Aaja Nachle

When I first saw the promos, I thought it will be a desperate attempt of a veteran (Madhuri Dixit) to make it back. But, I just wanted to see if Madhuri Dixit has lost the grace and charm after the break. And I am really glad to say that she's still easily the best of actresses Indian Film has seen.

The plot is not new (Swades, Lagan and so on have the same type of plot), but the way story was told was really good. There were times when they dragged the scenes a bit long. But only to emphasize on different emotions.

In the End, the Laila-Majnu play was just amazing. The sets and the costumes were really good. We have to give credit to that. Although the music was not so great but was good enough to keep the audience in theatre. Kon Kona Sen Sharma was amazing. If you have to take names, then the list would not end. Everyone did their best for a movie that dared to showcase art. Two thumbs up!

BOTTOM LINE: Its a bold attempt to show the art as it should be and not attempting to appeal to the new generation. That is the best thing I loved in this movie.

Okay, now the eagerly anticipated Madhuri Dixit musical is finally out, I too would like to say a few things about this film. Not that I hated the film completely, but some parts of it really got me into pondering – why don't they just let us give a break and give something really sensible, something you would want to talk about for the next eight months. Not like okay you watch this film, enjoy, come out of the theatre and completely forget about it. Yashraj films who was bragging early this year about "2007-the year to be" has left some silly movies down the lane and their latest installment "Aaja Nachle" happens to follow the great legacy of Dhoom2, Tara Rum Pum, Jhoom Barabar.. and Laaga Chunari Mein… Indeed, the theory of quality being inversely proportional to quantity greatly applies here. Aaja Nachle, is, sadly a disappointment. But you have Madhuri making a comeback after so many years, a "perfect" production house that thinks it'll never get it wrong, a fine craftsman like Anil Mehta – wait, I must tell you he's got the cameraman Mohanan to shoot the scenes beautifully, but himself as a director – a big no no.

Aaja Nachle is simply a bunch of faults and flaws. Starting right from the first sequence, we get into thinking "Why don't they leave the Americans alone?" It seems Yashraj does not need actors but American extras and even at rarest occasions when you don't need them, they'll always have space to squeeze in a few. Then the music teacher gets some horrendous costumes to wear, records his farewell video (God, tell them 2007 minus 11 is 1996 and technology, fashion and everything else was already far more advanced then than shown!) and passes out. Then Dia gets into this quest to get the city together, and does some old school jhataks. (Okay, those expensive sets can be considered as "cinematic liberty" to quote critic Taran Adarsh but someone please tell me when did she get the theatre renovated and get all extra dancers when no one in the town was willing to cooperate?) Anything that's good is of course cinematography, sets and costumes. (Remember the good qualities of Om Shanti Om were almost exactly the same things.) Konkana and Kunal Kapoor doing some nice job there but the one to steal the show is of course the supporting cast. (What did you think I'd say Madhuri Dixit? No!) Madhuri's come back does not impress me. Sincerely, she's still the same old Madhuri and lot of water has flown since she left. Our tastes have changed and we are used to watching other actresses doing far more natural acting than she does in the movie. Irfan Khan is invisible in his short role. Akshaye Khanna's character does not convince me. I love the supporting cast which always happens to be the strongest factor in a Jaideep Sahani screenplay – be it Khosla ka Ghosla or Chak De India. I'd really look forward to Jaideep Sahni writing another supporting cast-driven movie than Anil Mehta be allowed to direct again. Music is so-so. The only songs to have impress me are "Show me your Jalwa" and "Dance with me." Technically, there are several plot holes and consistencies but you'd bypass a lot of them considering it be mere "cinematic liberty," but no former superstar can save your show when your screenplay is leaking and got holes all over it. The scene where Nazma confesses to Dia could have been far better and thrilling if Divya Dutta would have been written to enter the scene with a bang. The conclusion is predictable but Jaideep has forgotten to close some plots he opened. What happened to the other lady who was replaced by Nazma? What about the deal between Chaudury sahib and Irfan Khan's character? And why does not Dia teach her daughter to speak Hindi when she is so much in love with her cultures and traditions? Some bad screen writing done there but the rest of the movie makes up for those blunders.

