Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)

Light and fun...

I love to watch Shahrukh Khan, and do so whenever I get a chance, so of course I liked this one! I would like to see less of Maduri Dixit and more of Shahrukh, but I guess there are those who are more interested in Maduri, right? This was a fun song & dance movie, built around the theme of a dance troupe (something like Riverdance, probably) and the main idea is that the "new girl" is taking the place of the current female dance lead, who is the best friend and secretly in love with the artistic director and lead male dancer played by Shahrukh Khan. Meanwhile, the new dancer is also falling in love with Shahrukh's character, but life seems to have other marriage plans for her. I recommend this one for a rainy afternoon after you have watched Flash Dance again. This softer treatment of dancers and love is typically Indian, and totally enjoyable.
June 26, 2008

An example of a bad movie

This is one of the worst Hindi movies, I have seen in my life. There is nothing good about this movie except for a few songs. The direction is very bad. How can someone dance with a fractured leg? Some people may find the romance and drama very entertaining, however, I like movies that are more realistic. Shahrukh Khan is not as good an actor as people feel about him. In fact, he is one of the worst actors ever born on the planet earth. The only meaningful film, I ever saw of Shahrukh Khan was Swadesh. January 26, 2008

Excellent

This movie is incredible fun - with great music, the scenes build on one another to make the film tremendously exciting. Highly recommended.
It is a perfect length too. May 21, 2005

Love Is Not Just An Illusion

This movie was a Bollywood blockbuster several years ago. At first appearance, it seems like a superficial, silly, sentimental musical about a cynic who learns to love. A closer look reveals more of an almost religious discussion of the nature of love. Are we fated to love the people we wind up with? Why doesn't God give us a clearer sign of what is right for us?
In the story, a successful MTV-style producer offers his adoring public a new show with a new dance star, Maya. Unfortunately, Maya does not exist and he must find her, hence beginning his search to find love. The word "Maya" is a Hindu philosophical/religious concept meaning "the illusion of reality." I think this adds a broader interpretation to the story.
The songs and dances are almost all great and terrific Bollywood. "Koi ladki hai" with the pavement children is one of the best musical numbers I have ever seen. It highlights our hero's first realization that he loves Maya in a poignant way.
I have seen this show 3 times and it gets better each time. Highly recommended! December 21, 2003

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