Bunty Aur Babli (2005)

the story got lost...Rani and Abishek are not convincing as 20 somethings in the opening scenes in which the characters struggle against their parents. These two are too old to be playing 20 somethings! I wonder about Amitabh Bacchan these days - we seem to be watching him going through mid-life crises more and more in films these days. This was no exception, and we get to watch an aging 60+ year old man behaving 20 years younger on screen, flirting with women who in real-life are soon to be his daughter-in-law (ick!) It was sad to see him sort of beneath himself but if he doesn't mind...why should we? (p.s sorry to all his fans). He plays a "cool" tough cop in this film. He doesn't really act, as much as the dramatic music, cool shades and clothes, plus cheesy dialogue, sort of do the acting for him. His acting was terrible in this film, overacted scenes.About the other actors in the film, both Rani M. and Abishek respectfully ought to tame it down a little. Over-acting tends to be the style of Bollywood, but it would be nice if they tried something more subtle. Rani is probably the most natural, graceful Indian actress there is, in comparison to her peers like Aishwarya Rai, who hasn't mastered the emotional range and groundedness of her parts. But, Rani's acting style has mostly one dimension in this film - she seems to perceive everything as a joke, and is laughing in every scene, which is infectious and fun to see. The chemistry was unfortunately just not there in the pairing of the main actors. Abishek and Rani M. seemed more like brother and sister to me, than a passionate couple. Perhaps it's because Abishek and Aishwarya Rai are married now...knowing this works against the chemistry with them. I'm not sure I really want to see the chemistry between actors who are married to other people (!)The saving grace included the costumes - of which Rani goes through probably 100 literally; plus, the dance scenes in Bollywood films are always mesmerizing and spectacular in choreography and costumes - like wonderful mini-musicals.I was questioning at times why Rani M. and Aishwarya Rai are both willing to be half-naked, publicly exposing themselves, in their films, but I'm not sure they have a choice (?), and certainly male viewers aren't complaining.There was a little depth in the film too. I related to the struggle between the dual sides of Abishek's character - Bunti vs, Rakesh. Rakesh is his given name, and represents the life of his family, who are middle class and get up every day and work for a middle class living, and this lacked appeal to the young Rakesh. He used the name "Bunti" to describe the part of him that desired much, much more - things every human being wants at some point - lust and thirst for power, riches, glory, fame, and good looks. Isn't that battle within everyone?Abishek character's struggle with this identity is very real, a saving grace - I loved it.

Overall this movie is just about average . Some scenes are really humorous like Rani and Abhishek meeting at the rail station. Rani as usual sizzles and Abhi gives a fairly OK performance. Amitabh is not in his element except for the dance sequence "kajrare". Somewhat his performance can be termed as overacting. This man ( Amitabh ) is overworked and his age shows. He is burning at both ends. It is high time he slows down a bit. And now the piece de resistance of the movie : That is the music. The music is very good and all the songs are quite hummable. The music is quite experimental and unique.The story is plagiarized from a number of Hollywood movies, chief of which is "Catch me if you can". The plot is not detailed enough . For example the way the duo ( Rani and Abhi )dupe their victims , seems childish and there are many gaps in their schemes. But anyway the viewer can take all this in his stride, for after all this is a Bollywood movie and they are notoriously not meant to be perfect in their plots.All in all a passable fare..

i love this film and it was very good and i watch it so many time i don't get tired of watching and Rani looked wonderful and she did really good and i love you Rani Mukherjee so much. i love the way you look and i love you're hair style and you look pretty every movie you make and keep up the good work and i hope you do good in you future and keep up the good work and good luck in you're other movies and hope you do good and you look pretty in sari and you look good with Abhishek Bachan and you'll make a cute couple and hope to see both of you in any other movies and i love the way you act and that makes you look so pretty and smart and i wish you're all wishes and hope come true you're fan. Love Mandeep Kaur

This film was not bad, but it was not excellent either. The last quarter of the film was so botched that it makes you wonder if it was the same writer who wrote the beginning and middle who also wrote the end. It was such a shame to see such an upbeat riotous fun film go down with a clunk like that. Nevertheless, it was a hit at the box office and the Rani + Abhishek show proved to still hold heat. They play a couple of oddly matched lovers who go on a Robinhood type of crime spree through various parts of India, when they don't get their way in life and elude authorities for as long as they can. Personally, Amitabh Bachchan was wasted in his role as the police detective on their trail, to the point that someone as lovable as him gets annoying after a while. His role was overblown and not needed, to be frank. Aishwarya Rai shows up towards the last quarter of the film, to add some much needed spice to the now dragging on plot with her item number 'Kajra re' which she does stunningly well but not enough to save the rapidly souring storyline. Perhaps they should have included her in the script as a distraction for Amitabh's character, I don't know but at that point I'm thinking anything would have worked. I enjoyed the film, but it could have used a better plot twist and not to mention a better ending. Note to director: Never remake something you can't make better!