Pardes (1997)

not as good as all the hype

Masterful Movie

I gave it a 7.5 out of 10

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

Pardes is very long and a touch predictable. Still, it's not a bad watch and could have been a good film with better editing. Shahrukh gives an uncharacteristically restrained performance, although he does go over the top towards the end. Mahima is charming but overdoes the cuteness. Amrish Puri is solid as usual. Apoorva Agnihotri is weak. The songs are great. I specially liked the gentle "Do Dil Mil Rahen Hain". The film goes overboard in its depiction of NRIs and I can understand why some reviewers hate it. The patriotism on display could have been toned down. Still watchable on TV/DVD.Overall 6/10

In its essence, Subhash Ghai's intentions were decent. He wanted to make a sort of patriotic movie about family values in India, respecting one's parents, loving one's home, etc. To illustrate this point as easily and "over abused-ly" as possible, he needed to draw a contrast with something. He decided to pick on Americans since he knows so much about them because he has watched a lot of TV.What could have been a decent storyline with a truly meaningful message, turned out to be a self-patronizing, American-bashing exercise. Each and every negative stereotype was used against the Americans, and even for the Indians. Ghai refused to do any learning or research on the subject, got a budget approved to shoot in Hollywood and took the team there to act like Americans.In short, the thing that Pardes teaches us is that Indians are family-oriented, have their feet on the ground, are humble, and keep their virginity for their spouses. Americans, or even Indian-Americans are vicious creatures that lust for flesh, respect no one, practice adultery.. and smoke.I'm sorry Mr. Ghai, nice try, but the project could have been a classic had it not been put in your reckless hands.

The story of this movie is reminiscent of Dilwalle Dulhania Le Jayenge, but it have it own joyful line.Pity that Shahrukh Khan isn't at his best performance, because Mahima Chawdary is fill the entire screen with her spell binding act. She laugh, she cry, she dance, she sings, and she always look convincing (and gorgeous). It's really a splendid performance for a debutante. It's seem to me that Shahrukh is subordinated by the stunning Mahima.Anyhow, the movie is better than the other typical Hindi Movies. There's nothing to loose to watch this one, because it have charming plot, charming cast, charming view and charming memorable songs, that will make you on the edge of your seat.8/10

This is an excellent film, Sharukh Khan gives an astounding performance as Arjun, Mahima Choudhary puts a lot of effort in to her character as the chemistry between Mahima and Sharukh shows throughout the film. This is a different film from the others as it concentrates on the differences between countries. The songs in the film are also meaningful and romantic. Overall, this film is one of my favourite films.