Writer: Janak

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Watch this if you liked: “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge”, "Dil To Pagal Hai”, “Mohabbatein”, “Aaja Nachle”

One of the most eagerly awaited movies of the year marks the return of Bollywood heartthrob and king Shahrukh Khan (who didn't have any films released in 2008) and also the return of Aditya Chopra to the director's seat after some seven years. Yash Raj Films fans know that Chopra has always come up with something different and yet at the same time, keep to the usual romantic feel good movies. He succeeds again in his third and latest venture.

"Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" (God Has Made Us A Couple) tells the story of middle aged Surinder Sahi (Shahrukh Khan) who works for an electrical department called Punjab Power. As fate would have it, he has to marry a 19-year-old girl named Taani (Anushka Sharma). Surinder is a simple man with his daily routines but Taani on the other hand is a happy-go-lucky free spirit.

When Taani decides to join a local competition called Dancing Jodi, Surinder disguises himself and enters as well, just to get to know his young wife better. With the help of his barber friend Bobby Khosla (Vinay Pathak), he becomes loverboy Raj Kapoor. As Taani gets closer to Raj, she starts to forget her husband, without realising she is falling in love in with the same man.

Vowing to keep the runtime under 180 minutes, the director has given us an entertaining effort. He wrote only three characters for the movie. Shahrukh not only gives 110% but does splendidly in portraying the simple man and also the irritating loverboy alter ego. Newcomer Anushka Sharma appeared very seasoned and this doesn't look like her first movie at all. Sidekick Vinay Pathak is at his comic best.

As for the cinematography, Ravi Chandran is doing something special for Punjabi tourism, I'm sure. Shot extensively in Punjab, the place has never looked this beautiful. Scenes of the Gudwara (Punjabi Holy Temple) lend a romantic and breathtaking feel to the film.

Above all, music director Salim-Sulaiman is the strongest element of the movie. The most popular song has to be the chart-topping, pre-released "Haule Haule". The title track may get a few tears out of you as well. The score really is the soul and backbone of the movie. There is also a tribute number featuring five leading Bollywood beauties and fans will definitely be surprised.

"Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" does not disappoint.

Cinema Online, 22 December 2008