Khoobsurat

Many would agree to the fact that this was one particular film which everyone was expecting to be a pretty bad remake of the famous Hrishikesh Mukherjee-Rekha classic having the same title (with different spellings) released in 1980.

But surprisingly that is not the case since the film is not at all a straight remake of the 80s path breaking film from any angle. And the major argument behind this declaration is that Hrishi Da's script was actually about a young energetic girl entering into the house of her newly-wed elder sister and dealing with her strict mother-in-law running the house with her own self-dictated discipline. Whereas the present 2014 official version is about a physiotherapy doctor visiting her client's royal mansion in Rajasthan, looked after by a strict mother and her young son, instead of her old disabled husband.

So where the original was about the in-laws and the new big family where an elder sister has been married in, the latter is about a completely stranger family and that too of only 4 members, without any traditional values to be taken care of other than the professional ethics of a doctor. And anyone living in India can easily understand that how difficult and different a script becomes when you are talking about the elder sister's in-laws confronted by the younger sister visiting the house for a few days in comparison of a doctor staying in her patient's mansion taking it as a professional assignment.

Hence clearing all doubts, Hrishi Da's unforgettable gem KHUBSOORAT stays untouched excelling in its own distinctive theme and Shashank Ghosh's current venture just revolves around the same basic plot but doesn't copy any of the original film sequences as it is, despite being an official version.

Moving over the remake status, the film begins interestingly with the elegant Fawad Khan and the hyper and ever-smiling (overdoing it) Sonam Kapoor as the (too) young physiotherapy doctor. It keeps moving at a good pace with an all likable feel before the interval and has only two avoidable, filmy sequences to put you off in its initial half. The first one is the below average and cheap song sequence of "Engine Ki Seeti" and the other is a ridiculous kidnapping scene which contributes just nothing. Still the overall enjoyable mood and few light comic moments manage to keep you engrossed and one forgets these pretty weak, silly insertions as it moves further.

Post interval the only factor which goes against the movie is that even if you haven't seen the original, you still exactly know what's going to happen next. But again this demerit of an all predictable progression gets smartly covered by two fine performances by Fawad Khan and Aamir Raza Hussain superbly along with few immensely likable, innovative songs composed well. Also the film gets a great support from its final 20 minutes which do have a killer scene between Fawad and Kirron Kher. And therefore what you take back home while moving out of the theater is a smile with 'no complaints' kind of feel despite having watched an all predictable film right from the word go.

Speaking specifically this is not a Sonam Kapoor film like the original was a Rekhamovie all the way. The new age version is more of a collective effort with some very important contributions coming from Fawad Khan, Aamir Raza Hussain, Kiron Kher and above all the intelligent, innovative background score which keeps the energy flowing. Few enjoyable sequences and entertaining dialogues offered at regular intervals lift up the film repeatedly and the two songs, "Naina" and "Jo Main Aisa Jaanti" (by Sneha) build up the mood in a beautiful manner. Plus whenever Sonam's ringtone says "Maa Ka Phone Aaya" it does make you laugh effortlessly. And here I am not talking about any of those commercial, deliberate tracks wrongly promoted on the channels instead of the other well-made songs in its soundtrack.

In the performance section, Sonam leads from the front as per the script but not as per the impact on the viewers. No doubt she is much better, bright and energetic from all her previous films, still her act largely remains dependent upon the supporting cast till the climax unlike the original. Also she strangely vanishes from the screen for a good amount of time towards the end, though everyone keeps talking about her as the center of attraction. Fawad Khan in his debut movie excels in the same way as he does in his serials. The boy certainly has a special controlled charm in his stylized performance that helps the film big time including the comedy sequences, especially in the climax. Ratna Pathak Shah suffers due to a confusingly written character and is no-where close to her mother doing the same role in the Hrishi da classic. Aamir Raza Hussain adds a lot to the overall impact of the film despite being limited to a wheel chair throughout. Kirron Kher, playing the Punjabi mother once again seems to be a bit loud at the beginning and I personally didn't like Sonam calling her by name with a "Tu- Tadaak" kind of approach in the film's opening moments. However the balancing scene in the end explained the importance of that particular approach quite entertainingly and I got my answer from the writers. Further capturing the outdoors and the big mansions as a part of the script, the DOP does its job skillfully and so does the supporting cast in a reasonable manner as required.

