Movie Review : London Dreams (2009)

London Dreams: Salman – Ajay rock!

Rating: 3 out of 5*

Starring: Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan, Asin and Om Puri

Director: Vipul Amrutlal Shah

Arjun (Ajay) and Manu (Salman) are childhood buddies living in a Punjab village. Arjun passionately loves music and dreams of becoming a musical sensation like Michael Jackson and perform at London’s Wembley Stadium but his family hates music as it was the reason for his grand father’s death. But as after his father’s death, Arjun’s uncle (Om Puri) brings him along with him to London, he runs away to pursue his dream. Mannu grows up in the village turning out to be a good for nothing bloke who makes money by playing his band at marriage ceremonies. Meanwhile Arjun chases his dream and forms a band with two Pakistani brothers (VJ’s Aditya and Ranvijay) and Priya (Asin). When he realizes he is getting attracted to Priya he decides to hide his feelings and focus on music and only reveal to them when he fulfills his dream. He gets Mannu to London to join his band. But that he realizes turns out to be his biggest mistake. The naturally talented Mannu scores over Arjun in every department unintentionally and goes on to become a bigger sensation that a dedicated and hardworking Arjun. Jealousy starts creeping in for Arjun but the final nail in the coffin comes when he sees even Priya falling in love with Mannu. What sinister plan Arjun throws on an unsuspecting Mannu to destroy his musical career and what it all leads to forms the rest of the film.

Vipul Amrutlal Shah has delivered his technically best product till date with London Dreams. But apart from the technique its high on emotions as well. Vipul gives apt time for character development for each of his main protagonists. Devoid of unnecessary melodrama he captures the emotional moments with aplomb. Sejal Shah’s camerawork is of international standards. The night scenes are superbly lit.

Amongst the flaws, the climax is overstretched and the Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music not really up to the mark, especially the climax concert numbers. The song that comes after everything is over is too slow and a rousing number would have made for an apt grand finale.

Ajay is excellent in his part and one can see the best villain awards coming his way at the awards for this year. Salman seems to be enjoying himself and is extremely likeable. Though Asin is most of the time relegated to the background she puts up a nice act. Her chemistry with Salman works. Popular VJs Aditya and Ranvijay of Roadies fame make a good debut. Om Puri in a small part impresses as usual.

This film was originally planned over a decade back to be made by Rajkumar Santoshi with SRK and Aamir. Well, it may not star them now but makes for an excellent musical journey worth an experience in the big cinema hall.