SALAAM-E-ISHQ was a movie that was high on expectations for a number of reasons. For a gigantic cast, a promising director in the form of Nikhil Advani whose last film was the hit KAL HO NA HO, superb publicity and a fantastic musical score. The concept on paper sounded different refreshing, and the promos enforced that idea…so does the movie live upto expectations? Franky-NO, not in total anyways!
Salaam-E-Ishq The movie narrate six stories in one movie, but unlike say Ram Gopal Varmas DARNA MANAA HAI or DARNA ZAROORI HAI the stories(for the most) are all interconnected in some way. The actual story idea of the movie is a copy of the Hollywood Hit LOVE ACTUALLY, however the concept doesn’t translate well onscreen in its “indianised avtar”.
The first story revolves around Tehzeeb(Vidya Balan) who is happily married to her loving husband Ashutosh(John Abraham). The hindu-muslim couple had a love marriage and the movie starts with the wedding anniversiary of the duo where Ashutosh has sold his bike in order to buy Tehzeeb a gift, things are perfect for the duo until a storm strikes-Tehzeeb is involved in a accident and loses her memory and can’t remember anything about her past-and more importantly can’t remember Ashutosh at all. A doting and lovable Ashutosh doesn’t stop trying. This story is well directed in the first half, however in the second half it does tend to get boring. The sequences between John and Vidya initially are well executed in establishing their relationships, however from the sequence where Vidya loses her memory to the sequences before the climax. The scene at Akshaye Khannas house towards the end is a masterstroke and overall turns this story into a warm winner.
The second story revolves around a happy-go-lucky cab driver Raju(Govinda) who waits everyday at the airport waiting for his “dreamgirl” Stephanie(Shannon Esra). Stephanie finally comes, but she is looking for her boyfriend Rohit(Kushal Punjabi) who is about to marry someone else. A heartbroken Raju still decides to take Stephanie to her lover one last time, however in their trip Stephanie too falls in love with Raju however both don’t express their love. This is a story that clicked right from the word GO! Laced with some SUPERB comic scenes due to a spontaneous performance by Govinda in top-form the tale is one that is sure to click with the masses as the tale of a “everyday cabbie falling in love with a british girl” has immense appeal. What keeps the story “alive” throughout is the conversations and interactions between Govinda and Shannon. Admittedly, the story is thin and does seem stretched after a point, however you forget all that as the story does keep the viewer interest intact and entertains to a core.
Story number three revolves around Vinay(Anil Kapoor) who on surface leads a “perfect” life with his doting and gorgeous wife Seema(Juhi Chawla). The two have been married for 15 years and have two children as well. But Vinays life has turned into a “routine” of sorts for him and he wants more from his life as he starts going through a mid-life crisis. He bumps into Anjali(Anjana Sukhani) who promises Vinay all the things in life that he has so far only dreamt of Vinay indulges in a extra marital affair. This forms one of the more “mature” love stories in the movie, and sadly the tale has been written and presented in a completely clichéd manner, had it not been for the performances of Anil Kapoor and Juhi Chawla who make the story work on some level, it would’ve been fallen flat. One has witnessed plenty of movies on extra marital affairs in Bollywood, and Advanis take on the tale seems too simplistic. The portions where Anil goes through a radical transformation to impress Anjana are well executed, though seem slightly out of place and a little bizarre(especially with Anil clean shaven in rock clothes). This one had a potential to be a lot better.
The fourth story revolves around Kamini(Priyanka Chopra) who is a item girl in Bollywood but dreams of being a top movie actress/tragedy queen ala Meena Kumari, Nargis etc and to work in a Karan Johar film. For a publicity stunt, she decides to tell the media that she’s madly in love with someone called “Rahul”, however things take a twist when Rahul(Salman) turns into a reality and enters her life. This is one of the weakest stories in the whole movie and sticks out like a sore thumb. Shoddy writing, unimpressive performances and just doesn’t click with the viewer. We know that Priyanka is hell bent on building her career, however there is nothing shown to justify her sudden and drastic change of heart towards the end. The comedy in this track too sticks out like a sore thumb as it takes digs at the Bollywood media as well as the likes of Karan Johar and Shahrukh Khan as well as other famous celebrities and incidents, however instead of executing it in a interesting manner, it comes across as crass, cheap and makes the viewer cringe.
Story five revolves around Shiven(Akshaye Khanna) who plays one of Delhis most eligible bachelors. He is engaged to Gia(Ayesha Takia) and the two are about to marry in 10 days when Shiven develops cold feet and breaks up his engagement with Gia. Slowly he realises how much Gia actually means to him. This again is a tale that is clichéd to the core, and doesn’t provide the viewer with anything new as far as story and execution goes. Infact films like DIL CHAHTA HAI and even PYAAR KE SIDE EFFECTS presented some of the themes touched upon in this tale much better, however what saves this story to a huge degree is Akshaye Khannas rather spontaneous and comical performance which is just too hard not to like as Khanna is at his charming best.Once again had potential for a lot more.
