R… RAJKUMAR (HINDI: ENGLISH SUBTITLES)

Before reviewing this typical “Bollywood” musical extravaganza, I will address those of you who have requested more substantial fare; there is a plethora of scintillating, intense, inspiring films gushing from major directors in India; it is not all fantasy, super heroes,  laughter, tears and joyful “Oklahoma” endings. In the future I will suggest a more meaty flick, available on Netflix, to satisfy cravings for intricate, dark, philosophically hearty scenarios, that many desire, demand from their filmic experiences.

“Life in a Metro”, 2007 film from director Anurag Basu, is a  beautifully, sensitively acted  (Irfran Khan, Shilpa Shetty, Konkona Sen Sharma) story reminiscent of “The Apartment” and “Brief Encounter”; in depth analysis of relationships, marriage and the myriad of choices multi-generational couples must address as years melt away. Totally enchanting.

Whereas, “R….Rajkumar” is saccharinely silly with Shahid Kapoor as naughty, trickster “Raj”, wooing the wholesome, lively “Chanda” (voluptuous, Bollywood beauty Sonakshi Sinha) away from an arranged marriage with Raj’s amoral employer, sinister “Shivraj”; actually found Sonu Sood’s performance engrossing, intriguing; saving the film from preposterous, ponderous mediocrity.

The aerobic dance sequences are stunning but cannot compensate for the petite physique of our hero Raj: originally named “Rambo”; wise decision to eliminate a sobriquet so inappropriate for talented, diminutive Mr.Kapoor; despite his size, he fells hundreds with the might of “Thor” and the balletic grace of Baryshnikov.

TWO & 1/2 STARS!!

For Now…..Peneflix