All Baabul Reviews- HERE ONLY!!

All Baabul Reviews- HERE ONLY!!!

(As a beat writer for New York Times, I was invited to watch a special screening of Baabul today in Wallace Theatre. The film is being released worldwide on Friday. Just to clear the record, I am not no fan of any single Bollywood actor; I am a fan of Indian cinema).

First and foremost: Baabul is no Baghban.

B.R. Chopra home productions back in 2003 tested the waters with their comeback film, Baghban. Reuniting Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini for the first time in over 10 years, the film managed to do well at the box office. The strongest strength for the film was the word-of-mouth view. The movie picked up as it gradually lasted in the box office. It was later declared a hit.

Now in 2006 B.R. Chopra and family are back with Baabul. Once again their film stars Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini. Once again they've roped Salman Khan to do a small but progressive role. The only difference this time is their film has high expectations and that's because they've added Bollywood hit queen Rani Mukherjee to their roster. Oh yeah, don't forget, John Abrahman, for more glamour, is also in their 2006 flick.

To make things short, Baabul is a film which revolves strongly among the two main characters – Bairaj Kapoor (Bachchan) and Malvika Talwar (Mukherjee).

Avinash Kapoor (Salman) is the son of Bairaj. Well-educated, smart, cool, Avinash returns home from overseas college and there is nothing but happiness in the Kapoor family. His biggest fans are his parents, Bairaj and Shobhana (Malini). Everything Avinash did struck gold within the family. He was almost like a perfect son. Then one day he met the girl of his dreams, Malvika, and in the long run they've got married.

Everything looked for now until one day when Avinash died in a fatal accident. And that's when the USP of Baabul begins. Malvika's long time friend, Rajat (Abraham), enters her life, again. Rajat has always had a thing for Malvika and since day one wanted to marry her.

The Kapoors, especially Bairaj, really wants Malvika to remarry again. He feels her silence is illness to the family. He cannot see his daughter-in-law, who already has one child, go through a lifetime with pain and misery.

So will Rani marry John or will she remain a widow for the rest of her life?

Baabul kind of brings back the old-time cinema to Bollywood. After a string of rare films from Don: The Chase Begins, Dhoom 2 and Lage Rahgo Munnabhai, Baabul comes in one of the most loving times of the year – Christmas. Baabul is a strong film. In fact so strong that at times even this viewer had tears in his eyes (the last time I cried in a film was when Jimmy Shergill died in Munnabhai M.B.B.S.).

Amitabh and Rani are back in full form in Baabul. After a dramatic Black, the duo put together a lifetime show together in Baabul. If you thought Rani was good in Black, you would probably encounter Baabul as her strongest film ever. She is bound to win awards for this film. Baabul only adds more treatment why Rani is the queen of Bollywood. And yes, she looks lovely from start to finish. Amitabh plays his character with ease. He matches the age with perfection. He was good in Waqt but in Baabul – thanks to a stronger production – Bachchan is better in Baabul.

Salman in a brief role is dominant and lives up to his expectations. Sometimes it's good to see Salman's serious side – in Baabul he offers that. Abraham's role did not really require much histrionics. He is OK. He could do something though to improve on his stiffness.

Hema Malini plays her role with confidence. After all, she is one of the few quality actresses left over from the 80s who is still capable of acting good as well as looking good.

The music of Baabul is also an upgrade from Baghbhan. To the pick of the lot, in terms of visually, are, in order, Come on Come on, Har Manzar and Bebasai Dard Ke Aalam Hai.

Overall Baabul is a fine product worth watching. The full three-hour film is a must see, especially for father-in-laws and daughter-in-laws. In a way, it showcases the true values of an extended family.

For daughter-in-laws: Baabul is a fine example that there is lot's of love in your new household. Even though you can't see it, it's there. The feeling is there and it's a strong one.

For father-in-laws: Sometimes you have to admit your daughter-in-law is the most precious thing in your life. It's a safe bet that's she is the first person you would think about buying a gift for, etc.

