ALL Ta Ra Rum Pum Reviews HERE ONLY

By Taran Adarsh, April 27, 2007 - 18:29 IST

Yash Raj created magic with speeding bikes [DHOOM]. Now's the turn of speeding cars [TA RA RUM PUM].

The West has often made films depicting the rise, fall and subsequent rise of sportspersons. ROCKY [Sylvester Stallone], DAYS OF THUNDER [Tom Cruise] and CINDERELLA MAN [Russell Crowe] are films that cross your mind as you watch director Siddharth Raj Anand's second outing TA RA RUM PUM. It wouldn't be erroneous to state that Siddharth borrows from the above-named films, but he garnishes the material with desi emotions that work well with Indian moviegoers.

There's no denying that TA RA RUM PUM is a well-crafted fare that provides entertaining moments and also succeeds in its goal as a feel-good experience. One of the prime reasons why TA RA RUM PUM works is because it's not about car racing only. It involves a couple, their two kids, the family's riches to rags story, their highs and lows…

Write your own movie review of Ta Ra Rum Pum

Now let's get down to the basics: What works and what doesn't? If the car racing sequences are awe-inspiring, the emotional quotient in the second hour is worth acknowledging as well. A number of sequences make you moist-eyed, especially the high-octane climax that not only gives you goose bumps, but also makes you jump with joy.

However, TA RA RUM PUM isn't a flawless film. You can't turn a blind eye to the aberrations in those 16 reels. Fortunately, the pros outweigh the cons in the final tally.

To sum up, Siddharth Raj Anand comes up with a worthy follow up to his directorial debut, the immensely likable SALAAM | NAMASTEY. TA RA RUM PUM easily ranks amongst Yash Raj's better films in terms of style as also substance.

TA RA RUM PUM tells the story of one man, his family and how they overcome the obstacles that life puts in their way, together. It is the story of human spirit and how it ultimately prevails.

Rajveer Singh [Saif Ali Khan] is a pit-crew worker in a racing team with a passion for driving who gets discovered by a team manager, Harry [Jaaved Jaaferi]. The same day, he accidentally meets a music student, Radhika [Rani Mukerji], who he falls for instantly. He gets drafted into 'Speeding Saddles' -- a failing race team and transforms from Rajveer Singh to 'RV', the race car driver.

While his racing career takes off instantly, his love life also blossoms after a whirlwind romance. A few months later, he is both a happily married man and one of the country's best racers. Fatherhood and greater success both follow and soon he is the Number 1 race car driver in U.S.A. as well as the proud father of two kids -- Priya [Angelina Idnani] and Ranveer [Ali Haji].

But as a result of a bad racing accident, RV is hospitalized for a few months. When he tries to make a comeback, he realizes that he has been mentally scarred by the accident. His life now takes a turn for the worse and after a string of failures, he is forced to auction his house and move with his family to a run-down neighborhood.

However, RV and Radhika decide not to tell their children the truth and construct a skillful masquerade of a reality show where they have to live a poor life in order to win a mythical grand prize. The family struggles to survive a life that they are not used to, using a mixture of fantasy and cheerfulness to pull through in the face of adversity. But an incident forces RV to reclaim the life that was taken away from him.

You don't take to TA RA RUM PUM instantly, since the writing [screenplay: Habib Faisal] meanders on oft-repeated tracks initially [the snooty father-in-law/Victor Banerjee looking down upon the son-in-law/Saif Ali Khan, the mandatory romantic scenes and songs]. The one aspect that shines the brightest in the first hour is the car race that makes Saif's life go topsy-turvy. Ideally, the intermission card should've flashed at this juncture, but the sequences that follow are plain mediocre.

Thankfully, the substance [script] as also the execution of the material improves a great deal in the post-interval portions. The plight of the family moves you: Saif is reduced to a cabbie, Rani plays piano at birthday parties and hotels to run the kitchen fires and foot the bills, the children skip their meals to save for the school fees. The son, in fact, picks up leftovers from the waste to satiate his hunger… These are moments that mirror the realities of life.