The final story is that of Ramdayam(Sohail Khan)-a middle-class Haryani who has just been married to Phoolwati(Isha Kopikkar), no matter how hard Ramdayal tries to have his “honeymoon” and get some action, some disaster strikes and he is left hanging dry. This is the story that was treated most unfairly, and one that had HUGE potential to be a comic riot. The story actually has NO relevance at all to the overall concept and narrative of the movie and plays like one of those comedy tracks seen in South Indian films. The idea behind the story is actually quiet funny with a newly married couple just wanting to have their first intimate night but with all sorts of crazy things happening around them, but one wonders why Nikhil Advani completely sidelined this track after a few scenes for the first half. It again appears right at the end in a rather crude manner, and given Sohail Khan with his manic facial expressions and fluent accent is on fire here, one can’t help but feel a little disappointed.
As a director, Nikhil Advani has no doubt taken on a huge responsibility by taking on some of the biggest stars in the industry and presenting them in a somewhat unconvential format by narrating six separate tales, however what sounded like a superb idea on paper, doesn’t translate on celluloid as Advani isn’t able to support his vision from a writing or a directional viewpoint. The screenplay at first appears disjointed and can leave the viewer feeling quiet restless, only well into the first half does the movie start coming together, but by then one can completely predict where each of the stories are going, and Advani doesn’t spring any new surprises as he chooses to take the completely clichéd route to the end. Also the length of the movie isn’t justified as such, one feels that Advani has directed a 220 minute movie NOT because the story called for it-as these could’ve been told in a much more concise and sharp manner, but because the stars called for it, and he felt obliged to try and give equal footage and screen time to each star which is a definite NO NO. So is it all bad for Mr.Advani? Not quiet, the director does handle some scenes with flair and shows sparks of brilliance in many parts however these are not enough to hold together what is a clichéd-ridden script and screenplay.
The climax/finale is the worst offence of sorts IMO, as all the stories(except Sohails) culminate into one big finale of sorts as each of the couples get together, and sort their problems. It is so entirely predictable, and comes across as rushed that it doesn’t leave the viewer excited, enthralled nor entertained! There are some stories where the ending was done well(Govindas track and Anils track) however others like Salman and Akshaye were just tiresome to watch.
The performances in the movie are a mixed bag.
Anil Kapoor is terrific in his part I felt, and perfectly conveyed the character of a confused husband going through a mid-life crisis extremely well. A dependable veteran, Kapoor plays his part with maturity and sincerity which is precisely what is expected of him. I must add Anil Kapoor is in great form as far as looks go as he looks sleek and trendy as ever and one must commend him on the way the actor has maintained his looks over the years.
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Salman Khan sleepwalks through his entire part. No doubt, Khan looks a million bucks and wears the flashiest designer clothes, and ofcourse takes of his top, smiles sweetly and the camera however as far as acting goes this film literally doesn’t offer him anything to do at all. He does have a magnetic presence everytime he’s on screen and I must say that from the other two Khans(Shahrukh and Aamir) Salman has no doubt aged the best, however the role does not require him to act at all and those who were impressed and surprised by his act in JAAN-E-MAN will be thoroughly disappointed. More importantly, he doesn’t even raise many laughs here and comes across as plain bland and boring.
Govinda is a total and complete KNOCKOUT! There was a fair amount of criticism when BHAAGAM BHAG released that Govinda looked tired, worn out, didn’t barely use 10% of his energy and was regulated to a sidekick role, and after watching SALAAM-E-ISHQ I must agree with all those points even more. Govinda totally excels here in what can be called the REAL comeback of sorts for Govinda. Its no doubt a massy role, and one that fits Govinda perfectly. Playing a non-english speaking Taxi Driver with a heart of gold Govinda is at complete and utter ease. His delivery is outstanding, his facial expressions are spot on, and above all, the actor is looking GREAT. Gone are the dark rings under his eyes and the horrible hair-do from BHAAGAM BHAG. His was no doubt the character that had the most audience support in the cinema I saw, and everytime the Govinda track was on, it was the one that had the most “seetis” and “taalis” throughout. WELCOME BACK CHI CHI!
Akshaye Khanna is great too. No doubt the actor is superb in comic roles, and again here he plays “kid growing into a man but in denial” part to utmost perfection. At times, the character is rather eccentric and over-the-top but Khanna plays it with complete understanding so it doesn’t look fake at all. His delivery and facial expressions are just wicked and very funny. After Govinda, it was Khanna that had the most reactions from the audience.
