London Dreams
Directed by: Vipul Shah
Producer by: Aashin Shah
Starring: Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan, Asin, Rannvijay Singh, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Om Puri, Khalid Azmi, Babsy Artner, Brinda Parekh, Michael Gamarano, Manoj Pahwa,
Music Dir: Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani, Loy Mendonca.

Yet another musical 'London Dreams' by Director Vipul Shah. This one follows 'Namaste London' with his favorite star Akshay Kumar. In 'London Dreams' Shah repeats the popular duo of Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn who delivered the blockbuster 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' some ten years ago.

There is a controversy about the choice of the male leads by the director. While he claims that he couldn't sign on his favorite Akshay Kumar because of unavailable dates, industry circles are abuzz with the report that he had fallen out with Akshay.

The story of the movie is based on a two childhood friends - Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan. Ajay plays the character of a trained musician Arjun, while Salman plays Mannu. Arjun has a dream to perform at London's Wembly Arena to fulfill his grandpa's unsuccessful ambition.

But Mannu is not fond of music though he has the natural instinct for it. Arjun travels to London with his dream. He forms a band with Rannvijay Singh (Zoheb) and Aditya Roy Kapoor (Wasim). Arjun also asks Mannu to join his group.

Mannu becomes popular in London with his unique style. The story of the 'London Dreams' begins from here, when Arjun stars to get jealous of the growing popularity of Mannu. Asin is the leading lady in the movie. The trio of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy provides the music.

Both lead actors have been on top even recently. While Salman earned laurels in 'Wanted' in the recent past, Ajay Devgn scored a hit with the just released 'All The Best'. Add to this, a heroine who took the nation by storm with her very first Aamir Khan starrer 'Ghajini'. Plus, the son of former star Shammi Kapoor.

This is another matter that the actor's son decides to debut so late that the only role he can now get is of a bad man. So, the movie has a cast comprising Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Asin and Aditya Raj Kapoor. Alas! All they stand for is a film too colorful to stick to its soul.

Take a dip of superhit Hollywood film 'Amadeus', pour in some masala from desi films like 'Abhimaan' and 'Saajan', and also add to this a childhood track from 'Yaraana' and you have a script ready for 'London Dreams'.

If you are an avid watcher of Hindi movies you will still have some faded memories of Bobby Deol and Upen Patel starrer 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom'. And, if you have watched all these films then 'London Dreams' is going to be a pain in your neck. This is a mega budget movie. Vipul Shah is well known for his extravagancy in filmmaking right from his very first film titled 'Waqt'.

When the 'London Dreams' story moves on, the childhood friends develop rivalry, and few close buddies try to salvage the old relationship, but in vain. A film made on musical journey of not one but two protagonists must have some great music of the time.

But the trio of Shankar Ehsaan Loy has not really created anything new. All the songs that one listens to during its screening are so high on beats and acoustics that one can hardly make any sense of such noise in a musical film.

Director Vipul Shah falters at the very beginning by choosing Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan for the lead roles. They have come of age - both are forty plus - and it does show. So, the two don't look like they could (or, should) be chasing dreams.

And, they definitely don't connect with the young audience. Ajay Devgn fails completely in a role that requires innocence of a teenager and the zeal of a go-getter. The pair of Ajay and Salman may have done wonders in 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', but that was then and it was another flick!!

Asin seems to have done this film just to be in the big league. Having done a film with Aamir and then getting an offer to pair opposite Salman Khan will take any girl off her feet. But, now to reach the next King Khan (Shah Rukh) will be damn difficult for the lady after this film.

The film really only entertains when you have Salman on the screen. He is the only saving grace for 'London Dreams' and whatever business it will muster, it will be solely on his charm in this movie.

A great fan of Dharmendra, Salman does try to imitate him in a few scenes and does entertain. Mannu's foolishness is the best asset of this film. If you wish to see a film of Salman, you may opt for this. But if you are looking for a full entertainer, wait for one more week.