Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa (2004)

Atul Agnihotri's Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha could and would have been a good film if the story had not taken this entire turn lifted from Return to Me. The film's first half is just fun to watch. It is simple, lovely and we are introduced to a nice couple played by Salman Khan and Preity Zinta. This part is heartwarming, the story follows the couple's ordinary but enjoyable life. What makes this part particularly entertaining is the presence of the marvelous Preity Zinta, who plays a young doctor named Pari and Salman Khan's wife. Zinta is as natural and likable as always and she plays her role with conviction and style in a way that when she's on-screen, nothing else matters. But then the movie takes a drastic dramatic turn, and instead of Zinta we are left with her heart and with a Bhoomika Chawla, who plays one of her heart patients. Not only is it unoriginal, it's terribly clichéd. The story becomes awfully predictable, uninspiring and melodramatic. Nothing against Bhoomika Chawla, who was pretty good in the previous year's Tere Naam, but she really looks bland here and she often displays a kind of laziness in her expressions that is very tiresome, particularly when compared to the lively Preity Zinta, whom she is supposed to replace. As for Salman, he does a thoroughly good job, but again, more in the first half as the second one does let him down a bit. Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha is not a horrible movie for it has its moments. The music is nothing special but the title track, composed by master A.R. Rahman is quite nice. The final verdict is below average, not recommended, and sadly so.

Makes an amazing start, but the second half is disappointing. Preity Zinta and Salman Khan have a wonderful chemistry, you can literally see the sparks fly!Performances were alright, Preity stood out and grabbed the audience's attention every time, the vivacious role of Pari was very well handled. Salman also did a decent enough job, though this is not one of his best performances. Though I must say he stole the show in the second half. Bhumika Chawla didn't do justice to her role at all. Who is she and who gave her this role?! And who on EARTH thought she could do it!? She had a meaty role but did not execute it well at all. I wasn't impressed.The story is a candyfloss type, very romantic, bubbly, dealing with love/heartbreak etc. But once Preity left nothing took it forward. This could have been done brilliantly, it just needed the right push.Music is gorgeous, seems like one of the only amazing things. Directing and script, were cheesy, but OK.Could have been better!

This movie started off with a bang. Preity Zinta was her usual self, commanding the attention of the audience every time that she is on the screen. Salman Khan just didn't have the charm he had in Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. He appeared too busy showing off his muscles than actually attempting to make the audience believe he was capable of a loving relationship. Even worse was Bhoomika Chawla. Where did this girl come from and why has Bollywood allowed her to be on screen? She cannot act, she has no presence, and just stands there like a swollen lipped scarecrow. I think the film would have been saveable had a decent second actress been cast (imagine Kajol or Rani Mukherjee). Then at least the interesting nature of the plot could be carried out. But, alas, once Preity left the film there was nothing left for the audience to be entertained with. Poor music and dance numbers as well and extremely week supporting cast.

There are no glaring problems with this film, it just didn't quite cut it for me. The story is not the most creative thing imaginable, and is very predictable. This alone is true of many good movies though. Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha stumbles by presenting the story poorly... really I think better editing could have helped this film a lot. There are some downright bizarre directorial decisions, too, like a very ill conceived gay character who appears two thirds of the way into the film for basically no reason at all. The film lingers where it could pick up the pace, and some important scenes could be expanded a bit more. I can't really fault any of the acting, although Salman Khan's portrayal of grief gets a little flat and tiresome. Some of the cinematography could have been thought through a little more, in my opinion.The film has a few emotional high points, but overall is not worth the ride.