ता रा रम पम

This film is such a joy for Hindi cinema goers and non Hindi cinema goers alike.

The songs are fantastic, they really move the story along and occur at just the right time to heighten the emotion. AB to forever is so catchy the audience clapped along! It is not a film for men who are expecting The fast and the Furious, it is a film, for softies - a great and genuinely lovable cast of characters portrayed with dignity and truth by top actors as they face the trials of life - with courage and a smile, according to the tag line. And they really do.

Rani and Saif are a believable and appealing couple, one hopes they will be paired again on screen, the children are adorable. Rani drunk is HI-Larious and Saif is such a thoughtful and witty actor. They both look at their most beautiful in this film. The family unit is totally compelling.

Ta Ra Rum Pum stays true to its Indian heart whilst embracing Western cultures and ideas without envy. A very enjoyable well made film

And even so it may not be worth it. A "Rags to Riches, back, and back again" story that leaves much to be desired. And surprisingly the weak link is Saif Ali Khan - he sleep walks and grimaces through the role of RV, the cabbie turned NASCAR superstar who cannot hold on to his money. His kids are called Princess and Champ and there is even a cute dog. Rani is his wife who keeps the family on a steady path and always believes in her man. She was very cute early on as she fell in love with the cabbie, and she was very good later on as the burdened woman - the only reason to see the film. The songs were mediocre, the racing scenes were well done except for Saif flashing his teeth as though he was in some comedy routine. There were supposedly heartbreaking moments, but you felt not much as it was all so formulaic and often verged on caricature. There was not much of a story, and it is no wonder the film did poorly. New York landscapes and the Manhattan skyline, a new sport to focus on - these do not work without a decent plot.

So watch it if you are a die hard Rani fan - otherwise avoid.

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.

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.

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.