'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' review: Sonam's dignified but this is a Salman Khan show!

Film: PREM RATAN DHAN PAYO 

Starring: Salman Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Deepak Dobriyal, Swara Bhaskar, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Armaan Kohli

Directed by: Sooraj Barjatya

Rating: ***1/2 (Three and half stars)
 
WHAT’S IT ABOUT:
In the age of quirky, and cutting-edge cinema, a Sooraj Barjatya film obviously stands apart. That’s because he involves emotions at the root level – with no pretensions and no effort in trying to be different. So even while his canvas and production values get bigger, the core drama remains the same. PRDP is about Vijay Singh (Salman), a royal prince who lives life on his own terms. When his younger brother (Neil) and CEO (Armaan) try to kill him, the old and trustworthy manager Diwan Sahab (Kher) come to the rescue and somehow saves his life. Vijay Singh’s coronation ceremony is about to take place where his would-be bride (Sonam) is also going to be present. But the prince is still unconscious and the threat to his life still remains. Enter Prem Dilwala (Salman again), a happy-go-lucky chap who happens to be the prince’s lookalike. Diwan puts him in the prince’s place with strict instructions. But Prem is about to change everything – that includes reuniting a broken family and falling in love with a princess.

Also read: 5 reasons why Salman Khan-Sonam Kapoor's 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' is a must watch this Diwali!
 
WHAT’S HOT:
What differentiates a Sooraj Barjatya film from the rest, is the simplicity of emotions that he conveys through his characters. You go in thinking it would be outdated and obsolete in today’s times but it’s somehow it connects with you. In PRDP, Sooraj retains his ‘family drama’ finesse; only this time the backdrop is  grander than his previous films. There’s a bit of action added; the heroine is less guarded and the male protagonist has a roguish appeal even within his sugarcoated demeanour. The screenplay is classic Barjatya style – playful in the first half with conflict and intensity in the second. The film is lavish, full of color and impeccably filmed by ace cinematographer Manikandan. Sooraj cleverly works on Salman’s one-liners to bring in the laughs. The football sequence, despite its silliness, is a big highlight. The quintessential Sooraj Barjatya touch comes to the fore during the brother-sister scene, exceptionally performed by Salman and Swara. A lot of touches make you revisit the Rajshri of yore – references to the Ramayana; wicked family member turning a new leaf; parallel track between another couple; emphasis on food and mithai; respect for the elders… The film is a one-man-show – Salman Khan is almost in every frame of the film in both the roles. As the prince, he remains firm, dignified and regal. As Prem, he is more endearing, funny and down-to-earth. Somehow, he always reserves his best for Sooraj and PRDP is no different. Sonam Kapoor looks like a princess and adds a lot of dignity to her character. Anupam Kher is remarkably restrained and effective. 

Read more: Here's how Salman Khan's Prem Ratan Dhan Payo has already recovered 3/4th of its cost!
 
WHAT’S NOT:
Unlike his earlier films, Sooraj hasn’t been able to do complete justice to his secondary characters. None of them add much to the script. Even the baddies come without purpose and planning. The over-indulgence in songs (far too many) hasn’t paid off this time, particularly because Himesh Reshammiya hasn’t been able to deliver his best. That’s a big letdown. It’s because of the mediocre score that the film begins to feel lengthy. Maybe knocking off a few songs and a few minutes would’ve made the difference. 
 
WHAT TO DO:
PRDP is a must-watch for all Salman fans and will be best enjoyed with your family. Because no family film gets bigger than this one!