we see the courtship of Saif and Rani complete with two songs "Ab to Forever" and "Hey Shona".Second half we see the family of five living the hard life but yet ending the day with a positive outlook on life,that tomorrow will be a better day.

The film picks up toward the second half.The family of four (excluding Bruno,the dog) have good chemistry together.Saif and Rani,two strong performers together with the two children entertain us throughout.Its a feel good movie that ought to be watched with the whole family.Siddarth is still clearly missing his "Salaam Namaste" days where Javeed recycles his jokes and the restaurant manager from SN is also back in this film.Is this film hard hitting?No.But nonetheless,you are sure to have a good time.