Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam Starring: Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Ajay Devgan, Vikram Gokhale Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

One of the most eagerly awaited projects of ‘99 Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam finally hits the movie screen. Coming as it does, right after the success of ‘Khamoshi’, it proves Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s phenomenal talent without any doubt. With H.D.D.C.S being as much a film for the masses as for the classes it might finally bring him the commercial success that had been strangely eluding him so far.

Aishwarya is perfect as the hot-tempered, outspoken and oh-so-stunningly beautiful Nandini. Salman Khan is endearing as Sameer, who comes down from Italy to learn classical singing from Nandini’s father. In time, the inevitable happens and sparks fly between the two but just when Sameer is about to declare his love, he learns that she’s to be married elsewhere. So to save the family’s traditions Nandini gets married to Vanraj, played by Ajay Devgan, who puts in another finely restrained performance. Music and cinematography are brilliant. In fact long after the movie is over its the brilliant colours, right from the desert of Rajasthan to the scenic beauty of Budapest, which stays with you. The songs are already a big hit. Whether its’ the slow seduction of ‘Aankhon ke gustakhiyan….. ‘ or the loud & gay abandon of ‘Dholi Taro‘ you cannot help being moved by it.

This is not to say that the movie is without its flaws. The major one being its length. Full three hours of it even if it’s against the scenic backdrop of Rajasthan, can get a bit too tedious at times.

This movie is definitely poised to tug at the viewer’s heartstrings in a big way. So do keep your ‘Kerchiefs ready! For the rest, the music & fine performances by the lead players should be enough to keep the crowds coming.