Producer: Gordhan Tanwani
Director : David Dhawan
*ing: Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Paresh Rawal, Om Puri
Music: Himesh Reshammiya

Released on : March 24, 2000

Reviewed by: Anish Khanna
anish@indolink.com

out of 
A new recipe from Bollywood: Take the plot of "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge" and blend it quickly with the plot of "Hero No. 1" ("Bawaarchi" and "Khubsoorat" may be substituted). Add a cup of Yash Chopra's Switzerland and a heaping tablespoon of Karan Johar color. Garnish with David Dhawan comedy and serve. Yes, my friends, this is how I believe Mr. Dhawan conceived his latest release - "Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge". There is really nothing new to offer here, but still - the movie manages to be very, very entertaining. And it is the stylized comedy of Mr. Dhawan that carries the film and manages to hold the audience's attention throughout a movie that we know in the back of our minds we have seen before (more than once at that).

The story revolves around the orphaned Sapna (Karisma Kapoor), a sheltered Rapunzel who is forced to cater to the needs of her three eccentric uncles: one who is gay (Anupam Kher); one is a pehelwan (Om Puri), and one is dharmic (Paresh Rawal). These three uncles insult a wealthy businessman (Kadar Khan) when he comes with a marriage proposal for his son, Raja (Salman Khan). Raja's father then makes Raja promise to avenge this insult by winning Sapna's heart. Meanwhile, Sapna elopes from home with the help of her gay uncle and goes on a European tour. Raj follows her - and - "Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana Sanam...". Ooops!@ Wrong film.. Yes, love blossoms between the two. When they return to Mumbai, however, Raja and Sapna devise a plan to win over each of the uncle's hearts individually by having Raja pretend to be the son-in-law they've always wanted.

David Dhawan's biggest plus point is that his casting is perfect. The real stars of this film are Paresh Rawal, Anupam Kher, Om Puri, and Johnny Lever (as "Airport" - the tour guide). These are four seasoned actors who are well-adept at comedy and who excellently portray their exaggerated characters! Salman Khan's forte ever since he entered films has been comedy, so he breezes through this role effortlessly (and doesn't forget to loose his shirt - customary in Sallu films nowadays...). Karisma looks great and also does a great job on her part - with some excellent chemistry in her scenes with Salman.

There are also some very funny spoofs on Hindi films - including the hold-up scene between Johnny Lever and Deepak Tijori, the hospital scene between Lever and Salman; and the scene where Salman first brings Karisma to meet his parents. It's nice that David Dhawan can laugh at his own craft.

The songs are catchy but too many in number. There is no need for a new song after pataoing each mama; the song at the end of the ordeal - which includes all three of the mama's - would have been adequate. Also - we have the customary sexual innuendo song here (a must in Dhawan films it seems...). This time it's "Tera Pallu..". I personally find this trite now. Dhawan might as well abandon this gimmick, since there is no more shock value left to it. Incidentally, choreography is definitely lacking for the most part (Dhawan forgot to add Farha Khan or an imitation thereof).

Overall - like the majority of Dhawan films - this is not necessarily a classic that will be remembered for years to come. But - like the majority of Dhawan films - this is FUNNY! If a laugh is what you want, then "Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge" might just be the right dish for you.