Baabul is a true winner all the way. A fine film that should sweep the box office in the coming days.

Baabul Rating: **** out of *****

(Negatives):

A) John Abraham could've been more loose. He still needs to improve on his gesture.

B) The film could use some trimming, especially in the midway point.

C) The Abraham connection was a bit quick; the producers could've played that part better.

http://www.indiafm.com/forum/read.php?10,487887

babul premier stills
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Baabul Preimere Picture.



The rest of the stil click here.

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Baabul: Movie Review

By Sonia Chopra
8 December 2006, 02:08 AM

Baabul

Producer: BR Films

Director: Ravi Chopra

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Hema Malini,Salman Khan,John Abraham, Om Puri, Sarika

Rating: 3/5

It's often said that to change the system, one must remain within the system. And Baabul does this beautifully; clichd enough not to rock the boat yet admirably, progressive, the film tries to maintain a balance between the two in every frame.

So there's Balraj Kapoor, played by Amitabh Bachchan, who's a traditionalist with a twist. While he believes and encourages Karva Chauth, he has strong, progressive views on widow remarriage. So when his only son Avinash dies tragically in an accident, he feels that his daughter-in-law Malvika should remarry, and not live a punished life. He encourages a romance between Malvika and Rajat (John Abraham), who's Malvika's childhood friend and has secretly been in love with her all along.

All's swell till the party poopers - the super conservative relatives vehemently oppose. Balraj's elder brother Balwant (Om Puri), is the sort who feels that widows bring bad luck to any auspicious event, and so keeps his widowed daughter-in-law (Sarika, with exactly one dialogue) within the four walls of the house. When he hears the, to-him bizarre, event of his younger brother getting his daughter-in-law remarried, he loses it. And tries to stop the wedding in typical filmi style, with a bellowing – 'Ye shaadi nahin ho sakti'.

Interestingly, this very modern film follows the old school of filmmaking. So you have the super-rich North Indian family, sprawling mansions, beautiful, docile always-agreeable women in sindoor and mangalsutra. Still, it manages to be a supremely forward film. And a good film, largely because of Amitabh Bachchan, who's so convincing and lovable as Baabul, he has you in the palm of his hand. In his big, droopy eyes, you see his young daughter-in-law's pain reflected. And during his end monologue, you just want to get up and applaud. One of the lines has him thunder -''e say that the practice of sati is over. But isn't denying a widow the right to live fully, equal to sati?'

Rani Mukherjee as Malvika shows up another award-winning performance after Black. In fact, in many intense scenes between Bachchan and Mukherjee, you feel the palpable connection and magic that the two brought together in Black. Complementing each other perfectly, and carrying the film on their shoulders, the two talent powerhouses are a treat to watch.

Salman's Avinash is an underdeveloped character. However the relationship between Avinash and Malvika is real and deep. This is a rare kind of on-screen romance, where the two are as much companions as they are man and wife. Keeping up its progressive tone, the film also shows Avinash attend pregnancy Lamaze classes with his wife saying that – 'bache paida karna teamwork hota hai'. But the film falls back to old school again, and has the two break into song and dance, in open fields, without situation or warning. Again, while Malvika is a painter, who you feel would do a little more with her life post-wedding, she has her life revolving around karva chauth. It's good that she has a mind of her own, but what is she doing with it?

The music is ordinary and songs include the by-now customary Punjabi disco song, that's typically picturised with full family dancing alongside foreigner extras. The dialogues, save a few scenes towards the ending, disappointingly lack spirit, and do nothing to elevate the film. Director Ravi Chopra, credibly, again makes a film dealing with an issue. Baghban had one flinch a bit, at the stark black and white characters. By contrast, Baabul is a step up in trying to merge the old and the new.

