Product: Salaam | Namaste
Rating: 3.0
A serious topic decredibilized by superficial dialogue
The theme of this movie -- two consenting adults living together must deal with an unwanted pregnancy very soon in their relationship -- might have been revolutionary by Indian standards, but it is no shocker for a Western audience. Its superficial plot, cliché dialogues, and out-of-the-blue dance sequences could have driven this movie into the ground in the absence of decent performances delivered by Saif Ali Khan (Nick) and Preity Zinta (Amber). Even so, overall the film is mostly forgettable, unless one believes that Khan's well-groomed biceps and Zinta's pretty dimples can make up for implausible situations, characters introduced but then soon forgotten, unexplained contradictions in the plot, and a slapstick finale that did not mesh well with the general narrative. Khan delivered a credible performance as the happy-go-lucky cook who only slowly warms up to the idea of assuming more responsibility for his actions. Occasionally his character is thoroughly deserving of antipathy. By contrast, Zinta's good moments are fewer, as she often overdoes it. Moms in the audience might hold their breadth when late in her pregnancy Zinta strains herself by constantly shouting and screaming, dancing vigorously, and running down the stairs. The Crocodile Dundee character was thoroughly insufferable, but picturesque Melbourne helped ease the pain.