After more than 15 years, Hema Malini returns to the director's chair (and she assumes a supporting role) to make 'Tell Me O Kkhuda' (what's with this double consonant?). This is also perhaps Esha Deol's comeback or departure film. The plot echoes one of Hema's previous directorial ventures 'Dil Aashna Hai' which itself was a remake of a Hollywood flick. It has nothing fresh to offer as it feels stale, like another family drama for the late 80s/ early 90s except that here the songs are dreadful and they look like awful MTV videos.
Even the sequences that could have added some freshness, like the camel race, are poorly executed. The movie has a melodramatic tone. The plots regarding each of the dads are poorly developed, especially the last one (with Dharmendra and Hema Malini).
Esha Deol had an authorbacked role but it's not a well written one. She is good in a few sequences, especially the scene where she eavesdrop on her biological father expressing regret, but her overall performance doesn't particularly impress. Farooq Sheikh and Deepti Naval are a delight to watch even with their limited screen time. Rishi Kapoor is passable. Meltem Cumbul is likable. Dharmendra really hams it up while Hema Malini is wooden. It was nice to see Madhoo after years but she doesn't get much scope nor does Arjan Bajwa.
At least 'Dil Aashna Hai' offered good performances and has nostalgic value for me. As much as I like Hema Malini and respect what she's tried to do, 'Tell Me O Kkhuda' has nothing fresh to offer.