The highpoint of the film are the penultimate reels. Right from Saif storming into a hotel, asking for a loan of $ 65,000 to the final victory, the narrative reaches its crescendo in those 25 + minutes. In fact, the powerful second hour elevates the film tremendously.

Director Siddharth Raj Anand is only getting better with every film. He handles the emotional moments in particular very well. The execution of the race sequences is outstanding. Something like this hasn't been witnessed on the Hindi screen before. Binod Pradhan's camerawork is marvelous.

Vishal-Shekhar's music is of the fast-forward variety. One looked forward to a better score for sure. However, the picturization of a few songs camouflages the defect to an extent. The kiddie song -- merging live with animated characters -- catches your attention. The animation here matches international quality.

Saif is extremely likable. He conveys the varied emotions with complete understanding. Rani enacts the role of the mother/wife proficiently. Jaaved Jaaferi is first-rate in a serious role. Bharat Dabholkar is efficient. Victor Banerjee suits the character. Shruti Seth is alright. Angelina Idnani and Ali Haji are adorable.

On the whole, TA RA RUM PUM easily ranks amongst better films from the Yash Raj factory. Surprisingly, the film has opened to a below-the-mark response at several screens. But it has the potential and power to gather speed in days to come since it has something for everyone -- emotional quotient for families, thrilling car races to woo the youth and the kiddie factor to attract this huge movie-going segment [kids]. Its business in Overseas should be excellent and in India, the multiplexes will help the distributors reap a harvest. Strongly recommended!

http://indiafm.com/movies/review/12897/index.html

has anyone seen the movie? it sounds gr8

TA RA RUM PUM-PICTURE PERFECT!!!

The entire of bollywood was firmly taken aback, when director Siddharth Anand came up with the idea of "Live-in relationships" with his maiden venture Salaam Namaste. The movie was well appreciated by the regular cinegoers and critics alike. When he announced TRRP, it was quite intriguing to know what genre of movie would he make after attempting a relatively "BOLD" subject in his first movie.

Story:

Saif Ali Khan is Raj Veer Singh, a pit stop tyre changer who works amidst the flowing adrenalin of the New York Broadway, a place where cars race at bamboozling speeds. He is happy-go-lucky and lives for the moment. Once, on an unexpected taxi drive (which he drives himself), he happens to bump into Radhika Banerjee( Rani Mukherjee) and also Harry (Javed Jaffery). The dude breaks the girl's Ipod and she asks him to give the money back. Meanwhile, Harry who happens to work for a Car -Racing team in the Broadway, is amazed by the driving skills of Raj. He decides to make Raj, the best-driver on the entire circuit and he is chirstened R.V ( Don't jump, this is not Robin Williams' R.V.!!)

Love blossoms between R.V and Radhika and they happen to marry, against their father's wishes who feels that R.V. is just a volatile dude who is very ill-planned about his very next move. They have kids "Princess" and "Champ", who happen to be very innocent and just follow whatever their parents have to say. Trouble arises when R.V. falls prey to a German driver named Rusty, who happens to deliberately send R.V. and his car into a gruesome looking accident.

Can R.V. come back? Can He overcome his phobia? This is Ta Ra Rum Pum for you..

Perfomances:

Saif gives a more-than-perfect performance as R.V. His hair style seems similar to that of Ashton Kutcher in the first half hour. He easily adapts the serious look and does emote remarkably well. He seems to be getting better with age. Go Saif Go!

Rani gives a quite decent performance, and does well to emote the roles of a Rich girl, a lover, a wife and a mother with extreme perfection. Javed Jaffery does well with his NRI-Gujrathi accent. The kids' performance is also a second mention.

