Yuvvraaj

Let's begin with the title "Yuvvraaj" - yet another example the numerological fetishism Bollywood has succumbed to. Whether numerology can actually convert bad apples into a hit is reserved for a debate on an another day. "Yuvvraaj" is an apt example of "Elegant prose cannot hide inelegant logic". Every frame glitters like gold and no two ways about that. Sadly the entire proceedings are as enticing as a corpse. The characters are do ruddy with life that they practically need birth certificates.

° Anil Kapoor (the lucky mascot for Mr. Ghai) reprises his "Eeshwar" (read that day-light robbery).

° Whenever Katrina ended up the sole-heroine opposite Salman the results were disastrous. "Yuvvraaj" is not an exception either, jinxed perhaps?

° Zayed Khan needs acting lessons badly. Aushima Sawhney thinks looks alone would suffice. Its never too late for both of you to secure admission into "Whistling Woods".

° Mithun & Boman Irani show up to collect their cheques.

° The Mamaji/ Mamiji characters for today's generation is past sell-by- date.

° Music: Mr. Ghai manages to connive Rahman in an attempt to pull off yet another "Taal". And with "Jai Ho" ringing cash registers at the international level proves the lady luck has run away from Mr. Ghai as fast as legs could carry.

° Lyrics: The gap of Anand Bakshi is attempted to be fulfilled by roping in Gulzar for lyrics and he seems not too happy about it.

"Yaadien", "Kisna", "Black & White" and now "Yuvvraaj"- shrouds the abysmal depth the creativity of showman has stooped to. A reality check on the work of Mr. Ghai so far::

Θ Krodhi - Uncanny resemblance to "Jwaalamukhi".

Θ Meri Jung - Remake of South-Indian movie.

Θ Karz - "The rip- off Peter Proud"

Θ Karma - Plagiarised "Sholay".

Θ Khalnayak - "Hero" recycled.

Θ Ram Lakhan - "Deewar" wine in a new bottle.

Θ Kisna - I can a "Lagaan" too!

Relinquish your self-proclaimed "Showman" title with grace before it is posthumously stripped!!

I highly expected positive outcome from this film specially after seeing its first trailer in TV and promoting it as a musical. And also deeply impressed with the song Tu Meri Dost Hai from Rahman. But does it really deserve to disappoint its audience? If I think over this question then it is absolutely 'yes', Whenever any Subhash Ghai film is being made, and about to release first thing that comes in my mind is it must have these common subjects associated in the film. These subjects are – family, wealth, tradition and music. In this case Yuvvraaj is also not an exceptional. In brief, the whole story is about three brothers with numerous differences among themselves are in target of owning the rights of their properties after their father's demise. Not only this, besides there is another globe which is concerned to music. After all this is a Shubash Ghai film.

At first I have to mention is of casting, which is considerable. Then comes performance. Throughout the whole movie only Anil Kapoor is in his form to entertain the audience from his side though he plays something very unusual role in his career. Even that I didn't expect his unique role before finally catching the film.

What to say about Salman!!! He is the one who always play similar type of role which is always related to conspiracy, jealous, bossy and domination. I was so shocked about 2 years before when it was rumoured that he was casted in this film by Shubash Ghai. I couldn't believe it then, but now ultimately I finished watching. OK there is nothing new from Salman in judgment of his performance, character and the role he is offered in Yuvvraaj. His body language, facial expression, speaking manner and dressing looks are not different from his other 10 films. It shows he doesn't commit himself seriously to bring out reality in the character in every movie. It is clear all cannot become either Aamir Khan or Kamal Hassan.

Last but not the least of all three brothers Danesh, performed by Zayed Khan. I don't know when will Zayed be offered for an award winning role in his career. Not even a single film I have in mind to prove that he is an excellent actor. His previous flops like Mission Istanbul or Speed were really senseless and lower grade movies. Here too I was completely disappointed by him.

But again, Boman Irani is always and all time interesting actor whose sense of humour is precious to any movie where he is involved with. He is really a brilliant actor, and in Yuvvraaj his role could have also done by Anupam Kher, but anyway Boman was an excellent choice.

Now come to Subhash Ghai? He has lost his creative ideas and cannot cope up with the present generation audiences, and thus he again provided this kind of outdated script. Moreover these days it is already common in Bollywood stories about brothers rivaling with each other for wealth and money. And this is the exact reason for bombing this movie in box-office. His last movie that audiences as well as critics accepted was his Taal (or before this Pardes which was a masterpiece). It was followed a hat-trick with 3 continuous flops Yaadein, Kisna and Black & White. Now Yuvvraaj reached to fourth serial flop. SO BETTER NOT TO EXPECT MUCH FROM HIM IN THE COMING FUTURE.

