Shola Aur Shabnam

Few people would know that success of this movie actually started the trend of Govinda style acting and David Dhawan style direction of comedy movies in Hindi. This was not the first time they worked together but the success of this movie made both of them popular.

When this movie came, both of them were in a lean phase. Maybe, the late Divya Bharti was lucky for them as she agreed to work in this movie.

Story wise, the first half of the movie is similar to romanticism in Dil (Aamir Khan & Madhuri) and second half is similar to the action based chase in Ghayal (Sunny Deol). The first half entertains by the comedy of the NCC cadets versus the women hostel. The second half is good in its way by the action and chase sequence where viewers would not like to miss it at least in 1st time view.

Govinda was very good in all aspects of the movie whether it is comedy, tragedy, fights and dance and Divya Bharti did not leave far behind. She matched virtually every step with Govinda. Both of them were ably supported by Anupam Kher, Bindu, Alok Nath and the three lesser known guys who play Govinda's friends.

I would not call this movie a classic but surely entertains and relaxes my mind when I am back home in stressful condition despite of the fact that I have watched it 'n' number of times since it's release.

It is very difficult to choose which is the best film of the Govinda- Dhawan combo but this one will always have a special place. The film had action and a great story, but more than that it had great comedy. This film is like Manmohan Desai's film where there is no logic in most places, out of the world scenes in which you don't want to believe in but yet that is what cinema is all about, presenting things that aren't there and yet make them believable. The first half of the film is one of the greatest first halves of Indian cinema for it being highly entertaining. There are one comedy scenes after another. The first half has no build up of characters rather hero's attempt to woo the leading lady, Divya Bharti in which his friends help him. The main cherry of the cake was taken by Anupam Kher who brilliantly performs the comedy role of Colonel I.M. Lathi. The scene where Govinda fools him by calling him disguising as Sridevi of whose Lathi is a big fan is just iconic. I have myself seen that scene so many times yet it leaves me laughing every time. The second half is a serious one and this the comedy part ends. It is more like a Rambo where Govinda is running here and there trying t save himself from the goons who have destroyed his family. Gulshan Grover perfectly portrays the villain and Mohnish Bahl is just Mohnish Bahl, just like he plays the villain in every movie. I personally feel that Mohnish Bahl has no range as an actor but he has a likeability factor which is the thing I love most about him. David Dhawan excels here in direction too and does not show any redundant scenes. Having a background of an editor he is master at taking only relevant shots and that makes the audience entertained. The movies that Dhawan did in the 90s all had a string of comedy scenes in them one after another which would not help the story so much as much as they would entertain the audience and after the interval, the story would move so fast that you won't have time to find the faults in the film and frankly they don't matter. When you are in for a Govind and David Dhawan movie then you are in for enjoyment and not for art purposes. One of the best films of Indian cinema and one film that needs to be watched by many.

The song (Tu pagal premi awara) is not the only reason I love to watch this movie. Another reason is Govinda and Anupam Kher duo. Anupam Kher is just a genius. The first 1.5 hours full of comedy and I loved this part only. Otherwise one of the worst movies ever. The illogical consequences especially the story is so bad. Some scenes are too much illogical. The action and serious part of this movie is nonsense. The comedy part is just working and laughable. Recommended the song and the comedy only. Avoid the movie.

Shola Aur Shabnam is a complete entertainer. The first half of the film is a complete comedy provided by Divya Bharti, Govinda, and Anupam Kher. The later half depicts action and gives scope for some memorable performances from Govinda, Divya Bharti, and Gulshan Grover. Divya Bharti in her novel getup is sure to attract audience and Govinda is at his usual best. You should watch this film if you are a Divya Bharti fan, or Govinda fan, or if you like entertainment.