Movies by Sooraj R. Barjatya - Rajshri Productions

[sandeep]

I am taking the lead by kaytee and starting this thread as I want to know everyone's opinions on the past movies of this director... and his latest offering Vivah... a little background on his family-owned production house...

"The RAJSHRI group is one of India's largest, oldest and most successful entertainment conglomerates. Established on August 15, 1947,http:// we have, over the last five and a half decades, etched a very special place in every Indian heart and are today India's most trusted brand for wholesome family entertainment.

We have produced 50 Hindi feature films till date, many of which are among Indian cinema?s biggest hits. Especially our films MAINE PYAR KIYA, HUM AAPKE HAIN KOUN..! and HUM SAATH-SAATH HAIN, directed by in-house director Sooraj R. Barjatya, have been major blockbusters at the box-office and have enjoyed unparalleled commercial and critical success all over the world.

We also own India's largest and most comprehensive film distribution network with 22 offices covering the 12,500+ screens in every nook and corner of India." (quoted from their website www.rajshri.com) 

Back to the present... It all started with Maina Pyar Kiya, in 1989, an instant blockbuster, with superb music, which catapulted Salman Khan as a heart-throb into the industry... Then came Hum aapke hain kaun, in 1994, an even bigger hit, with equally good music, which did wonders for the image of Salman Khan and Mohnish Behl then, and of course, intensified Madhuri Dixit's already no.1 status... ( die hard madhuri fan here)... to test the director's 3rd outing (just like KANK for Karan), his Ramayan based movie 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' was an ok follow up to his previous successes, but he seemed to be loosing his grip, and not moving with the times, modernising his stories and approach...

Stepping away from casting Salman Khan, his disastrous 'Mein Prem ki Deewani hoon' in 2003,  tried to be modern but failed, looking tacky and a bit vulgar at times. Judging from Vivah, he has gone back to doing what he does best, exploring traditional Indian values through an innocent looking starcast, sticking to the story telling which is 'safe, family friendly with an appropriate message for both the classes and masses'. 

I would like to know your views on his past 4 films... and look forward to some bashing and (hopefully) some appreciation! 

[shariqq]

I think Hum Saath Saath Hain was a little misunderstood, and hence is under-rated. It is a wonderful family film, and Sooraj's direction is as good as it was in his earlier two movies, but more symbolic than dramatic. And more crowded than it ought to have been.

Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun...? - I loved these movies when I had seen them upon their release, and that "growing-years" movies will always have a nostalgic value attached to it. I will always be biased in my views of them (I don't want to judge them any other way either).

[kaytee]

Shahid Kapur is the Colin Farrel of bollywood. This movie is definitely going to bomb unless Rajshri ups their marketing efforts big time.

[shariqq]

Shahid Kapur is the Colin Farrel of bollywood.

ROTFL!!!

[sandeep]

I think Hum Saath Saath Hain was a little misunderstood, and hence is under-rated. It is a wonderful family film, and Sooraj's direction is as good as it was in his earlier two movies, but more symbolic than dramatic. And more crowded than it ought to have been.

Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun...? - I loved these movies when I had seen them upon their release, and that "growing-years" movies will always have a nostalgic value attached to it. I will always be biased in my views of them (I don't want to judge them any other way either).

I agree with you totally, the first two movies were very much the popular culture of our time, and are ingrained in our memory... I remember while in college when i was low i would turn on Hum Saath Saath hain, it was a feel good movie up till Saif and Karisma get engaged, i liked the songs, and i didn't miss home as much when i watched it... Vivah does need some innovative and aggressive campaign, but being old school as they are, i dunno if rajshri will pull it off...

[kaytee]

I honestly didnt bother watching Hum 7 7 Hain. Guess I was overdozed with the feel good, marriage movies. Hum Aapke Hain Kaun was the peak for Rajshris and nothing could have topped that.

The movie which I can never forget is QSQT. Young rebel just finished college, runs away from home with the girl he loves, that was inspirational to me when in school.

[shariqq]

I never did watch QSQT. Dunno why.

[sandeep]

I never did watch QSQT. Dunno why.

WHAT??? Shariq u have to watch that movie... its still as good as it was when it released in 1989... you know they shot two different endings for the movie, the older clan wanted one, the younger crew wanted another. They took the advice of the youngers ones... not only a super hit, superb performances, but it captures the innocence and strength of love very well! Pls watch it!

[sacred_promises]

I never did watch QSQT. Dunno why.

 

you sure haven't watched QSQT yet!!!!???