dangermousie | Jhoom Barabar Jhoom

Saw the delicious Bolly confection Jhoom Barabar Jhoom today, about two immigrants: a young Indian 'fixer' (played by Abhishek Bachchan, irresistable here) and a well-behaved Pakistani upper-middle class girl (played, sparklingly, by Preity Zinta). While waiting for a very delayed train, their paths cross and they entertain each other by the stories of how they met their fiances, glamorous Alvira (Lara Dutta) and super-rich Steve (played by Bobby Deol. You know, I might like him after this flick). But then...they find they are falling in love. What to do?

It's a movie of mind-blowing musical numbers (seriously eye-popping), a post-modern story (to say more would be to ruin it), full of delicious in-jokes (Abhishek says he knows Madame Toussaud's as they have some of 'ours' there and mentions superstars Amitabh Bachchan, his father, and Aishwarya Rai, his wife. LOL), movie riffs, and fresh chemistry between the leads.

Oh, and 'Bol Na Halke Halke,' the song picturization the link to which I posted here,is worth the price of admission by itself. Telling an independent fantasy 'what if' story (fanciful imagining of meeting under other circumstances by Abhishek), this is a complete 9 minute movie-within-a-movie, a swoony love story complete as a very short film.

Oh, and Abhishek? Charming and hot. Normally I am not about movie dynasties but he is a total exception. I am glad he is in showbiz and he certainly deserves every bit of his star status.

Go watch!