Prem Ratan Dhan Payo Review

One line Review: A perfect Diwali treat and a complete family entertainer, the movie is sure a delight for Salman fans.

Positive Points: The collaboration of Salman Khan with director Sooraj Barjatya after 16 years once again creates magic on the silver screen. The movie is clean, involving, and the best part is that it entails the values of family togetherness. Salman Khan's lovable 'Prem' avatar and the smooth narration are the highlights of this family drama. The sets and the backdrop are apt and render a royal feel.

Negative Points: There are way too many songs in the film and they just pop up at random situations. Few of the songs are pointless and plain unnecessary. A few minor loopholes.

Plot: Prem Dilwala (Salman Khan) is a fun-loving, good natured guy who is a part of a Ram Leela group and performs the famous Diwali Ramayan Katha in his exclusive style. He admires the Royal Princess Maithili (Sonam Kapoor) who has started an NGO called Uphaar Trust. He donates his entire salary to her foundation and wishes to meet her in person. Princess Maithili is engaged to the Royal Prince Vijay Singh (also played by Salman Khan). Prince Vijay Singh is a man of principles and regulations. He often finds himself lonely and is stressed due to internal family issues. He is troubled by his brother Ajay and step sisters - Chandrika (Swara Bhaskar) and Radhika, who are fighting over property matters.

A few days before Vijay Singh's coronation ceremony, his younger brother Ajay (Neil Nitin Mukesh), plans for his accident so as to become the sole owner of the property. Fortunately, Vijay Singh survives but, suffers severe injuries. To project the Royal Highness from further such attacks, he is kept in a restricted secret fort by Deewan Sahab (Anupam Kher) who is a loyal worker of the province. Deewan Sahab finds a similar looking guy who is none other than Prem Dilwala and requests him to disguise as Vijay Singh, for a few days until the Raj Tilak ceremony. A hesitant Prem agrees to be part of this master plan only for Princess Maithili and while playing the role of the Prince, he falls in love with her. Prem Dilwala sorts out all the family disagreements with his charm and, reunites Vijay Singh's family. The plot unfolds further when the real Prince Vijay Singh comes back into the picture. Watch the movie to find out what happens next!

Direction and other Technical Aspects: The director truly understands what works best with the Indian audience. He understands the play of emotions exceptionally well, and has handled them beautifully in all his films. Barjatya has managed to bring out the best of Salman Khan in this movie. Also, the cinematography and camera work is brilliant. The narration is smooth and the film is high on melodrama. The sets are gorgeously designed. The special effects at the climax did not impress much. Overall, it was a pleasant experience watching a classic Rajshri Film.

Performances: Salman Khan essays both his characters with full conviction. His much awaited 'Prem' avatar is lovable and endearing. His emotional act creates magic on the big screen. It is a delight to watch him in such roles.

Neil Nitin Mukesh does a praiseworthy job. Though, he has relatively less screen time, he still manages to impress with his realistic performance.

Sonam Kapoor looks beautiful as the Royal Princess Maithili. Her performance is good in parts. While in some sequences she portrays her part well, she lacks depth in a few others.

Swara Bhaskar has a very small role in the film but, she makes her presence felt with her incredible performing skills.

Anupam Kher as the loyal Deewan Sahab, impresses the most. He does complete justice to his role, displaying every emotion aptly.

Armaan Kohli does not emerge well as an ideal villain. He gets funny while trying to be evil and reminds strongly of his character as the Ichadhari Naag from 'Jaani Dushman'. His act is a complete flop.

All the supporting actors are fairly decent in their roles.

Music: Too many songs. A few are good while others are unnecessary.

Final Verdict: 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' is a complete family entertainer and a beautiful Diwali extravagance to indulge in. The film touches the subtle realities of a family and relationships. The royal appeal and the massy depiction of the family issues earn all the brownie points. So, if you wish to have a quick happy escape from your current reality, this film is a must watch with your dear ones.