Prem Ratan Dhan Payo Movie Salman Khan Picture

The hype surrounding Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (PRDP) is tremendous, not just because of the presence of superstar Salman Khan, but also because of director Sooraj Barjatya - the duo has got back together after almost 19 years, having first come together some 30 years ago with Maine Pyar Kiya way back in 1989 - PRDP is this combo's fourth film together. Considering the immense popularity of Salman Khan and reputation of Sooraj Barjatya, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is opulence incarnate and is Rajshri/Sooraj's most expensive film to date. In short, this is a Salman Khan show from Scene A to Z. Having said all that, what exactly is Prem Ratan Dhan Payo story about? Here's all you wanted to know in 10 points without actually having watched the Salman Khan starrer: (Image Source: Bollywood Hungama)
Also read: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo box office collections at whopping Rs 40.35 cr (Image: Bollywood Hungama)
1. With Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (PRDP), the intent by Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya is to provide unadulterated entertainment, seamlessly merging romance, conflict, action and dollops of emotion-packed screen-time in an almost 3-hour magnum opus.
Also read: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo box office collections at whopping Rs 40.35 cr (Image: Bollywood Hungama)
2. A conspiracy is hatched to eliminate the prince, Vijay (Salman Khan), days before his coronation is to take place, by his younger brother (Neil Nitin Mukesh) who eyes the throne, riches and power. A lookalike of the prince (Salman Khan has a double role in PRDP), Prem, steps in at this point, who immediately proceeds to lose his heart to the prince's beloved, Maithili (Sonam Kapoor). (Bollywood Hungama)
3. Does the plot ring a bell? Well, there's speculation that Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is inspired by LV Prasad's Sanjeev Kumar starrer Raja Aur Rank [1969], an Indian adaptation of Mark Twain's novel 'The Prince And The Pauper'. However, the story of Prem Ratan dHan Payo bears a striking resemblance to Anthony Hope's novel 'The Prisoner Of Zenda' [1894], which has been adapted innumerable times on film, stage, television and radio. Having said that, the serpentine twists and turns in PRDP screenplay makes it stand out on its own. (Bollywood Hungama)
4. Sooraj's hold on the script is evident from the commencement of the film itself. Like always, the hallmark of his films is the undercurrent of emotions and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo depicts the bonding and conflict amongst family members skilfully. He uses vibrant colours [costumes, sets] and opulence to make it a visually arresting experience. In short, the drama is captivating, the emotional moments are punctuated wonderfully in the narrative [more so towards the second and third acts] and the finale, when the key questions are answered, enhances the seamless narrative.
Also read: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo box office collections at whopping Rs 40.35 cr (Image: Bollywood Hungama)
5. Blemishes? Too many songs in quick succession. Could've been avoided. The villains' track is half-baked and so is the culmination. The run time could've been shorter too. Like Sooraj's earlier films, Prem ratan Dhan Payo is embellished with too many songs, but the soundtrack this time ranges from excellent (title track) to hummable ('Jalte Diye', 'Aaj Unse Milna Hai' and 'Prem Leela') to plain mediocre. The title track is a chartbuster and its choreography is the icing on the cake. (Bollywood Hungama)
6. Every frame is crafted wonderfully, with the DoP capturing the grandiose sets with splendour. The background score is effectual at most times. Action scenes are limited to the finale. Dialogue are in sync with the mood of the film. A couple of lines do stay with you for sure.
Also read: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo box office collections at whopping Rs 40.35 cr (Image: Bollywood Hungama)
7. It's sacrilegious to envision any other actor enacting the part of Prem in a Sooraj R. Barjatya movie. This time around, Salman is cast in a dual role - while he takes to Prem, the simpleton, like a fish takes to water, he's competent as Vijay, the prince. What's interesting is, the two characters are as diverse as chalk and cheese, but it is Prem that's endearing and Khan Salman makes sure he interprets it well. (Bollywood Hungama)
8. Sonam Kapoor looks stunning, but more importantly, she carries her part well enough. Initially, her pairing opposite Salman Khan did raise eyebrows, but when you watch her in teh film, you realise that Salman and Sonam do make a good on-screen couple.
Also read: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo box office collections at whopping Rs 40.35 cr (Image: Bollywood Hungama)
9. The supporting cast consists of Anupam Kher, who is superb, his performance doesn't miss a beat. Cast in a negative role, Neil Nitin Mukesh underplays his part. Armaan Kohli, who appears in a biggie after a really long break, does a fine job. Swara Bhaskar is another talent who impresses with a power-packed portrayal. Deepak Dobriyal is fantastic and contributes to the laugh-out-loud moments. (Bollywood Hungama)
10. On the whole, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is a great Diwali entertainer for the entire family. The film will win abundant love (Prem), while its investors will reap a great harvest (Dhan), making it a memorable Diwali for all concerned. (Bollywood Hungama)