John Abraham is OK in his part. I found him to be really good in parts, and rather dull in other parts. He no doubt had one of the stronger stories in the movie, and I guess my biggest criticism with John was that he didn’t quiet “own” the emotional scenes like he could’ve. There was ample scope here for John to completely excel in the emotional scenes, and he didn’t relish the moment. He needs to work on his facial expressions when he is crying, however he was terrific in the scene towards the climax, and his female fans were not doubt completely impressed by his character which is extremely amiable.
Sohail Khan-with what little he had, played his part well. The actors track infact evoked the most laughter in the whole movie, and after the intial few rounds people were looking forward to his track, and somewhat disappointed when he didn’t come back on till the climax. His dialect and accent is just fantastic to say the least and Sohails rather whazky and zany comic expressions did the trick just fine in a underwritten part.
Juhi Chawla leaves her mark in a dignified and subdued performance. She speaks volumes with her eyes without even uttering a dialogues and Chawla plays her part with complete understanding like a true veteran. Her chemistry with Anil is great too.
Vidya Balan is wonderful in her part, and the actress no doubt has the meatiest part from the female leads. Be it the initial scenes or the emotional scenes, Balan is a class apart and this is another performance she can add to her list of great acts so far.
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Priyanka Chopra was atrocious! If you thought she was bad in KRRISH, she is just as bad here!
Ayesha Takia is good in her part, though one wishes the talented acrtress had more screen time. She looks cute as ever and that smile is still a killer.
Shannon Esra who plays Govindas “dreamgirl” actually delivers a surpringly good performance. Like Sue from RANG DE BASANTI, she manages to strike a rapport with the viewer, and more importantly shares some crackling chemistry with Govinda-you really feel for Stephanie and she is just great in the emotional scenes, and looks very attractive too.
Isha Kopikkar literally isn’t given much to do which is a pity.
Anjana Sukhani who makes her debut is good, though her character is half-baked and leaves the movie abruptly making her look like a “villan” of sorts. The girl is definetly VERY VERY SEXY with a knockout figure and a gorgeous face. She delivers her lines with confidence, and has good screen presence. A stunner!
The movie had a long list of supporting actors, none of whom really leave a mark at all. Prem Chopra, Tinnu Anand, Anang Desai, Saurabh Shukla all play their little parts as expected. Vrajesh Hirjee and Viju Khhote annoy like hell. Kushal Punjabi plays his part well.
Shankar-Ehsaans-Loys music is no doubt a absolute winner, and I felt that the film didn’t quiet do justice to the music at times, though in many places the songs were infact the highlight of the movie.
DIL KYA KARE is the perfect song to kick off the movie, and is picturised well as the credits roll. Adnan Samis soothing voices perfectly sets the scene for a “tribute to love”.
SALAAM-E-ISHQ too comes at the right place, and is a fun song to watch.
The SAIYYAN track is one that could’ve been chopped or placed better. A “bachelor party” song it felt out of place and came too close after the initial song.
MERA DIL is excellent. Placed at the right time, picturised on the multiple stories the song leaves a impact.
TENU LEKE is no doubt a tailormade Salman Khan song, and given the OOH’s and AAH’s the song does the trick. It’s racy, upbeat and Salman dances his heart out.
BAABUJI DHEERE CHALNA picturised on Anjana comes at the right time, is well picturised and Anjana just SIZZLES in this song with her seductive dance movements and very sexy outfits.
YA RABBA was my favourite song when I listened to the track, and lets just say Nikhil Advani knew its potential! The song is infact stretched across almost 30-40 minutes towards the end of the movie leading upto the climax, and Kailash Khers haunting voice, merged with Advanis storytelling here leaves a haunting effect on the viewer. Advani completely surprises the viewer here as he perfectly merges the song with the narrative to move the story forward-a masterstroke of sorts. Pity he couldn’t do that for the whole movie.
Technically the movie is a slick product, Piyush Shahs camerawork is slick, and the movie has a glossy look and feel throughout.
All up where does that leave SALAAM-E-ISHQ? Well like I said the movie is a disappointment. Disjointed narrative, muddled story and screenplay, uneven pacing and a excessive running length all seem to bring the movie down, and despite some sparks of brilliance as well as some really enjoyable performances from the actors and extremely lilting musical numbers, one can’t help but feel disappointed. In saying that, the movie is defnetly worth a dekkho once just for the stars and the songs, and if you’re a fan of Anil Kapoor, Govinda, Akshaye Khanna or John Abraham you’ll enjoy it even more.
Final Rating 6.0/10.0
