Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic

Yet, another Yash Raj films with their usual masala type of fun but what becomes evident here is that they seriously lack some original stories to back them up. Yes, it does feel nostalgic to watch a fairy cycle down a rainbow but then finally you wonder what kind of audience Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic looks for.

Rating: 3/5

It can not be called a complete children’s movie or the typical Yash Raj romance movie or a completely fantasy film. Not that you completely dismiss the film for its different flavors for already hit films, it has its subtle moments that make one realize that director Kunal Kohli handle this light-hearted entertaining flick well. He somehow manages to keep the wheels running for Yash Raj.

After giving some phenomenal flops like Tashan & Aaja Nachle, Yash Raj finally can have a broad smile if not a complete grin on their face riding on the back of four kids, an angel and a busy businessman. If you go with the mind set in for an easy entertainment and some magic and some bright colored special effects then, you would probably never be disappointed. The film releases at a very appropriate time, when kids are all set to pack bags to school, parents can actually accompany their lil’uns for some fun.

One would have a smile through out to see the kids playing pranks of Saif and how he wins their faith in him. He may have worked with seasoned actors like Rani, Saif, Aamir etc. but when it comes to managing one kid is a tough thing itself but Kunal did pretty well with four kids and that deserves an applause. Even though there were huge comparisons drawn between the Hollywood flick Mary Poppins, Kunal had maintained that it is not based on this flick, he however can’t commit that the film is absolutely original.

You find some moments taken from, Mary Poppins, the magical trips of the kids, a Nanny McAfee, say creating a connection with parents, and an Enchanted for the fairy trying to hook the busy businessman to Ameesha. Through out the film, you feel that you have seen this before, that takes you back to your teen days when you probably liked some light Disney classic films. Kunal scores on the managing it well part and of course Indianizing it for us. The special effects are good, the actors look fresh and the bright colors take you for a feel good mood.

As the title suggests, the film has little love and little magic. Though you find more magic and love sprinkled in between! Saif plays a busy businessman Ranbeer Talwar who has always lost the things he has ever loved and this has left his bitter. A pretty unusual road accident where he should have been imprisoned for the better of him, he gets to take care of four children Vasisht, Avantika, Aditi and Iqbal who have been orphaned by the accident.

The kids are not easy enough to understand the court verdict and hate Ranbeer for obvious reasons. They try their best to irritate him to a major extent. Ranbeer himself has been brought up in an orphanage but his fate changes with his academic achievements. He understands what it feels to be an orphan but that hardly makes him agreeable to the kids who are bent on revenge. His girlfriend, the bimboo Malaika (Ameehsa Patel) with her fake British accent is hardly of any help and Ranbeer finds himself praying to god for help.

God Rishi Kapoor, dressed up in an all holy white costume, summons his favorite fairy Geeta (Rani Mukherji). Rani has been a chirpy and pranky fairy who loves to have fun all the while. Geeta soon descend to earth, riding her smart bicycle and lands up at the Talwar household. She takes up immediate control and at times authoritatively and at times using magic, she manages to create a bond between the kids and Ranbeer. She even tries to help Ranbeer find a partner in Malaika. Ranbeer and the kids are now happy together and Geeta’s job is done and she has to return. The rest is to be found out in the film itself.

The music by Shankar, Ehshaan and Loy is not so great. Other than Lazy Lamhe and Nihal Hogayee, the rest of the songs are just ok.

The cinematography is pretty well done. Rani looks good but could have used a better wardrobe. Saif is restrained and his scowls are awesome. Rani and Saif chemistry on screen is something that was expected. Takes you back to the Hum Tum days! Ameesha looks slimmer than ever and her job in the film is to just add to the feminine factor of looking sizzling hot. Finally the film belongs to the kids and they do a splendid job. Be it playing pranks on Saif or showing great understanding between themselves, they are just too good. They have a surprisingly superb chemistry among themselves.

The film is good watch with the family. Though the adult element in the film makes you wonder if you want to take your kids for the film.

On the whole, a good entertainer.

Rating: 3/5