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Two much!

While this is no rip-roaring comedy, I feel Partner is David Dhawan’s best effort after Deewana Mastana…yeah, it’s been that long since the man has come up with anything even half decent.
The film has several hitches but it still manages to hold together, thanks to some mind-blowing performance from the lead players.

Much like most Dhawan comedies, the screenplay hangs on a one-line story. Salman Khan is someone who has a way with women and over time, he feels he must use his special skills to help out the not-so-lucky men to get the women they love. Govinda is one such candidate in love with his gorgeous boss and rich heiress (Katrina Kaif). Problem is, she’s hip and happening, seemingly leagues above him. Govinda is clumsy and ordinary looking. Though initially reluctant, Salman agrees to teach him every trick he needs to impress Katrina.
Meanwhile, Salman’s own love story kick-starts when he meets Lara Dutta, a journalist for a gossip magazine, who when she’s not strutting around in noodle straps, chases a wannabe Don (Rajpal Yadav) for stories. Though in love with Salman, she’s not too keen to get hitched unless her adopted son agrees. Now, Salman has to get his own love story moving, along with guiding Govinda along the way.

No doubt, Salman and Govinda are in crackling form and their chemistry is easily one of the highlights of the film.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Partner picks up momentum each time Chi Chi appears on screen and there’s not one scene where he doesn’t make you laugh. Watch out for that part where he wildly dances to Sarkailo Khatiya in ganesh visarjan style….need I add, the entire theatre erupted into loud cheers!

Having said that, some of Govinda’s earlier scenes seem stretched and forced. Thankfully, the actor finds form quickly and from there on, he’s brilliant.
This is not to say that Govinda walks away with Partner. Salman fits into his role of a love guru effortlessly and is at his natural best. And boy, does he look hot!
Both Lara and Katrina drip glamour and pull off their roles effectively. Katrina Kaif, as the suave business czarina, with a heart beating for a tapori, is actually quite convincing –unintentional, though her act maybe. Lara Dutta is simmering hot and displays the sort of dress sense, which would tempt anyone to run away with her wardrobe.
Another fine aspect about this film is its music and picturization—very catchy, brimming with masala.

So, is it a wholesome entertainer? Not quite. Yes, it’s funny in parts and the performances are great. But there are too many inane things happening here. There’s that totally silly sequence, involving a misunderstanding, which Lara Dutta has with Salman towards the climax.
Also, what was that silly antic, about a toy rocket going after Salman in the middle of the sea?! Juvenile!

Similarly, I felt like whacking the hell out of that tiny brat, who plays Lara’s son in the film. His sort of ‘mischief’ where kids go around breaking head lights of cars or inserting a knife into someone else’s pocket when a security check is on, is just NOT funny for me.

But, thankfully, people will go out with a smile after watching this film. Govinda’s final honeymoon act is hilarious and brings the house down. That alone should make sure you don’t leave with a sour taste in your mouth.

For David Dhawan, this is a waaay better film than some of stuff he’s been making from the last few years. Not a classic comedy in the vein of his Coolie No 1 or Aakhen but it’s still quite an enjoyable fare. This one is the sort of film that just can’t fail at the boxoffice.

Stars: ***

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