I have an impression of how Sooraj Barjatya makes his films starting from Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Hum Saath Saath Hai and Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon he has always made over the top movies. Showing everything bigger than life the family, the relationships, the ceremonies and everything he does.
So when I had heard of Vivah, I had very low expectations from what to expect from this Rajshri Production cropper the same old story of two family, marriages etc. On top of that I read the story of it poor town girl, rich city boy arranged marriage story. Oh, I am totally out of this crap I said to myself.
Six months later Vivah was celebrating its silver jubilee in a small town of North West India Jaipur and still running strong. That interested me a bit, and I started reading some internet reviews. I found that the movie has flopped miserably in metros and cities, but is doing great business in small towns and villages. Oops .That factor took my notice and when the occasion came I decided to give this boring Indian saga a go, just to see what is on the cards.
The story is about a small time merchant (Alok Nath) and his family wife (Seema Biswas) and two daughter one own (Amrutha Prakash) and another adopted daughter (Amrita Rao). The family gets an invitation of engagement from a Delhi based business man's (Anupam Kher) son (Shahid Kapoor). The family meets, the boy likes girl, the girl likes boy, engagement is held immediately, and after 6 months the marriage date is fixed. The only problem is that Seema Biswas does not like to give importance and spend too much money on Amrita. On the day of marriage there is a fire in the house and Amrita saves the life of Amrutha that changes the Seema Biswas' heart. But will the boy Shahid Kapoor still marry Amrita who has suffered 40% of burns on her body.
So the story is simple. The Director Sooraj has kept the traditional Rajshri production style - keeping the basic strong. And what is the basic? Indian family values, tradition, respect, love, sacrifice etc. But this time Sooraj has learned his lessons and kept the story simple. He has not gone over the top on any occasion. The sets are simple, the story format is simple, the sets are simple, the dialogues are also not over the top, but reflective of emotions. And this format marvels and fits Rajshri tradition. It was such a relief to see a true Rajshri movie after such a long time more than two decades I think.
The stealer of performance is given by none other than Seema Biswas in a very complex role of a traditional and jealous mother. She speaks so less with her mouth but tremendous with her eyes. When she opens her mouth and speaks a few words just venom comes out of it. Great acting! She becomes the capital stone of the movie on which the script hinges.
Remaining actors have performed their roles diligently. The music by Ravindra Jain is the biggest let down, except the single song Hum Ko Hak Hai, which is melodious.
In usual Sooraj Barjatya style, the life of small town street where the house is situated is built on the set. But still the detailing is good and only a keen eye that spots the existence of set.
Overall a movie that fairs above expectations.
(Stars 6.5 out of 10)
So when I had heard of Vivah, I had very low expectations from what to expect from this Rajshri Production cropper the same old story of two family, marriages etc. On top of that I read the story of it poor town girl, rich city boy arranged marriage story. Oh, I am totally out of this crap I said to myself.
Six months later Vivah was celebrating its silver jubilee in a small town of North West India Jaipur and still running strong. That interested me a bit, and I started reading some internet reviews. I found that the movie has flopped miserably in metros and cities, but is doing great business in small towns and villages. Oops .That factor took my notice and when the occasion came I decided to give this boring Indian saga a go, just to see what is on the cards.
The story is about a small time merchant (Alok Nath) and his family wife (Seema Biswas) and two daughter one own (Amrutha Prakash) and another adopted daughter (Amrita Rao). The family gets an invitation of engagement from a Delhi based business man's (Anupam Kher) son (Shahid Kapoor). The family meets, the boy likes girl, the girl likes boy, engagement is held immediately, and after 6 months the marriage date is fixed. The only problem is that Seema Biswas does not like to give importance and spend too much money on Amrita. On the day of marriage there is a fire in the house and Amrita saves the life of Amrutha that changes the Seema Biswas' heart. But will the boy Shahid Kapoor still marry Amrita who has suffered 40% of burns on her body.
So the story is simple. The Director Sooraj has kept the traditional Rajshri production style - keeping the basic strong. And what is the basic? Indian family values, tradition, respect, love, sacrifice etc. But this time Sooraj has learned his lessons and kept the story simple. He has not gone over the top on any occasion. The sets are simple, the story format is simple, the sets are simple, the dialogues are also not over the top, but reflective of emotions. And this format marvels and fits Rajshri tradition. It was such a relief to see a true Rajshri movie after such a long time more than two decades I think.
The stealer of performance is given by none other than Seema Biswas in a very complex role of a traditional and jealous mother. She speaks so less with her mouth but tremendous with her eyes. When she opens her mouth and speaks a few words just venom comes out of it. Great acting! She becomes the capital stone of the movie on which the script hinges.
Remaining actors have performed their roles diligently. The music by Ravindra Jain is the biggest let down, except the single song Hum Ko Hak Hai, which is melodious.
In usual Sooraj Barjatya style, the life of small town street where the house is situated is built on the set. But still the detailing is good and only a keen eye that spots the existence of set.
Overall a movie that fairs above expectations.
(Stars 6.5 out of 10)