Movie Review: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

Cast: Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Anupam Kher, Deepak Dobriyal, Swara Bhaskar, Arman Kohli.

Prem, the Rajshri Productions' lover boy, is not back. 

You must be thinking what Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is all about! It is about beautiful royal locations with a historic touch of those Kings and Queens, Prince and Princess era. 

Story of the Film:

The story revolves around the family of Yuvraj Vijay Singh played by Salman Khan. Yuvraj Vijay has a broken family of two step sisters and one step brother. Both the sisters are outrageously upset with their brother who loves them a lot and on the other hand the step brother Chote Yuvraj Ajay (Neil Nitin Mukesh) is sweet on the face but eyes on property and Kingship. Just few days before Vijay's coronation ceremony, Ajay plans his murder but somehow Vijay is saved, but is not in a condition to be out in public. 

Well there is Vijay Singh's look alike Prem Dilwale who owns a drama company. After Vijay's accident, royal family's well wishers see Prem in a market who is coming to the estate to meet princess Maithili (Sonam Kapoor), engaged to Yuvraj Vijay but still not in love with him. To keep the situation under control and get proof against those who planned Yuvraj's murder, Diwaan Saab (Anupam Kher) and the security head asks Prem to take Vijay's place. And the love story of Prem and princess Maithili begins.

Review:

Though the first half keeps the audience intrigued, it becomes very predictable as the story advances and we get a complete idea as to what the whole movie is all about.

The complete unwanted football sequence and some over emotional scenes with some non-fitting fighting sequence makes the second half boring. However, Sooraj Barjatya has managed to give a good end with his patent united family theme.

Salman Khan as always, is at his best. Be it the aggressive royal prince, Yuvraj Vijay Singh, or the playful Prem Dilwale, Salman has lived up to both the characters and is the sole entertainer throughout the movie. Sonam Kapoor has tried her best to do justice to her character but failed immensely. Her struggle to act better is clearly visible. Apart from acting, the gorgeous diva is looking fabulously beautiful throughout the movie. She has pulled off the look of a princess quite well.

Apart from being the villain, Neil Nitin Mukesh doesn't have any strong part to play. At a point, we also feel that he has been wasted in the movie. Though Anupam Kher's role commences of a loyal disciplined personal assistant but along with portraying his well mannered side, he has also added a pinch of playfulness to his character that keeps entertaining the audience from time to time. Swara Bhaskar plays the role of Vijay Singh's step sister. In spite of  being a good actress, she hasn't been used strongly in the film.

Deepak Dobriyal is seen as 'Kanhaiya' who is Prem Dilwala's i.e. Salman Khan's 2nd character's best friend. As always his fine acting skills and punches steal the show. His talent of creating comedy in tragedy is what brings laughter even in intense fight scenes.

What we liked:

Beautiful locations brought liveliness to the story. Larger than life sets and the ambiance of royal palaces are a treat for the eye. The soulful background music and few tracks like 'Prem Leela', 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', 'Jalte diye' have helped to understand the story better. Lastly but most importantly, the costumes and attire of the complete cast is graciously beautiful and spectacular.

What left us confused:

Why did Sonam Kapoor arrive Pritampura in a non-air-conditioned couch of a train, rather than using a Chopper or a flight?

Vijay Singh by just stumping his feet in rage, creates what looks like an earthquake in the Sheesh Mahal. We understand he is a prince, so he has been trained to be strong, but from where did he get this super power?

The football sequence which is a complete waste has been spoiled way beyond explanation. It is the festive season of Diwali and it suddenly starts to rain heavily when the royal guests are playing football and everyone is drenched in water but princess Maithali i.e. Sonam Kapoor is somehow dry even after enjoying the rains without any shelter. 

Final Verdict:

Though being a Rajshri production film, it has failed to live up to its patent style of showcasing strong family bonds but has tried to conclude on a happy note by giving a meaningful family message, as always. Just like every time it is Salman Khan who takes the trophy back home; as the entire movie is just revolving around both the characters he plays.

However, if you are a Salman Khan fan and wish to revisit the Rajshri works or if you want to see the gorgeous Sonam Kapoor in the beautiful attires of Princess, then Prem Ratan Dhan Payo can be a good family entertainer for the weekend.