Watch Baabul, for the story and brilliant performances by Amitabh and Rani. The three stars are largely for them.

http://www.businessofcinema.com/index.php?file=story&id=2019

When Ash met Sallu…

After four years, the ex-lovers came face-to-face at the premiere of Baabul… And looked through each other

Ram Kamal Mukherjee


Wave-length: Salman Khan waves to fans while Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukherji make their way into the venue


Big Byte: Abhishek talks to the media while Aishwarya (circled) is seen walking away from the spotlight

It has been more than four years since Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai's stormy love story came to an end and both moved on in different directions. And ever since Salman unleashed his fury on Aishwarya's then beau Vivek Oberoi, both made a deliberate effort to steer clear of each other. But the premiere of Ravi Chopra's Baabul at Cinemax, Versova, on Wednesday night saw them come face to face with each other again.

Needless to say, it was the Bachchans who played mediator and tried to mitigate the prevalent tension. Salman entered the venue just after Rani Mukherji and was seen posing with Amitabh Bachchan, who was standing tall at the main entrance. Then Abhishek walked in and greeted Salman with a hug. After that Salman escorted Abhishek to Screen 3 where the film was being screened. "Salman offered snacks and a soft drink to Abhishek, and they were seen chatting amicably. Salman wanted to sit with the Bachchans. But it was evident that Abhishek was looking out for someone all along arrive," says our source present at the venue.

In a while, Aishwarya entered with her mother Vrinda. She spotted Abhishek instantly, but also saw that he was standing with Salman. That halted her steps. "Ash looked through Salman and smiled at Abhishek who was standing right beside Salman," says our source.

Almost automatically, Salman and Ash began moving in opposite directions. Aishwarya and her mother walked up the stairs, Salman walked down. The air was rife with tension and people around were anticipating friction.

But nothing happened and Salman simply acknowledged Aishwarya's mother with a smile, which Vrinda reciprocated. Later, Aishwarya went and sat down in the last row, keeping reserved the seat next to her for Abhishek. It was evident that Salman felt completely out of place as Abhishek refused to leave Aishwarya's side. When Amitabh Bachchan entered the auditorium with director Ravi Chopra, he asked Salman to join them but the actor politely turned down the offer, knowing well that he would have to sit next to Aishwarya. It was evident that the Bachchans were working towards a truce between Aishwarya and Salman. In the past, Bachchans have been instrumental in getting Aishwarya back into the Karan Johar, Ramesh Sippy and Yash Chopra camp.

What's more, Salman did not sit but instead chose to watch the film standing at the entrance of the auditorium. "Salman went to the Red Lounge with Amitabh, Rani and Ravi Chopra for a photo session, and left immediately after that, because he had to catch a flight to Malaysia to attend Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA)," informs Girish Wankhede, of Cinemax.

Incidentally, John Abraham entered the venue just as Salman was about to leave. He saw the latter half of the film with the Bachchans.

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article&se ctid=30&contentid=200612080306328751c4bbd2d

Movie Review: Baabul

Director: Ravi Chopra
Producer: B.R.Chopra
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Hema Malini, John Abraham, Om Puri, Aman Verma, Parmeet Sethi, Rajpal Yadav, Smita Jaykar, Beena, Avtar Gill, Vaishnavi, Gargi Patel
Music: Aadesh Srivastava
Lyrics: Sameer

Where in Baghban the characters of Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini were of a middle-class family, in Baabul it is the opposite, they are rich and have a vibrant feel to life. But they still have the same values as before, for family and culture, and these are given primary importance in their lives.
Amitabh Bachchan plays Balraj Kapoor and Hema Malini is his wife Shobna. Balraj holds prominence within his household, not only because he is the he head of the family, but because he is enlightened in wisdom and thought. He is a loving father, an active father, and above all – a wonderful father-in-law. For Balraj the truth and rightfulness matters and for this truth he will move mountains. For Balraj his wife has a more important role in his live, much more than of a wife and more like a soul-mate, a rarity these days as many couples just live lives as time-pass. Shobna is very lucky in life; she has the love of both the men in her life, her husband and her son. She teases them on their vulnerabilities, but that is just a faade, in reality her whole life is for them.

