Sandy reviews Partner : NAACHGAANA

Sandy reviews Partner

July 20th, 2007

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: ***

There Are 33 Responses So Far. »

Comment by akshay shah on 20 July 2007:

Thanks for the review Sandy!

Dhawans best since DEEWANA MASTANA?Whoa, thats gotta be damn good though I thought BMCM and MSK were worthwhile efforts too.

Salman Khan gives a “mindblowing” performance? Now thats got to be a must-see!!! The last time Salman gave a good performance was JeM!

As for Govinda…YEEE HAA! The only reason I’m seeing this tomorrow night:-)

BTW Sandyji, any chance of making the pic a little bit smaller to make it fit on to the page nicely? If you type in width=500px after the ..jpg” it will do the trick:)
Hope you’re dead right about the BO:)

A.Shah
Comment by Ravi on 20 July 2007:

Nice review Sandy.
Comment by jayshah on 20 July 2007:

Thanks Sandy - looking forward to watching this and even more so after the review !
Comment by akshay shah on 20 July 2007:

Wonder how big the opening is? NAQAAB’s opening gave me a genuine surprise!

A.Shah
Comment by sandy on 20 July 2007:

At the theatre where I saw the film (11:15 am show), it was houseful and the reports are good. As I said, this is the sort of film that just CANNOT fail at the BO. I know the concept of a ‘safe’ film doesn’t exist anymore but Partner is, in fact, exactly that kind of a film.
Comment by kmkm13 on 20 July 2007:

RE:”Similarly, I felt like whacking the hell out of that tiny brat, who plays Lara’s son in the film..”Earlier i feared for your saas now i pity your kids..Your gonna beat the hell out of Them or him..Lol

Yeah Nice Review…Thanks Sandy..I’ll have to wait for the Dvd like always..Even pirated bhi chalega..Hope it works now.For Sallu and Chichi ’s sake..
Comment by akshay shah on 20 July 2007:

Wicked Sandyji! About time there was a rip-roaring blockbuster, CDI will follow! The secomd half of the year is looking much better than the first!

A.shah
Comment by Tango on 20 July 2007:

Akshay its a huge opening and across each and and every circuit of India.

Or to say , Komal bhai pleasing/satidfying opening !
Comment by Tango on 20 July 2007:

*satisfying*
Comment by Qalandar on 20 July 2007:

Excellent review Sandy! This seems like a masth, timepass mazedaar film, and am looking forward to catching this in the theater this weekend…
Comment by akshay shah on 20 July 2007:

Thanks Tango, though this one won’t be a letdown!

Q: Makes 2 of us:-)

A.Shah
Comment by akshay shah on 20 July 2007:

Ill be seeing CASH opening weekend too, kya karen Devgan hai..

A.Shah
Comment by Khalnayak on 20 July 2007:

awesome review sandy.. i had no intentions of catching this in theater (despite of Govinda being there) but this is gettting good to great reviews everywhere…very happy for Govinda !!
Comment by Khalnayak on 20 July 2007:

“I feel Partner is David Dhawan’s best effort after Deewana Mastana”

what about Haseena Maan Jayegi or even MSK?? i think the former is one of Dhawan’s best efforts!! Govinda was just mind blowing there!!
Comment by rks on 20 July 2007:

“I feel Partner is David Dhawan’s best effort after Deewana Mastana…yeah”

Agree. That was one movie without double meanings. Good review.
Comment by Street Pharmacist on 20 July 2007:

Sandy… u seen Hitch? The plot sounds exactly the same.

..and even that “annoying” sequence in the climax.. sounds like the one they had in Hitch with Will Smith and (the hot hot .. super duper hot) Eva Mendes.
Comment by Qalandar on 20 July 2007:

This is clearly a remake of Hitch…

Eva Mendes: wow, never thought those would be the two words on which Street and I would absolutely, completely agree.
Comment by rajen on 20 July 2007:

Am really not expecting much here.Reviews are not glowing.I find DD overrated.
Eva Mendes-Two thumbs up.
Comment by rks on 20 July 2007:

Yesterday, we were talking about Eva Green..now Eva Mendes
Comment by rajen on 20 July 2007:

A lot of hot Evas around.Eva Langoria too.
Comment by Street Pharmacist on 20 July 2007:

Eva Langria.. wow!! she’s quite a hottie too.

Actually that’s a tougie… to choose between the two.

btw.. will Parker/Langoria become the Posh/Beckam of the N.America?? Parker just won Finals MVP, and now the Hollywood wedding.. what’s next?
Comment by Qalandar on 20 July 2007:

Street: why choose?
Comment by rks on 20 July 2007:

“Parker just won Finals MVP”
Think of change in man’s fortune…Spurs were trying to acquire Jason Kidd few years back, who would have replaced Tony at point. Now he is final MVP and got Eva L .
Comment by Street Pharmacist on 20 July 2007:

Q.. cann’t have them both. I find it impossible to keep one woman happy.. wouldn’t even think about two.

rks.. Jason Kidd over Parker anyday of the week. No two ways about that.
And yes.. Parker must be the weakest Finals MVP ever. It was all thanks to a mismatch scenario for the Cavs who just didn’t have anyone quick enough to guard him. Or else.. Watch the Mavs-Spurs semis last year… Tony couldn’t even match upto Mav’s back-up PG (Devin Harris).
Comment by rks on 20 July 2007:

SP: Yes. Devin Harris was faster and beat Parker at his own game. Parker needs to improve on his long range shooting. But he is lethal when taking the ball to rim.
Comment by Arun on 20 July 2007:

Nice review, Sandy!

Enjoyable it is for sure, but its no laugh riot. Slightly disappointed about that!

This is Govinda real comeback, Guys. He’s absolutely awesome and carries the film on his own completely. Salman looks fit and fine but the lethargy in acting continues.

Worth a watch!
Comment by Qalandar on 20 July 2007:

Good to hear Arun…sunday is partner-day for me…
Comment by akshay shah on 20 July 2007:

Im booked for tonight….wouldn’t a decent Govinda film…

A.Shah
Comment by shaktikapoorfan on 20 July 2007:

“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.”

I am fully agree about it. DM was definitely his best and most decent film.

Really looking forward to catch this one with my wife. She is David Dhawan fan who even enjoyed Eena Meena Dika. I personally love DM, Coolie No.1 and Bol Radha Bol.

And IMO the worst were Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin and 1+1=11
Comment by Khalnayak on 20 July 2007:

just came watching the film and man Govinda rocked or what.!! as a film too its enjoyable.. Salman was good too..3.5/5
Comment by akshay shah on 20 July 2007:

WOhooo…thanks KN!!!

Shaktikapoorfan: HUM KISISE KAM NAHIN will always remain one of Dhawans biggest disasters. I think his direction was lacklustre here as he had a wicked cast..

A.Shah
Comment by sandy on 20 July 2007:

Khalnayak: Glad you liked the film…saw Govinda on Indian Idol yesterday, the man is adorable to say the least.
I’ve met him once for a lengthy interview and I can tell you, he’s a real gem of a guy.
Talking about Partner, I felt the
Govinda-Katrina love angle was far better than the Lara-Salman one. If only they had worked out a slightly different love story for Salman, this film would have been even more rocking.
Comment by Khalnayak on 21 July 2007:

Sandy i love Govinda… and if one even likes Govinda a bit, its hard not to like this film!

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