By Martin D'Souza, Bollywood Trade News Network

This summer, get set to hear a familiar tune that goes TA RA RUM PUM! Yashraj Films movie packs a punch in all departments of movie-making – content, performance, dialogues, lyrics, location, music, background score, cinematography… and what have you. But yes, for a movie which banks on speed, it goes slow because of the time-factor — a little over two-and-a-half hours is a bit much these days. But no one’s complaining!

Saif Ali Khan carries off the film with a maturity that can be associated only with someone who understands cinema. Here is a man who only keeps bettering his last performance. This Khan is truly in business and I’m sure he has amassed a huge fan-following. As a husband and a doting father, Saif performs with aplomb. His comic timing, too, is something to write home about. Clearly, you can safely bracket him in the big league of actors and business-wise, I’m sure producers know that this dude can rope in the audience and help them break even in the first week of a film’s release. In short, an actor you can bank on commercially as well as talent-wise.

Javed Jafferi is coming into his own, as well. Paired last with Saif in SALAAM NAMASTEY, which, incidentally was also directed by Siddharth Anand, Javed provides good laugh moments in the company of Saif. “My brother from another mother”, and “when anyone fails in life in the US they become taxi drivers,” elicits rounds of applause from the audience. Every time he comes on screen, there is an air of anticipation for another round of laughter.

Rani Mukherjee. What can you say about her? She is top notch. Dances with grace, and emotes with ease. At the drop of a hat she can take you from rooting for a win along with her, to shedding tears. Watch out for the scene where she fills her hand-bag with food from the buffet table to take home for her kids. Also watch out for the scene where her son attacks the dustbin for food. Moving. And yes, very real!

It’s difficult to film cars on a race track. In fact it’s difficult to shoot any sport for a movie. And mention here must be made of Binod Pradhan’s cinematography. One word. Superb. On the race track as well as his low camera angles which brings to life New York’s high-rises.

You have speed, drama, plenty of emotions and good music. And a pair that rocks. Remember HUM TUM??? What more can one want from a movie?

Go sing, TA RA RUM PUM!

Ratings: 3.5/5