Both parents love their only child, Avinash (Salman Khan). He is more than a son for Balraj; a friend is a better term to use. Avinash has returned after many a year studying abroad, lighting up his parents lives, and happiness is spread all around. Whoever knows Avinash loves him. He is good looking, charming, and loving. He may play practical jokes on all and sundry, but he will give anything to make anyone smile.
Avinash falls in love with a beautiful painter named Malvika Talwar (played my Rani Mukherjee - who incidentally is using the same surname she had in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna). Malvika is known as Millie to all that know her. Millie has a passion for painting, but also loves to love and fight. She is a down to earth girl who believes in love and marriage and that one falls in love only once in life.

Unbeknown to Millie, a long-term friend of hers, the wonderful and dashing Rajat (John Abraham), is secretly in love with her too. Rajat is a silent type of guy, and as he is a musician, he expresses his emotions through his songs. Rajat loses the girl of his dreams, but is not heartbroken, as his only wish in life is for Millie to be happy. Rajat relocates his life to Europe hoping to pursue his music career further.

Avinash and Millie get married and are bestowed with a loving child named Ansh. But fate is about to tend them with a bitter blow. Avinash meets with an accident and loses his life. Millie is devastated. She is unable to cope with life without her late husband, and her father-in-law decides to make a difficult decision, so that she can get back on the road of her life. He decides that Millie needs the love of a husband back in her life, so he starts searching for Rajat, hoping that he will help Millie with her grief.

However Balraj faces criticism and opposition, from friends and family alike. His most fierce opponent to this change in Millie's life is his brother Balwant (Om Puri). Balwant is a traditionalist whose main importance in life is the honour and importance of his family name. He will go any lengths to keep this intact, and after hearing what Balraj is up to, decides that drastic measures are called for… to put a stop to this.
But for Balraj the biggest obstacle to getting the happiness back into Millie's life is not Balwant, or Millie herself, but his soul-mate, his wife, his jeevan-saathi, the one that has never said no to any of his decisions… his wife.

The story is as old as the hills.

Baabul was supposed to be a tale of a man who fights against society and his family, to get his daughter-in-law re-married… surprisingly all the fighting he does is in the last 10 minutes. If one really wants to see the plight of widows, the one should go and watch Water. One wonders what the story writer had on his mind, while writing the script; he has just concentrated on stupid and dumb things.

Technically, the film suffers from horrible editing, a below average script, and mediocre direction. The only saving graces of the film are the songs, which are absolutely beautiful, and picturised elegantly.

Come On Come On – Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan rock, but Hema Malini's dance steps are horrible. Overall, the song is fun, and will be loved to bits.

Vaada Raha – Salman Khan looks cute and the song is shot very well.

Baawri Piya Ki – This song is split into two parts. The first version is with Rani Mukherjee and Salman Khan, after they get married. The second version is after the death of Salman Khan's character, while Rani Mukherjee is dancing with him in the rain imaginatively. The second version is superb.

Gaa Re Mann – Amitabh Bachchan looks so cool in the song, and Hema too. Rani is shown in a graceful manner.

Har Manzar – The song is shot on John Abraham, whose looks should have been given a little more attention.

Bebasi Dard Ka – The song that I loved the most in the film, Absolute adorable.

Amitabh Bachchan is still suffering from the Baghban/Waqt hangover. There is not much new to see from his character, then what has been seen before. As always, the legend performs like he always does, legendary. He is the only reason one can sit through till the end reels.

Dream Girl Hema Malini's character is a waste, her role in Baghban was much stronger and had more meaning. The role has not been written well, leaving Hema's acting confused, fake, and a little boring.

Salman Khan is apt in his role. As always, Salman performs to a good standard, and is another positive point of the film.

John Abraham looks bad in some scenes, especially in the first half. However, with his acting overshadowed by his good looks, that doesn't matter.

