Ajab Gazabb Love Review

A fun-n-comic family film with no hint of vulgarity, skin show or double meaning dialogues. Hard to find, isn't it? However 'Ajab Gazabb Love' makes that possible, what with it turning out to be a 90s style affair when such films were made in dozens, especially after the success of 'Hum Aapke Hain Kaun'. 'Ajab Gazabb Love', though not quite designed as a laugh riot, does well in at least ensuring that you see what unfolds on screen without getting much distracted.

A comedy of errors, the film is about a boy (Jackky Bhagnani) who isn't quite a 'faltu' despite being the son of a billionaire (Darshal Zariwala). He designs a new model for a car, works hard, doesn't quite party and falls in love after the very first sight of a pretty girl (Nidhi Subbaiah). However she detests rich people and in bargain, Jackky projects not just him but his entire 'khandaan' as 'gareeb'. One lie leads to another and though one doesn't quite get to see a riotous outing as is the case in such genres presented by an Anees Bazmee or a David Dhawan, it still turns out to be an engaging two hour affair by Sanjay Gadhvi.

While remaking Telugu flick 'Seema Tapakai', Sanjay and his writer (Mayur Puri) make sure that they remove certain unnecessary episodes from the final tale. While that is indeed good (the villain angle and the parody finale was a complete farce in the original), one does wish that the comic element was further enhanced in 'Ajab Gazabb Love'. Here it is good whenever an attempt is made to bring on a smile.

In fact in at least four places, the film manages to get the house down. Note Kirron Kher's over acting of being a blind woman, Jackky and Darshan Zariwala selling bananas followed by each of the two points in the film featuring Arshad Warsi (playing a servant turned 'fake' billionaire) - these scenes by themselves are worth the price of the ticket.

On the other hand Jackky makes sure that one notices his endearing act of a youngster who is running around to ensure that his bluff is not caught. He is confident, plays the part of being a family boy well and doesn't stray much except for a moment or two in a couple of dramatic sequences which could have carried better punch. In fact one also looks forward to an added punch in the film's finale but it arrives sooner than when would have expected, hence making one crave for some more humour, if not the dramatic element.

Still, if one keeps aside these points in the film, 'Ajab Gazabb Love' does well in unfolding at a good pace with each of the four songs coming at just the right time and also turning out to be visually attractive. Moreover, whether it is Jackky's dance or Nidhi's looks, everything fits in well to ensure that this Vashu Bhagnani production turns out to be a good looking affair. Also, even though the film stays away from being melodramatic, the solitary scene where the endeavour is to bring on tears (when Darshan Zariwala encounters a poor man and his son) does its job well.

Another man who does his job well is Arjun Rampal who has a proper role in the film and not just a cameo or a guest appearance. In fact he is there right from the interval point till the finale and makes his presence felt. In a double role of twin brothers separated by just six minutes, he is particularly impressive as the younger one. On the other hand Mayur, who plays Jackky's cousin, is just about okay.

Though this film isn't exactly in the same mould as a Barjatya affair, from the perspective of being a decent family entertainer which qualifies as a comfortable one time watch, this one fits the bill. In Bollywood parlance, it is a time pass film that makes for a harmless viewing.

Rating: ***