Indian Babu  Movie Review

A clich?cript, with nothing fresh in its presentation either, sums up Himalaya Motion Pictures' INDIAN BABU, directed by Lawrence D'Souza.

Dil (Gurleen Chopra) is the daughter of Sharad Babu (Alok Nath), a debt-burdened farmer. She is engaged to Abhay (Rajat Godwa), son of the rich village tyrant, Thakur Suraj Pratap Singh (Mukesh Rishi). Dil has a hole in her heart and has to undergo a surgery. Abhay's uncle Karan Thakur (Mohan Joshi) decides to take her to London.

In London, Dil falls in love with Jeet (Jaz). Dil's surgery is successful, but she is forced to come back to her hometown in India. Jeet is baffled and is left heart-broken on the streets of London.

Unable to bear her loss, Jeet flies down to her hometown. Truth also dawns upon him that his parents back in London had adopted him. He even tracks down his real mother and eventually reunites with Dil.

The story of the film bears a striking resemblance to the blockbuster DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAYENGE. Of course, the writers, in this case, have added several twists and turns in the plot to make it look different. But the outcome is uninspiring.

While the story lacks freshness, with the viewer guessing what would follow next, even the screenplay lacks intensity – so vital for a love story. There are moments in the film when the viewer starts getting restless, purely because the tried and tested formula gets on the nerves after a point.

The only saving grace is Nadeem-Shravan's music. The film does boast of a few good compositions, which have been picturised [Chinni Prakash, Rekha Prakash] deftly. 'Rabba Rabba', 'Aap Humse Pyaar Karne Lage Hain' and 'Dil Muqaddar Se Yaar Milta Hain' can be singled out.

Director Lawrence D'Souza seems to have relied on a plot that has been attempted time and again. Also, his direction leaves a lot to be desired. Neither are the romantic portions tender, nor are the dramatic ones fiery. But Lawrence does score as a cinematographer. Especially the locales of London are a visual treat. Even otherwise, the cinematography is consistent.

Both Jaz Pandher and Gurleen Chopra try hard to infuse life in their characters, but fall short of expectations. Jaz looks nice in a couple of scenes, but needs to brush up his acting skills. Gurleen is unconvincing.

Mukesh Rishi does fairly well. Johny Lever tries to evoke mirth, but doesn't quite succeed. Mohan Joshi is alright. Alok Nath is fair. Jaspal Bhatti has been wasted.

On the whole, INDIAN BABU disappoints. At the box-office, a weak script, plus a weak opening will add to its woes.