The storyline is simple to the point of simplistic. Bajirao Singham (Ajay Devgn) is an upright police inspector posted in a village near the Goa-Maharashtra border. Circumstances force him to take on Jaikant Shikre (Prakash Raj), a notorious criminal and the man responsible for the killing of an honest cop Rakesh Kadam.

Bajirao lands in the city of ‘Goa’ and the battle lines are drawn between the two. Over a period of time, Bajirao, ably supported by his girlfriend Kavya Bhosle (Kajal Aggarwal) manages to outwit the villian. What’s more, Bajirao’s policies force his corrupt colleagues to reform and switch sides.

A remake of the Tamil flick by the same name starring Surya, the movie has the Rohit Shetty stamp and leaves you feeling that this might well be ‘Golmaal-4′ in disguise. There’s a dash of ‘Dabangg’ to it with a mix of comic masala via the likes of Ashok Saraf and others. (more)

The first half of the movie has the backdrop of 70s, and the stars manage to get the 70s feel minus King Khan who just can’t hide his suave and sleek image of the 90s. But he manages to hold on to the faint storyline with his usual cheeky humour and one-liners. The scene, where he takes a swipe at Tamil cinema, is perfectly done. It will leave you in splits.

As a debutant, Deepika Padukone (pronounced as Padu-Cone, while her papa, Prakash Padukone, was referred to as Padu-Koney…err…does Deepika think Padu-Koney is down market?), puts up a decent performance although her acting skills are limited to dance numbers and 100-watt smiles.

Arjun Rampal has the best role of his career so far, and he doesn’t disappoint you either. His acting skills have improved by leaps and bounds, and his mannerisms in the movie make you feel the baddie in him. Shreyas Talpade, as Shah Rukh’s buddy, rocks with his deft touch. He is one actor who looks equally at ease portraying the 70s role as well as the post-interval image makeover.

Peppy songs add up to the mood when you feel the storyline is a bit dragging or lost its way. A song with 31 Bollywood stars is a clear indication to the fact that when King Khan orders, none of his ‘colleagues’ want to be left behind. Such is his clout.

Farah Khan could have managed to get the screenplay right after the interval. Too many twists and turns leave you confused. Rebirth, reincarnation, spirits…you name it, the movie has it. Farah’s directorial debut ‘Main Hoon Na’ was a much better product than ‘Om Shanti Om’.

Is Shah Rukh Khan, the businessman, looking for a ‘dummy’ director like Farah Khan to manage his home ventures henceforth? It is time for Farah to sign up with a different banner to prove her mettle as a director.

My rating for ‘Om Shanti Om’ is 2/5.

PS: There have been such bad reviews for ‘Saawariya’ that I have decided to give it a skip!

(Pic source: AFP, Reuters)

It looks like the man has been brought to take the coveted seat to unwind the stressed out office goers who are coming back to a rollicking Shah Rukh instead of a hot cup of chai. Grandmoms, moms and kids are keeping a perpetual smile to his wit and humour.

No surprise though. He is keeping the joke, spirit, energy and enthusiasm flowing by the minute. To Amitabh’s composure, there is Shah Rukh’s vigour. To Amitabh’s distance, there is Shah Rukh’s warmth. The composure and distance worked, the vigour and warmth is sure to see the superstar laughing all the way to the bank.

Sure Amitabh’s magnanimous presence and baritone voice is missing, but there is Shah Rukh’s wit, humour, persona, warmth, charm and intelligence in place.

There is no doubt that Shah Rukh Khan is a super star. But what is most admirable about him taking the coveted seat from Amitabh Bachchan for KBC 3 is that he has not taken his super star status for granted. Homework, effort, and sincerity – all is in place too.