Techinical Values:

Siddharth Anand just comes up with a heart touching story and his direction simply evokes laughter, smile and sadness all at a time. Your heart bleeds for the characters when they are sad and down. Makes you smile when they are happy. All credits to the director.

Screenplay is also very well knit, and never bores you. The Cinematography is First rate and kudos to Yash Raj Films for spending so much on the locales for the picturesque effect.

The song "Hey Shona" deserves a special mention because, it is one of it's kind song which shows the entire New York Times' Square dead empty!( This was also shown in Tom Cruise's "Vanilla Sky").

Bottomline:

The movie will go down well with all kind of audiences' who would flock the movie theatres, given the summer vacation. Yet another hit in the Kitty of Yash Raj Films, who seem to have an endless list of movies each year. Take this "Drive", i promise you will love it!

Rating: 4.25/5

REDIFF REVIEW Ta Ra Rum Pum

***1/2

April 27, 2007 18:05 IST

Cheering can be a lot of fun. In movies, it has the power to do miracles, especially when the man, you are rooting for, has so much at stake.

Siddharth Anand's Ta Ra Rum Pum plays on every human's ultimate fantasy to conquer against all odds and take home the trophy. Here the trophy stands as a metaphor for the realisation of one's most precious dreams. And that is precisely what makes Ta Ra Rum Pum a universal subject to identify with and feel for.

But for god's sake, it's a Yash Raj Film. And so even if a story about inspiration and hope, it is bound to be lavish, stylish and commercially viable.

For starters, it's set in New York City. What's new, you ask? Hasn't Karan Johar made a career out of making films based in NYC? True. What is new is Anand's vision of the most populated city of The States. Not only do you get to do some fresh sight-seeing but also innovative angles of oft-repeated locations like Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square.

Also, car racing is the basic premise of the story. Expectedly, there is a whole lot of vroom-vroom going on all through the movie. True blue racing buffs might not feel the rush of adrenalin on witnessing the tackily executed chase. But folks not too familiar with NASCAR will enjoy just the same.

Like every story, this one has a hero too. Rajveer aka RV (Saif Ali Khan) makes a dashing entry; a la Tom Cruise in Top Gun, helmet in hand, against the violent strumming of an electric guitar. Only our man started out as a pit stop tyre changer.

A still from Ta Ra Rum PumHis racing skills impress a cabbie Harry (Jaaved Jafferi in his best Gujarati speaking accent goes in for a swell image makeover) and they strike a deal with Billy Bhatia's (Bharat Dabholkar) company Speeding Saddles.

During his winning spree, the carefree RV also hits it with the fastidious Radhika (Rani Mukerji). He calls her Shona because 'it's Bong (Bengali in slang) and sweet, and so are you'.

The duo, with funny hairdos, also find time to parade on the empty streets of Manhattan. Again, Anand appears to draw inspiration from another Tom Cruise flick, Vanilla Sky. The latter has Cruise running on the empty streets of Times Square, not a soul in sight.

RV proposes to Radhika with Tiffany, a Merc and a mansion in Manhattan -- all of which is irresponsibly purchased on loan and installment, if you are the one for details. Soon they have two kids, with nicknames that'd have you mistake them for a horse -- Champ (Ali Haji) and Princess (Angelina Irani) and an Irish Setter, Bruno.

All the adulation makes RV feel over-confident about his game. In trying to fool around and entertain the crowds against his closest competition, RV makes a faulty move resulting in a major accident. After missing out on a whole year, he gets back into the action, nonetheless scarred from his previous experience. His poor performance on the track leaves him jobless, homeless and bankrupt.

While RV never stepped inside a university, Radhika never finished her degree post-marriage. Silly move, we think. Lack of proper education forces the two to take up low-end jobs and shift to a rundown desi neighbourhood. While the children are made to believe their new impoverished status is a play and part of a reality show, Don't worry. Be happy. And though it's not mentioned, we believe RV was definitely a fan of Roberto Benigni's Life is Beautiful.