This movie would not get repeat audiences. At least I'm not going to watch it again. Not even in DVD. It does not get high scores from me. Well 6/10 should do fine. That's all I'd accommodate for a good visual treat.

This movie was absolutely terrific from every angle. I watched 2 times in one day which is something I rarely do, not to mention I've got a life to live. But this movie was truly fascinating. Starting from the "O Re Piya" song, I felt alive and enthusiast. Madhuri is at her best in this movie, her dancing and acting are simply amazing which proves that she had nothing to worry about in regards to the comeback. The "Lila Majnu" musical was captivating, my emotions fluctuated, I cried and laughed all the way through the scene, such a master piece I must add. The couple, Imran and Anokhi, was great; their acting was as good as it should be, you can easily get attached to them and understand what they are going through. To all who have criticized the movie, I must say, you just didn't understand its creativity – give your mind a chance to let loose. I advice all to watch it and I'm looking forward to what Madhuri has in stored for us – the fans!

If the makers had the audacity to think merely the USP "Comeback of Madhuri Dixit" would alone suffice to lure the audience to the box office window, then sadly the thought is as relic as dinosaur. Gone are the days the loyalties of the audience rested with stars, it's the age where content rules the roost.

Chopra's previous outing on similar lines "Dil Toh Paagal Hain" was hugely successful owing to the ~soul~ which permeated in every scene of the movie and precisely this is missing in "Aaja Nachle". Jaideep Sahni – sleepwalking eh?

Madhuri "Nene" Dixit:: I am sure she was shocked to find that Bollywood has moved by leaps and bounds during her sabbatical. And yes, her charm is visible only in flickers. BTW – what is the logic of her being divorced? Why can't it just let be?

Akshaye:: No great shakes, dons his usual a la De Nero smirks! BTW - Yashraj should stop this "suspense element" stroke, not always please!

Raghuvir Yadav, Uttara Baokar, Irfan Khan, Konkana Sen, Ranvir Shorey, Vinay Pathak, Darshan Jariwala:: Managed to get a foothold into Yashraj camp, but in terms of capacity utilisation - nought.

Others performances were okay.

Even music and choreography disappoint.

Anil Mehta – if your desire to hold the directorial reigns is satiated, stick to your core competencies.

Aditya Chopra:: The verdict must have been revelation/ disappointment that audience doesn't share you fascination on similar level. Madhubala reincarnate, ne-ne!

2007 has been dry, but finally, we have been delivered. Aaja Nachle is full of elements Bollywood has been missing for some time and is in SORE NEED of. Namely:

1a) Dance numbers. That is to say, numbers focused on DANCING, rather than someone's flashy Western outfit, locations, batman angles, etc. 1b) LOTS OF dance numbers. I'm sick of scanty three-song phoned-in craptations. Aaja Nachle keeps the music coming all the time! That's the way it should be done.

2) Classical infusion. The end of the film is a knockout surprise in this respect. I don't want to spoil anything, but there is so much here for those who love the ancient stories as well as the new.

3) Hot dudes. OH MY GOD, Kunal Kapoor!

4) MADHURI. Looking spectacular, so charming, totally in control of her performance and giving it her all. Her hips are the world's 9th wonder.

5) Great young leading ladies i.e. Konkona Sen Sharma. She is the best actress to have come out in the last couple of years and the girl is here to stay! Sonam Kapoor? pfft! Katrina Kaif? pfft squared!

The story is simple but busy, with dramatic moments that touch deeply and comedic moments that have the audience rollicking. There isn't a single minute that drags; this film is not only well written and well acted, but well paced (a dear rarity in Bollywood). In short, it is here to bring Bollywood back to where it belongs! An unmitigated success from the inimitable Madhuri. I'm going to see it again this week, then I'm going to buy the DVD--ORIGINAL! Not that anyone needs to be reminded, but you must see this film!