The heroine of film, lovable Rani Mukherjee, is good in some scenes. She has done a good job bearing in mind a weak script. However, she needs to go a little easy with the glycerine, and badly needs to cool down from the whole Hum Tum/KANK fever.

Om Puri performs his part well and the rest of the cast are ok.

The whole film gives you the feeling of 'been there done that'. Watching it once is painful enough, a second view is a no-no. Baghban was and still is a hundred times better.

RS RATING: 5.5/10

Synopsis by Tony / Review by Ishani

http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archives/1199/movie-review- baabul-2006.html

Aishwarya and Salman come face to face!

07th Dec 2006 21.20 IST
By ApunKaChoice



Aishwarya Rai normally avoids going to events where her ex boyfriend Salman Khan is in attendance. But this time she made an exception.

It has been close to four years since Ash and Salman parted ways. And since then, there has been no truce between them. Not only have the two not spoken to each other, Ash has categorically turned down film offers to act with Salman and has even shunned from as much as verbally taking his name in television interviews.

But the premiere of Ravi Chopra's movie Babul on Wednesday, December 6, saw Salman and Ash present under the same roof.

The movie's premiere, held at Cinemax in Mumbai, was attended by the film's main stars : Amitabh Bachchan , Rani Mukherjee , Salman Khan and John Abraham .

Ash too was invited to the event and she walked in with her family. Abhishek Bachchan came separately.

According to a source who was present at the event, Amitabh, Ravi Chopra and Salman took the lead in meeting the guests. While Salman decorously kept a distance from Ash, sources say a few glances did exchange between them. However, the cold war is apparently still not over as they did not exchange courtesies.

However, Salman did get along very well with Mr. Bachchan and Abhishek.

'Baabul' has Salman playing a son to Mr. Bachchan. The film tells the story of a man who goes against set traditions to help his widowed daughter-in-law marry again. Rani Mukherjee plays the daughter-in-law and John Abraham plays the man who wants to marry her after the death of her husband (Salman).

The film hits the theatres on Friday.

http://apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20061207-4.html

wowwww that's gr888888888 from Salman ..he is so cute n gentle ..keep it up 👏 👏 👏

Movie Review: Baabul

By Taran Adarsh, December 8, 2006 - 10:57 IST



Films depicting social themes were extremely popular in the 1960s and later, in the 1980s. But, of late, paarivarik themes are relegated to the small screen and even if a film-maker dares to tackle such a theme for the big screen in this era of urbane themes and multiplex films, a section of moviegoers [read critics] are quick to label the efforts as 'outdated' and 'regressive'.

But VIVAH, four weeks ago, and BAABUL, this week, prove the detractors wrong!

BAABUL tackles the issue of widow re-marriage, an issue the late Raj Kapoor successfully raised in PREM ROG [Rishi Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure]. But comparisons between PREM ROG and BAABUL wouldn't be right, except that both talk about the rehabilitation of a young widow.

In terms of genre, BAABUL tackles a purely Hindustani issue, like the recent VIVAH. But let's quickly add that Sooraj R. Barjatya and Ravi Chopra's storytelling techniques are as diverse as chalk and cheese. While Barjatya adopts a desi approach for just about everything, Chopra takes a desi theme and gives the film an urbane feel. But the commonality is that both Barjatya and Chopra cater to the same set of viewers: Families.

In terms of content, BAABUL has its share of uppers and downers. Fortunately, the highs outnumber the lows in BAABUL and what really takes the film to another level is its climax. It wouldn't be erroneous to state that the graph of the film takes a big jump in the last half-an-hour thanks to the apt culmination to the story. The penultimate reels are truly outstanding!

Also, any film that raises a pertinent issue ought to rest on a solid foundation -- its writing. While Achala Nagar's writing isn't tight, it isn't trite either. Agreed, the writing could've been far more convincing and cohesive, but you cannot deny that there are ample moments in the film that make you moist-eyed.

