Movie: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (PRDP)

Director: Sooraj Barjatya

Starring: Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Neil Nitin Mukesh

Music Composed by: Himesh Reshammiya, Sanjoy Chowdhury

Release Date: November 12^th 2015

Genre: Drama/Comedy

This Diwali’s Bollywood release, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (PRDP), tells a story about a charitable, lighthearted man, Prem Dilwale (Salman Khan), who is on a mission to meet the philanthropic and beautiful Princess Maithili (Sonam Kapoor). His “Prince and Pauper” comedic role is the highlight of this film. PRDP is not just a love story, but actually moreso a glorified Zee-TV drama about family conflicts between siblings. If you’re a Salmaan Khan or Sooraj Barjatya fan, don’t miss this film – otherwise save your popcorn money on something more worthwhile.

The positives:

1. Fan of retro, 1990’s classic Bollywood movies like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun? This one is for you. Fun Fact: Sooraj Barjatya last casted Salman Khan 16 years ago in Hum Saath Saath Hain.

2. Sonam Kapoor is stunningly beautiful and all her outfits are simple yet gorgeous. Her acting on the other hand, is questionable. She has not yet found a way to surface above the spunky, goofy, giggly role she plays in all her movies thus far.

3. Want a good laugh? You can always count on Sallu (Salman) to bring home the comedy. His character is similar to his “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” role.

4. The colorful sets and scenery are worth watching this for. Don’t forget the hit title song "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo" – perfect for a wedding dance song! Also don’t miss the romantic number  â€œJalte Diya.”

 The negatives:

1. The story was quite mediocre and the screenplay was definitely nothing to brag about – I honestly expected more from Sooraj Barjatya.

2.  Other than the two songs mentioned above, the rest are forgettable fillers. Bollywood has largely revolutionized in the past several years to have fewer number of useless songs, yet this movie just reminds you something time-warped to old age Bollywood style with song and dance numbers every scene change.

3. There are several cringe-worthy moments especially surrounding the “dishoom” scenes that remind you of old Bollywood movies.

4. Neil Nitin Mukesh gets the award for WORST actor in this film. If Salman had co-stars who could actually act, this movie would have been successful. 

On the whole, PRDP is nothing more than a time-pass Bollywood film to enjoy with your family this Diwali season. Leave your brains and high expectations at the door.

Acting: 2.5/5
Story: 3/5
Costumes: 4/5
Choreography: 3/5
Sets/Filming Location: 4/5
Songs: 3.5/5
Eye Candy: 3/5
Length of Movie: 2/5
Overall: *** (3/5) or 6/10

Key:
* = flop, don’t even bother
** = time pass, you’ll live if you don’t see it
*** = worth a watch
**** = A hit, see it in the theater!
***** = Bollywood Blockbuster

|