Saif Ali Khan in Ta Ra Rum PumEventually, RV has to take a stand, which means an edge of the seat contest from start to finish and, of course, lots of cheering.

The sentimental turn in Anand's story is heartfelt. But what is particularly appealing that none of the characters crib or mope around. Instead, they tackle every problem with resilience and humour. Sure, kids will be kids and occasionally sigh at the sight of creamy puffs and spicy hot dogs. Aww moments aside, generally, there is a positive vibe running through this family and the film.

The foursome make a happy picture hopping inside the enormous Disney store. Speaking of choreography, Vaibhavi Merchant infuses an impressive rhythm and frolic in the movements. Almost every song and dance is a pleasure to watch.

If Salaam Namaste (Anand's directorial debut) was inspired albeit cool, Ta Ra Rum Pum is inspiring and sweet. The filmmaker has a knack for bringing wit in woe. He does that here too, admirably. Though I have to say, how come RV enters a racing competition whenever he feels/needs like/to? Isn't there supposed to be a schedule calendar or something?

That's what makes Saif Ali Khan indispensable. His spontaneity is utterly disarming and distracting. He plays RV -- a huge racing star, with amusement as if to say 'big deal' not losing his boyishness even during stressful times. Hence, his breakdown scene is particularly effective.

Rani Mukerji's Radhika is a confident lady. There is a certain polish in her taste and thoughts. Self-assurance comes naturally to the actress. And for this role, she makes the most of it. Also, there is just one word to describe Surily Goel's wardrobe for Rani: WOW!

Essentially, Ta Ra Rum Pum is a feel-good family entertainer with good looking actors, thrilling car chases, playful melodies (Vishal-Shekhar) and pretty visuals. Then again, there's lot more beneath. It talks about taking responsibility for one's own problems instead of finding an easy way out. It packs in a lot of optimism and grace, especially in the way new age parents are depicted. Even if in passing, the fast-growing obsession and dependency on plastic money and installment schemes is mentioned as well.

Any film that makes you feel good about life and prioritises hope over struggle is worthwhile. Ta Ra Rum Pum brings a smile to your lips and song to your heart.

Rediff Rating: 3.5/5

I won't trust any reviews. I will see it for myself and give the review on monday. Music is good and movie looks good too.

Movie review: Ta Ra Rum Pum-Indu Mirani
Friday, April 27, 2007 19:20 IST

Nothing to sing and dance about

Ta Ra Rum Pum
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji
Direction: Siddharth Anand
Rating: **

Like most Yash Raj films, Ta Ra Rum Pum is a privileged film with some of the best technical talent (Binod Pradhan for cinematography, Javed Akhtar for lyrics are just two), cool North America locations, hugely popular stars (Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji with Jaaved Jafrey for good measure) and a budget that allows expert animation when needed.

Why then does the dish served up leave you cold? Is it because the background is car racing and for the uninitiated one car race is the same as the other? Is it because there is so much of chatter and an overenthusiastic use of sound that all other senses are dulled? Or is it because the story of a racing driver who falls on hard times is not something easily empathised with?

The answer, one suspects, is a mixture of all three plus the fact that the screenplay goes nowhere in the first half in which Rajveer Singh (RV) (Saif Ali Khan) meets his soul mate Radhika (Shona) (Rani Mukerji) on the streets of New York and goes on to become a famous car racer.

RV is a great believer in the mortgage system and when he loses his nerve following an accident, the family, with two kids now, find all their belongings including their home reclaimed and themselves on skid row.

At this point the film perks up for a bit as RV and Shona weave an elaborate lie to protect the children from the truth. Much like in Roberto Benigni's Life Is Beautiful this involves a lot of pretending and is the high point of the film which then sinks to another low and keeps sinking till the long drawn out retribution scene.