To sum up, BAABUL is a competent follow up to BAGHBAN. After attempting diverse genres from ZAMEER onwards, Ravi Chopra gets it right with BAGHBAN first and BAABUL now.



Balraj [Amitabh Bachchan] is a rich businessman with progressive modern outlook towards life. For him, family, culture and values are of utmost importance. Shobhna [Hema Malini], his wife, is more than his better half. Together, they dote on their only child Avinash [Salman Khan]. For Balraj, Avinash is more of a friend than just his son. After spending many years in the U.S., Avinash returns home to his parents. Their lives light up!

Avinash meets the pretty Millie [Rani Mukerji], a painter. They fall in love and get married. They are blessed with a lovely child named Ansh. Rajat [John Abraham], a young musician and Millie's friend, has feelings for Millie, but never reveals it to her. He is now happy for Millie and Avi. He decides to settle in Europe, pursuing his musical career.

Fate plays a cruel game and on Ansh's birthday, Avinash meets with a fatal accident. Life without Avinash is unbearable for Millie. Meanwhile, Balraj and Shobhna try to find the love of Avinash in Ansh.

Balraj cannot bear to see Millie's colorless life. He decides to find Rajat and asks him to marry Millie and help him bring the colors back into her life. But Balwant [Om Puri], Balraj's elder brother, objects to Balraj's plans. Even Shobhna is not with Balraj this time.

Will Balraj be able to fulfill his plans? Will he prove to be a father [Baabul] rather than being a father-in-law?



An issue-based film has to be tackled with kid gloves, with utmost care, efficiency and sensitivity. And Ravi Chopra does just that! Although there are several emotional moments in the film, at least three sequences strike a chord…
Hema requesting Rani to wear colorful clothes, after Salman's demise.

Salman and Rani's son feeling the presence of his father by sitting in the closet.

Rani dancing with Salman's pullover amidst heavy rains.

Any shortcomings? Oh yes! The pace drops in the second hour. While the first half focuses on light moments, songs and romance, the emotional track in the post-interval portions unfolds at a lethargic pace. In fact, the film can easily do with a 15-minute trimming to spruce up the goings-on.

Aadesh's music stresses on melody and the score is quite pleasant. 'Come On Come On Chalo Jashn Manaye' is peppy, while 'Baawri Piya Ki' is soft and soothing. 'Bebasi' [rendered with feeling by Kunal Ganjawala] is melancholic. Barun Mukherji's cinematography is appropriate. The frames are vibrant with colors. Dialogues [Achala Nagar] deserve special mention. They are fantastic!



BAABUL rests on two actors mainly -- Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji -- and both emerge trumps. Bachchan is in top form yet again and proves for the nth time that he's the 'Big Boss' as far as histrionics are concerned. He is simply superb in the climax! Rani takes her character to a new level altogether. HUM TUM, VEER-ZAARA, BLACK, K.A.N.K. and now BAABUL, you can well imagine how impressive she is if one clubs her work in BAABUL with her earlier accomplishments.

Hema Malini looks gorgeous and acts her part with amazing grace. Salman is natural and provides ample light moments. He's cute when courting Rani. John is perfect, although the dashing guy is looking pale and tired at times. What happened, John? Om Puri is loud, but that's the demand of the character. BAABUL stars a host of characters and those who stand out in brief roles are Sarika [tremendous], Sharat Saxena [very good] and Smita Jaykar [competent]. Rajpal Yadav doesn't get much scope. Aman Verma and Parmeet Sethi are forced characters.

On the whole, BAABUL makes a statement in a convincing manner. The film rests on three aces -- emotions, performances and execution -- which will attract the family audiences in large numbers. At the box-office, the strong theme has all it takes to make its target audience [families] cry with joy and its distributors laugh all the way to the bank!

Rating: 3/5

http://indiafm.com/movies/review/12370/index.html

hey any one watch baabul. rani is the best 👏