Veteran director Subhash Ghai is hoping to resurrect some of the credibility he lost with his previous flops Yaadein & Kisna with this glossy drama. I never really intended to see it when I heard about it because Katrina Kaif is in it and all of her films suck (except Race). But the promos was so good and I loved the music especially the Dost song composed by the best music composer & lyrics writer combo A R Rehman and Gulzar. So I seen it anyway and its about Yuvvraaj (Prince) who gets thrown out of his family. He wants to get married to this really rich girl but her father wants her to marry someone else. So he signs a contract with him that in 40 days, he will become twice as rich as him. He eventually gets closer to one of his brothers and realises that he is happy to help him without wanting anything.

The story & screenplay is o.k. but it's quite long for a 2.5 hour movie because their wasn't enough to make it that long. None of the actors acted well except Anil Kapoor and Katrina Kaif was simply the worst, she is completely crap. Neither she knows acting, language (her voice is always dubbed for her), dance and always fails to impress. I do not like her one bit and if she was replaced by someone else then that would've helped a lot. The film had big sets that were so good and visually impressive that they keep you in your seat throughout. Overall if you have nothing to do on a rainy day or something then watch it but Yuvvraaj is nothing to look forward to.

(1st paragraph may contain spoiler) I wish Subhash Ghai could have tightened the storyline a bit. Zayed Khan and the rest of the supporting cast were unnecessary for the movie. The focus could have just been on Anil Kapoor as a musical genius and Salman Khan as the brother who does not like him and Katrina Kaif who encourages his talent and Boman Irani not wanting Salman to marry his daughter. The inheritance part made no sense at all. (end of spoiler)

Usually Mr.Subhash Ghai brings out a whole new personality in the actors that act for his movies. Only Anil Kapoor fits the bill. Mr. Subhash Ghai wanted to be about music and brotherly love. The music aspect was the strongest part in the movie where as the brotherly love fell short.

Actors/ Cast Members:

Katrina Kaif: Her acting is very sticky and looks uncomfortable. She seems more comfortable in commercial films like Singh is Kinng and Welcome so this sudden change is awkward. Moreover, she could not even speak in Hindi properly for this film and ended up switching to English. Since the setting for Subash Ghai movies require proper Hindi speakers, Katrina Kaif was just too modern for the role.

Salman Khan is alright. He plays his typical character who usually has anger management problem so there is nothing fresh in his acting. There was no room for him to grow in his character.

Anil Kapoor was the best. His role was totally different and very entertaining. He proved that Mr.Ghai could bring a new personality to his actors.

Zayed Khan: He also plays the same typical arrogant character so there is nothing special about him. He barely had anything to do except dance. I really think Zayed should explore different roles like Vaada or Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne.

Boman Irani is another lifesaver. His comic acting provides relief to the movie.

Supporting Cast have no role at all. They were just placed to extend screen time.

A.R.Rahmanji: The songs beautiful and well made. There is a mix of Western instruments blended with Indian lyrics which is Rahmanji's forte. There are catchy tunes is each song and overall the music does justice to the movie. The voices fit very well to each of the character. The costumes and choreography were wonderful.

Storyline: The concept started off as a great idea. Unfortunately, the execution was terrible. The plot was watery and there was no substance. Moreover, the main characters except for Boman Irani and Anil Kapoor were not given a chance to show justice to their characters. There is no dept in any of the characters, making it a boring 3 hour movie with just music to look forward to.

Cinematography: It was nice and different and a change of scenery.

Suggestions: I think Mr. Subhash Ghai should redo his script cutting unnecessary parts and compressing it. It would have been more successful & well received.

I don't know what has happened to Subhash Ghai. You cant believe that he is the same guy who made movies like Karz, Khalnayak, Ram Lakhan and Taal. The thing that was good about the movie was Salman Khan's acting. This is the first movie after Tere Naam where he was not Salman Khan and he was the character that he was playing. However he started as his overacting self but mellowed down as the movie progressed. One thing..... Zayed Khan can't act. There are so many technical flaws in the movie. Anil Kapoor is suffering from Autism and still he manages to understand emotions and speak such deep dialogs like he did in the movie. I guess Subhash Ghai needs to look up the meaning of autism first.

Salman Khan is a chorus singer who is not rich... yet he owns a convertible, a sports bike and a big house.

I mean OK it is a movie..... directors are allowed some slack but not this.

The villains Anjan Srivastava and his daughter in law irritating at all times and they could have been scripted better.

In all a bad movie and I feel I wasted my money.