Whoever styled Rani for the first half of the film needs to go to designing school again. Why on earth would anyone take a perfectly good looking girl with normal hair and then give her a ghastly fringe and curls? Surely there are other ways to change the look of a leading lady? Thankfully Saif has been left largely alone though his racing clothes do nothing for his sex appeal quotient.

This is Siddharth Anand's next after Salaam Namaste, another good looking but inane tale. He shows no growth as a director.

There are far too many songs (Vishal and Shekhar), none particularly exciting though children will love the visuals in the bear song.

Despite all these shortcomings if there is a reason to stay the course it is the competent acting by the lead pair and Jaaved Jafrey's marvellous impersonation as the Gujarati racing team manager.

indumirani@gmail.com

Aprajita Anil
Posted online: Friday, April 27, 2007 at 1915 hours IST
Updated: Friday, April 27, 2007 at 1927 hours IST

Saif Ali Khan New Delhi, April 27: Movie: Ta Ra Rum Pum


Rating: ****

Cast: Saif Ali Khan (Rajvir Singh/RV), Rani Mukherji (Radhika), Javed Jaffrey (Harry), Angelina Idnani (Princess), Ali Haji (Champ)

Director: Siddharth Anand

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Okay, when was the last time you sat there and screamed your heart out to cheer for a cyclist… or a F1 driver..or even a runner for that matter?

Well, those who've done it know how thrilling a feeling it is and for those who haven't, it's a must do! Siddharth Anand's Ta Ra Rum Pum is treat for both the kinds.

The energy and enthusiasm, which oozes from the racing tracks would make you transcend the theatre's comfort zone into the sparkling stadium. Even if you know the winner or the loser, the passion within would be no less.

And it is this personification of the script, which makes Ta Ra Rum Pum delightfully different!

Dealing with the chaotic ways in which life can unfold, the film centres on the life of one Rajveer Singh or RV. RV, an orphan, is a college drop-out. Although he doesn't have the degree to make it big, he has the ambition, aspiration and hope to do what it takes. This wide-eyed dreamer has just had one passion in life – to race cars and to do it professionally! And his first step – to become a part of the pit-crew of a racing team – was just a way to inch towards the tracks.

But one cab-ride and everything changed for RV. He moved from the pit-crew to become the team itself, courtesy Harry the manager of a sub-par racing team.

And not to forget, it was this cab-ride where he met Radhika and of course fell in love. Although Radhika was the complete opposite of everything RV stood for, the chemistry is charismatic.

Soon RV's life becomes picture – a heartthrob of millions, a dread for his competitors, a perfect husband for Radhika and an awesome dad for Princess and Champ.

But life had a different plan. The track and the cars which even from a distance made him feel the adrenaline brought his life to a screeching halt. RV met with a severe accident. Though he fought his way to survival, he could not fight his fear. And the once No 1 RV not just faded from his fans' memory but also lost his contracts, his company and of course his job.

This was not all. He even failed to maintain his social status, lost his car, him home and was forced to auction his belongings.

Reality had bitten the family. But Radhika and RV were determined not to allow the truth to drain their children. It was then that they designed a story of playing on a 'reality show'. They told their kids that they would have to pretend to be poor for sometime and if they win they would become famous and rich!

What unfolded was tragic, traumatic but nonetheless, powerful.

It would be wrong give credit to one defined factor which has made the film fabulous. Whether we talk about the characters or the actors… the direction or the narration… the script or the screen, the concept is tightly woven.

Saif is super and portrays RV with such strength that it seems the role is tailor-made for him.

Rani is Rani. Remarkable till the end. Although the 'cool college going girl' before marriage is not what Rani has done too often, the actor does carry it with strength and poise. But beyond the transformation, there is just one word to describe her – dignified!

Jaffery is good. Does not have the 'eggjactly' touch nor is his role a misfit. He's perfectly right at the right time.

Although the both the kids have done an adorable job, it is Angelina who takes the cake. She is innocent, yet strong… she is disciplined yet naughty… and puts the right amount of effort into her character. Never once is she seen go overboard.

