Mann Starring: Manisha Koirala, Aamir Khan Director: Indra Kumar

According to Indra Kumar, 'Mann' marks a beginning in his attempts to make movies differently. 'Dil', 'Beta', 'Raja' etc have all been huge blockbusters at the box office and perhaps this gave him the courage to deviate from his set and proven formula. His latest offering Mann is based on Hollywoods 'An affair to Remember' (& not to Titanic!) has the lead pair Aamir Khan & Manisha Koirala holidaying aboard an ocean liner. Just as the viewers were recovering from Aamir's mindblowing performance in 'Sarfarosh' he comes up with another act that leaves you reeling. Whatever the merits or demerits of 'Mann' may be one fact that is never in doubt is Aamir's effortless and effervescent performance as the playboy, Karan Dev Singh.

The first half has the naughty playboy trying to woo the prim 'n propah Priya (Manisha Koirala) even as they both are to be married to someone else on reaching the shore. Aamir, to a wealthy heiress and Manisha to Anil Kapoor.

After being relentlessly wooed by Karan, Priya relents and Karan also attempts to straighten his wayward ways. By the end of the voyage both realise that they can't do without the other and so decide to meet on Valentine's Day after a gap of 6 months.

Its the second half where Indra Kumar slips up & the pace slackens. Loads of unnecessary tears and heartbreak make the second half of the movie a lengthy affair. A la' 'Aarzoo' & 'Geet' of the 60's the lovers are dealt a cruel blow by destiny and the physical disability of one of them is what provides a sad and unexpected twist to the story. There are eight songs in all & the above average musical score has been provided by Sandeep & Darshan. The title song especially is fast climbing the charts.

Though it is early days yet but this movie unlike Indra Kumar's previous hits doesn't seem like exactly setting the box office on fire. Aamir and Manisha excel in the emotional scenes but Indra Kumar should have avoided too much of mushiness in the latter half. The climax though is brilliantly handled in true Indra Kumar style.