Ta Ra Rum Pum

It has been almost 4 weeks since release of Namstay London and there had been no other major release recently. So, being movie aficionados we were quiet looking forward to this fast track racing action.

It is difficult to describe this film in a regular way. As we say in India; it is just too "Filmy"! It has all regular ingredients of a successful movie - a happy family (with dog), a tragedy, the downfall and then back to success amongst tears and a kid in hospital... It can't get more FILMY than this...

Having said that, I must say that it is an entertaining movie with some nice locations, rocking music, meaningful lyrics and decent acting from Saif & Rani. Saif doesn't quite reach the heights in terms of performances he gave in Omkara or Parineeta, but still he is looking good as family man.

This movie won't surprise you at all, in fact it has all tried and tested bollywood masala (right down to the Indian flags in the final winning sequence).

I generally do not prefer to write long previews as readers (including me) find them boring. In short, don't watch this movie for some extraordinary movie experience, but watch it if you want some decent fun with family & kids.

And even so it may not be worth it. A "Rags to Riches, back, and back again" story that leaves much to be desired. And surprisingly the weak link is Saif Ali Khan - he sleep walks and grimaces through the role of RV, the cabbie turned NASCAR superstar who cannot hold on to his money. His kids are called Princess and Champ and there is even a cute dog. Rani is his wife who keeps the family on a steady path and always believes in her man. She was very cute early on as she fell in love with the cabbie, and she was very good later on as the burdened woman - the only reason to see the film. The songs were mediocre, the racing scenes were well done except for Saif flashing his teeth as though he was in some comedy routine. There were supposedly heartbreaking moments, but you felt not much as it was all so formulaic and often verged on caricature. There was not much of a story, and it is no wonder the film did poorly. New York landscapes and the Manhattan skyline, a new sport to focus on - these do not work without a decent plot.

So watch it if you are a die hard Rani fan - otherwise avoid.

Ta Ra Rum Pum" is generally reviewed as a feel-good family entertainer with a mix of romance, drama, and thrilling car races. While some critics found the plot predictable and melodramatic, others appreciated the film's sincerity, uplifting messages, and portrayal of family values. The movie's strengths include its catchy music, strong performances by Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji, and well-executed race sequences

The film's soundtrack, particularly the song "Ab To Forever," received positive feedback, and the visuals, especially the aerial shots of New York, were appreciated..

The movie's focus on family unity, love, and perseverance resonated with many viewers.

Siddarth Anand is back in the director's seat after giving us Salaam Namaste.This time,Saif Ali Khan plays Rajveer Singh aka RV who is a successful race car driver.He is joined by his wive Radhika aka Shona(played none other by Rani Mukherji) and their two children,Champ and Princess.

The first half we see RV having a rags to riches story from being a tyre changer to a successful race car driver.He is joined by Billy from "Speeding Saddles",a disintegrating race company.He also falls in love with Radhika and we see their courtship to their eventual marriage.Following that they have 2 kids and a wonderful house and a wonderful life.

So that's that right? Apparently not.RV's career takes a turn for the worst when he gets involved in an accident during one of his racing stints.One year later,he attempts to get back into the racing game but memories from his accident still haunt him to this day.He eventually gets fired from Speeding Saddles.Money is now suddenly a big issue and the family of five (of course the would have to include a pet dog wouldn't they?)have to experience to live the hard life.

The first half is filled with racing scenes (surprisingly well done)and as mentioned we see the courtship of Saif and Rani complete with two songs "Ab to Forever" and "Hey Shona".Second half we see the family of five living the hard life but yet ending the day with a positive outlook on life,that tomorrow will be a better day.

The film picks up toward the second half.The family of four (excluding Bruno,the dog) have good chemistry together.Saif and Rani,two strong performers together with the two children entertain us throughout.Its a feel good movie that ought to be watched with the whole family.Siddarth is still clearly missing his "Salaam Namaste" days where Javeed recycles his jokes and the restaurant manager from SN is also back in this film.Is this film hard hitting?No.But nonetheless,you are sure to have a good time.

it has nothing new to offer as it's utterly predictable. It's got those usual songs and dances, crying and laughing, outdoor locations etc. Siddharth Anand's second directorial effort shows improvement over his first (the first one being a ripoff of so many films and sitcoms). One thing I cannot understand is why he (or Yashraj films) chose to shoot the film in America? This could have easily been made in India, giving us more of an insight of the beautiful country. Don't we see New York in Hollywood movies and American sitcoms? Yashraj seems to be embarrassed to show India these days. Are they trying to suggest that India does not have locations worth showing in their films? I really liked Saif and Rani's chemistry in 'Hum Tum' which is why I gave this one a go. I wasn't disappointed where the two actors were concerned. Saif sort of repeats his 'Salaam Namaste' & 'Hum Tum' persona but does a decent job. One may wonder if he's trying to be Salman. Why does he have to take his shirt off in every film? Rani is brilliant and looks supersexy in her new look. Javed Jaffrey finally gets a decent part in a long time. Angelina Idnani is good in her scenes but she shouldn't have done the narration. Ali Haji just tries to be cute. Victor Banerjee has about three small scenes. Yet, he makes his presence felt.

The technological aspect stands out. Sound effects, visuals and cinematography are almost top notch. Background score is intrusive at times. Songs are forgettable but fit nicely with the screenplay.

I watched 'Ta Ra Rum Pum' with little expectation. In any case I wasn't expecting a realistic flick. Hence I enjoyed most parts of it. I wouldn't say it's anywhere near the best films of 2007 but still watchable. It does have its share of excessive melodrama (as almost all recent Yashraj films do) and deja-vu coincidences or accidents. In one sentence, this is more of a family movie, something you wouldn't mind watching with kids around.