And for the directorsaab… kudos to him! The evolvement from Salaam Namaste is evident. He has brilliantly pulled in the appropriate actors and stitched them together with the script.

The editing is flawless and the cinematography is good.

But everything has its flaw. Ta Ra Rum Pum too has its share – the songs. Unlike Anand's first film Salaam Namaste which made you swing with the foot-tapping music, this film could have progressed even without its songs.

Overall the film is wonderful from the word 'action'. Different from the usual Bollywood script and clipped off of all the spicy sagas, Ta Ra Rum Pum is a not-to-be-missed venture.

All that glitters is not gold. It can also be silver or bronze. And these metals have their own charm. So Ta Ra Rum Pum glitters with the extravagant locales and the extra bright reds and blues, which don't necessarily add value to the art form that cinema is. But, it does manage to tell a regular story in a style that warms the heart.

Thinking about the movie two hours after having left the theater, the first thing that comes to mind is the car races. They are timed well and executed even better. However, I would have liked more aerial shots and fewer close-ups. Who wants to see a sweaty Saif Ali Khan? Only the face shows through a helmet, gals! The races and broad story-line did remind me a lot of Naya Daur (1957), Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander (1992), Cars (2006).

The next thing that comes to mind are the two cutely picturised songs. "Ab to forever" didn't necessarily have the most complicated dance moves, but structured choreography interspersed with normal dancing made it a delight to watch. "tara ra rum pum, ta ra rum pum" is by far the best picturised kids' song after "akdam bakdam" from Hanuman (2005). The lyrics in general, and specifically of "Saiyaan", restore my faith in Jaaved saahab after the Shakalaka Boom Boom (2007) debacle. Which leaves us with the two romantic tracks. Those are reminiscent of songs from the late 80s-early 90s and thus didn't quite fit in with the rest of the movie.

Were the songs required, you ask? Have you seen the promos, dear? No? The newspaper ads with the producer's name on it? Okay-you at least know the title of the movie, right? Then, what kind of a question is that!? I seriously think the movie was named as such because they came up with that kids' song first.
They did not even bother to use the perfectly valid excuse they had - Rani Mukherjee plays a singer.

We have seen Rani Mukherjee have marital tiffs with Vivek Oberoi (Saathiya (2002)), Shah Rukh Khan (Chalte Chalte (2003)), Abhishek Bachchan (Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)). Now it is Saif Ali Khan's turn. It's pretty much the same Rani here. The same Rani that makes you shut your ears when she shrieks while playing a 20 year old and warms your heart when she plays her age. Again, Saif Ali Khan does nothing path-breaking. But he sticks to the genre and doesn't go overboard.

The children give an endearing performance. At times though, Angelina Idnani (Princess) was given dialogues that were too mature for her. The voiceover especially was certainly overkill. Their characters and situation looked like it was heavily drawn from Itni Si Baat (1981), Life Is Beatiful (1997). Someone I would have loved to see more of, would be Jaaved Jaaferi. Why wasn't he allowed to shake a leg or two? At least they gave him the best lines that he delivered with his "Videocon Flashback" style.

Everything was just about average, acting, direction, screenplay, story, editing (it could very well have been cut short by a good 15-20 minutes). But, while I scoffed every time I was asked to suspend my disbeliefs, the scene was accompanied by a shade of creativity that kept me entertained. And gradually, without realizing it, I was rooting for R V (Saif) and didn't care how many cinematic liberties the director would have to take to make this end happily ever after. So, somewhere along the line the characters and plot touched a soft spot and I didn't want bad things to happen to them.

Whether it is indeed a feel good movie or not you will have to check out for yourself. I would wait for the video if I didn't have to review this one. But if you are in the mood for well-shot car races and sweetly picturised songs, don't miss it in the theaters, and take the kids along.

2/5