> Partner

I had gone to PVR to watch this and I went with very low expectations. I was going mainly because Katrina Kaif was part of the movie.

But the movie started off very well and the first half was a total laugh riot. I absolutely loved the movie.

As with all Hindi movies, it is absolutely idiotic and most of the things dont make sense. One moment they are in Phuket and the next they are supposed to be in Bombay. This 'Bombay' looks nothing like 'Bombay' at all. Not a single Indian car in sight...

Another time Salman Khan and Lara Dutta are in Bombay and the next scene is a song and the location look absolutely nothing like Bombay. Ridiculous.

Anyway, these are juts two examples. but for a Hindi movie, these things are expected. If you didnt expect it before, then wake up and start expecting it from now on at least

CAST:

Prem --- Salman Khan
Bhaskar --- Govinda
Priya --- Katrina Kaif
Naina --- Lara Dutta

Directed by David Dhawan

Story

The story is basically this. Prem (Salman Khan) has a way with girls always. He realises this and becomes a love guru for all young(and old) men out there who contact him.

This whole introduction of Prem's character itself is hilarious. With a small school going kid asking for his advice.

Then we are introduced to Bhaskar (Govinda) who is an overweight, not-so-good looking man who has fallen for a girl. This girl happens to be a very rich heiress and not mention one of the most beautiful women in the country.

Prem tells Bhaskar to give up as he cant help him.But Bhaskar does not lose hope and follows Prem on his holiday to Phuket (Thailand) and harasses him there as well !! He meets Prem's sister and her two cute children.

There is another ridiculous scene involving Prem on a water scooter and a rocket (built by none other than Prem's nephew who cant be older than 10). But it is quite funny at times.

After this Bhaskar is insulted by Prem and he leaves on a bus to go back to India. But the bus meets with an accident and when Prem goes to the hospital, the doctore tells him that the passenger in Seat number 15 named Bhaskar died. Prem feels really bad and over Bhaskar's body covered by a white cloth gives a small speech.

But as it turns out, Bhaskar is hale and hearty as he had exchanged his seat with another guy.

After this, Prem agrees to help Bhaskar.

In the movie, until this point it is not made very clear that Bhaskar actually works as a financial advisor for the company owned by his love Priya Jaisingh (Katrina Kaif) who is worth Rs. 1000 crore. In this board meeting, Bhaskar does some really idiotic things which makes sure that Priya notices him. He does all this on Prem's advice.

From here on, the story moves on all the while being extremely entertaining. Some of the humour is slapstick, but it is funny.

Another character is introduced early on in the movie. Chota Don (Rajpal Yadav) which is basically a parody of SRK's DON. He is hilarious. Absolutely hilarious.

Naina (Lara Dutta) is a gossip reporter and while taking pics of the elusive criminal, she is spotted and is being chased by the don's men. She is saved once by Salman Khan.

The next time the two meet, it is under similar circumstances as she is again running away from Chota Don and his henchmen.

After finding out her address, Prem goes to her house and is attacked by a bunch of kids lead by one who happens to be her son. On realising this, he gets very disappointed and walks away as he thinks she is married. But her son Rohan informs him that she is a single mother.

She makes it clear to Prem that to win her heart, he has to first win her son's heart.

So, these parallel stories keep moving. It may sound boring but trust me, it is not. It is hilarious. The antics of Bhaskar and Prem's attempts to bring him back on track are absolutely hilarious.

Prem tries to teach bhaskar how to dance "classily", but when it matters, Bhaskar goes back to his "tapori" way of dancing.

Just when Bhaskar is about to kiss Priya for the first time, her father intrudes and Bhaskar meets him for the first time. by this time, it is clear that Priya has fallen for this wierd, eccentric guy.

But at this time, it is revealed that she is being taken away to Rajasthan to forcibly marry another firangi millionaire.

Naina has entrusted Prem with taking care of her son while she is away from Bombay on business.

Prem, Rohan and Bhaskar all make their way to the mansion in Rajasthan where the wedding is going to be held and try to convince Priya's dad to see true love and allow Bhaskar and Priya to wed.

While there, they meet Naina who is also there as she is gossip columnist.

Another song follows.

you would think that the movie ends and everyone lives happily ever after. but no, a guy called Neel goes to the Love guru asking for tips on how to have a one-night stand. Prem walks away disgusted as helps only people truly in love. But Neel manages to sleep with the girl who happens to be Naina's best friend(Aarti Chabria). Naina confronts Neel and she gives her the love guru's number.

Naina and her friend ask another male friend to pretend he wants help and call the love guru and this way, Naina finds out that Prem is the love guru.

she publishes a front page report abt how Prem tricked Priya into falling in love with Bhaskar. Bhaskar is fired from his company and Priya is abt to be packed off on an overseas journey.

This is where Prem confronts her on her yatch and tells her the truth. she reveals that she loved the tapori dance and the way Bhaskar taught her to whistle and all his idiosyncrasies.

Prem realises that all his efforts to stop Bhaskar from being himself have been wasted as Priya has fallen in love with the real Bhaskar. He reveals this and just then Bhaskar comes on the scene and they get back together.

Now, he has to repair his relationship with Naina. He goes to the church and in front of everyone tells her the truth abt Neel. Also, Rohan (Naina's son) tells his mom that Prem is perfect for her and she wont find a better guy than him.

So, they also get back together and get married.

The final scene of the movie is when both the couples are celebrating their honeymoon and Prem and Naina are frequently interrupted by Bhaskar asking for tips as to how he should be with his wife.

This is a bit tacky, but funny nevertheless.

Screenplay

The screenplay is poor. Many times you need a second to figure out where the characters are. And what is supposed to be Bombay looks nothing like Bombay at all.

Direction

The direction is really good. The comedy scenes are very well directed. There are hardly any emotional scenes which is a very good thing. Even during the so-called serious scenes, there is some sort of humour.

Music

The music is absolutely superb. I really liked the songs. Of course, the songs are useless, but you wont really complain when you have Lara dutta and Katrina Kaif looking this good and prancing abt in revealing clothes.

Even in the title song "Oh partner", you wont mind the video even though bot hthe heroines are not there simply because the song has been shot in Phuket and you have tons of bikini clad babes !!

Verdict

The screenplay is shoddy, the story is flimsy, the direction is good and the music is the best part.

But this movie is well worth a watch simple because of the humour. Govinda and Salman Khan are the best parts of the movie. And not to forget Rajpal Yadav. He is also very very funny.

For some mindless entertainment, this is very good. Dont look for logic, reason or anything.