Summing up, this first presentation of Disney does have a routine, predictable script having few major drops too. However its young and lively feel, accompanied by some crisp editing, good performances and an innovative background score cover up its minuses well and result in a fairly enjoyable, clean family entertainer respectfully living up to the reputation earned by its title.

Sonam/Fawad's Khoobsurat will stole your heart because of its good acting, fresh and quirky dialogues, and a nice gorgeous set...

Mili Chakroborty, enters into a royal family, controlled by a strict disciplined Maharani(Ratna Pathak Shah), to treat her grieving husband in wheel chair. Though According to her the young Prince is Khadus(Fawad Khan), but how she gelled up and become a part of this over disciplined Family, is Khoobsorat all about...

Good Points: 1) Acting- Sonam as Mili is a treat to watch, Simple, bubbly, carefree Sonam, maturing as an actor and was quite convincing. She looked gorgeous in every costume, Her Portrayal was so simple, that you will fall in love with Mili...And the way she delivered Dialouges were utterly Cute.. Kiron Kher as Manju is a typical punjabi lady who never thinks twice before using any damn word..Her comic timing was perfect and she was the life of the entire movie. She carried the role so perfectly as if it was made for her, wonderful actress she is. her conversation with Mili will tickle you again and again. A Desirable mom... Ratna Pathak Shah, as usual a perfect choice for a Sophisticated, well dressed , discipline freak, Strict Maharani...Her expression, her way of Saying 'ANTIQUE' is so perfect, She was a perfect contrast for Kiron Kher.. Fawad Khan, Handsome, perfect expression, Subtle acting are some words that will describe the actor from over the border..He was perfect as a prince...who tried to control her lust/love for Mili throughout the movie in a Strict and Sophisticated way...ha ha ..funny...his mute conversations with Mili were one of those many funny parts... Aditi Hayderi, Pretty as hell..

2)Dialouges: The charm of the entire movie were dialouges...they were perfect, full of one liner punches, ticklish and fresh...they will keep you involved throughout the movie

3) Background: one of the best Set I have seen in recent time movies...it was remarkable and mesmerizing..

4) Music: each and every Score are good and perfect for every situation...engine ki seeti and maa ka phone are funny and fab..

5) Costumes: Oh my my... Pretty Pretty Pretty..

Bad Points: The story was predictable and was loosing its pace in the second half for around 15-16 minutes...

U can seriously Go and watch it and will come out laughing....

This is a fun, innocent, lighthearted movie, with a soft, kind soul at it's heart. Don't come across this kind much at all these days. It's a very relevant theme. Dialogues, production design are superb. Sonam Kapoor does full justice to the role. No overacting here. Her character grows with the movie and you realize the kindness of her character as the movie flows. Fawad Khan is adorable and did a great job. Special mention to Kirron Kher! Impeccable comic timing! Ratna Pathak Shah is superb! The entire supporting cast did a great job. Songs are nice. Can watch this time and again! :)

I am a die hard Fawad Khan fan and watch anything he stars in. That being said, I must admit that this movie had its high points and low points. I could not help but think as I watched the film that it was too western in orientation for its audience and therefore a misfit in Indian cinema; it was so very disappointing! I gave it a seven because I am a fan of both Fawad Khan and Kirron Kher. This film was a waste of these two powerful actors talent.

I watched this movie not just because my wife wanted to watch it, but also because it is a Disney Production. This fairytale has enough punches and turns to keep you interested and aligned with the story. It lives up to the expectations of audience by including a number of activities and events that are known to all of us. For instance, some of the hobbies and postures used by the protagonists are funny yet common.

I liked the set up and all the actors played their characters well. The USP of this movie for me is the fact that it connects with you in no time and then maintains it till the end.