Sooraj Barjatya have been known for making quality cinema that spawned some successful films like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun.. , Hum Saath Saath Hain and Vivah boasting off the tradition and culture of Indian family with tuneful music and grandeur sets. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, his fourth collaboration with Salman Khan and after gap of 16 years, has created hype and soared sky-high expectations. Unfortunately, the family drama disappoints and will leave you dissatisfied at the end.
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo tells story of royal family of Pritampur where a plot has been hatched to assassinate the young prince (Salman Khan) by his brother (Neil Nitin Mukesh) before the coronation takes place in the royal palace. A look-a-like of the prince, Prem, steps in to save the day. However, he falls in the love with bride-to-be of the prince(Sonam Kapoor).
Now Sooraj Barjatya has adapted the story from Anthony Hope's novel 'The Prisoner Of Zenda' (1894) and infused his family drama with typical song-drama routine. Master of presenting the values of Indian culture and custom on silver screen innumerable times, Sooraj Barjatya gives you a fine first half with grand opening scene of Salman Khan and introduction of each character coupled with bit humor. Till this point, the film is tolerable however the second half tumbles down the rabbit hole and refuses to pick up. The screenplay is messy with too much of things happening in quick succession and without any sensible reason. The problem is Barjatya follows the same path of his previous films ( he even borrows the sports scene from Hum Aapke Hain Koun
this time replaced by football in this one) which actually become a mockery in the end. Another issue is too many songs which is misplaced and is included in every ten minutes between the scene. The climax which should have been the highlight of the film is diluted with weak action choreography and melodrama.
Sooraj Barjatya ( also credited with story and screenplay) is not in form this and clearly misses the mark. Coming from the director who made some outstanding cinema previously, I was disheartened. The editing(Sanjay Sankla) is half-baked with weak dialogues that will spoil your mood leaving you unsatisfied. Cinematography (Manikandan) is spell-binding capturing the essence of Rajasthan and Gujrat. Art direction is eye-catching. Kudos to Nitin Chandrikant Desai for always innovating with unique style. Background score is jarring to ears. Music by Sanjoy Chowdhury and Himesh Reshammiya is tuneful but certainly not chart-bursting. Coming to the performances, there is only one reason to watch the film – SALMAN KHAN. The superstar is getting better with his expressions and emotes well throughout the film. He is adequately supported with fantastic performances by Anupam Kher and Deepak Dobriyal. The third and the final problem with the film is wrong casting (Vicky Sidana). Sonam Kapoor certainly does not fit to carry her part earnestly. It is high time for her to seriously take her acting lessons properly ( She is part of the industry for 8 years). I feel bad for a talent like Neil Nitin Mukesh getting wasted in half-baked character. Armaan Kohli is a letdown.
Overall, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is a big letdown with poor direction, wafer-thin plot and messy drama. If you are a die-hard fan of Salman, watch otherwise skip it. Below average 2/5
– Ketan Gupta
