Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, (2007)

What are some words I could use to describe this film? Let’s see… the first that come to mind are tasteless, campy, trashy, over-the-top, and ridiculous. It was almost like watching a continuous stream of music videos with little connection to any semblance of a plot. Of course, it goes without saying that I was completely entertained.

Still, I feel it is my duty to point out one or two good points about this film. One was that, instead of being completely embarrassed by their broadly-drawn caricatures, all four of the primary actors seemed to embrace the trashiness and have fun with their roles. Secondly, I was pleasantly surprised when Tony from Bend It Like Beckham made a brief appearance! Okay, after two good points, I think I’m spent.

A brief synopsis: Alvira (Preity Zinta) and Rikki (Abhishek) meet in a train station, and end up trying to top one another with stories about how they met their respective fiancées (Bobby Deol and Lara Dutta). Rikki, against all odds, apparently won his Anaida’s heart while crashing at her hotel in Paris. On the other hand, Alvira’s beloved Steve rescued her from Superman. Each story is rife with plot holes and ridiculous extremes, but that is forgotten in the second half, because as it turns out neither Steve nor Anaida are exactly who they are supposed to be.

Tasteless? With songs called “Ticket to Hollywood” and “Kiss of Love,” what did you expect?

Campy? Well, just you wait to see some of the costumes and choreography for said songs.

Trashy? This is a Bollywood film with long kisses! I think the aunties next to me in the theater left in disgust.

Over-the-top and ridiculous? I don’t know if that’s the right term – is there anything more extreme I could use to more accurately describe this film?

Entertaining? Yes, if you want it to be – leave your brain with the ticket-taker, pig out on popcorn, and embrace the embarrassment that is Amitabh Bachchan’s ensemble, and you’ll enjoy every minute.