When two different worlds fuse to form one thing, there are two scenarios- the first being that it is a superhero a la Superman himself, or maybe Spiderman. In that case, it is only so much you can do as marvel about the wonders of nature and wish secretly that your superhero saves you one day or better still, your fortunes too take a turn like his. The second scenario is not as pretty- what you get is an ugly mutant that destroys everything and one that you can’t stand to look at.
Rating: 1.5/5
In this age of fusion, Marigold is an experiment gone wrong because instead of scenario no. 1, it is most definitely the second. A lot of PR was done prior to the release of the film and needless to say, it was touted to be the next best thing after sliced bread- Salman’s first cross over film. Unfortunately the supernova turned out to be a mere fizzle.
Ali Larter in Marigold
Predictably, the film is about an American actress falling for an Indian one. The fault lies not in the mediocrity of the plot, but on that of the story. You see, Marigold (Ali Larter) is an American actress and after a long and arduous journey, finally reports for shooting in Goa. Only, once she is there she finds out that the Hollywood production has been scrapped for financial reasons and the maker forgot to tell her about it. Stuck in an unknown place with a lot of bad luck for company, fortunes seem the change when she lands a minor role of a blind girl who is the reincarnate of an “item girl” (Wow, at least that has to be given complete originality credit). Anyway, things just keep getting better as she falls for a choreographer/actor named Prem (Salman Khan), who is in the film too. But sadly, as their love deepens, Prem forgets to mention that he is a prince and as in most royal families, already has a bride in waiting. As the ugly closet is opened, we see classic Bollywood when Prem gives up his happiness for tradition and the day is saved by his fiancée (Nandana Sen) who doubles up as fairy god mother. The rest, dear friends, is history.
In case you still have doubts about how good it is, let me help you. First of all, which Hollywood actress would sit on a 20 hr long flight to Bombay and then hire a rundown car to Goa (another 10 hrs)? Don’t know about films, but in the real world, she would be hopping mad. Plus, would it not a dream to just get a movie like that? Willard Carrol should really get his facts right because the sets that are supposed to show Bollywood look like something out of our Saas-Bahu serials.
Ali Larter and Salman Khan in Marigold
Coming to the acting, Ali Larter seems to be confused as one minute she is tough American gal and the next, Barbie in love. Seriously, make up your mind! And the biggest shock is Salman Khan himself. It was hard to get his dialogues because of the peculiar half Indian-half American accent he sports throughout. It’s quite embarrassing, actually. Besides, as if that was not enough, he insists upon trying to talk with his mouth closed. Maybe he is seriously thinking about a career in ventriloquism.
Ali Larter and Salman Khan in Marigold
My advice to you is that you are better off sitting at home watching ABCD movies on DVD rather than wasting money over this wilted flower.
Rating: 1.5/5
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Actually, I enjoy the Bollywood musicals. If one likes Bollywood musicals, they will like this one. It’s in English, no subtitles, either… Also, I noticed attention has been given to the cinematography: very eye catching…
I agree that the movie is predictable. If you’re looking for something of academic or intellectual substance – walk past this one. However, if you just want to have fun and get lost in a “feel good” movie (with a character reversal) try it… It may grow on you. It did for me.
I can’t get enough of this fairy tale fun movie. The setting(s) are beautiful and the dancing is uplifting to watch. I highly reccommend this movie for the scenery, a fairytale romance and not to mention and gorgeous leading man!
I just happend across this movie a few weeks ago and I think it’s great! I like the Bollywood movies and I think it is a sweet film, a little corny, but I like that, too. I agree with Patty’s response, it definitely grows on you. I have it on dvr. Salman Khan is easy on the eyes as well.