Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic – Various NY Times Reviews
An Angel Rides in to Preserve a Family (and India)
By RACHEL SALTZ
Published: June 28, 2008
What happens when a rich, single-minded businessman is ordered to take care of four children he is responsible for orphaning? God himself (Rishi Kapoor, in a white suit with a Nehru collar) sends help: a mischievous angel, who bikes to earth on a rainbow to save the day, Mary Poppins-style. (And, yes, Virginia, there are dolphins in heaven.)
Skip to next paragraph Filmed in bright, saturated colors with deftly integrated effects and animated flourishes, Kunal Kohli’s enjoyable family comedy “Thoda Pyaar, Thoda Magic” (“A Little Love, a Little Magic”) has a buoyancy and optimism that trump the predictability of its story.
Though feather-light, “Thoda” engages some weighty matters: the Indian family and nation building. In a musical number set in a museum the angel (the always charming Rani Mukherjee) makes history come alive, showing the kids that India’s past is prelude to its great future. And, the film seems to say, that future will be built on strong families. When the businessman (a restrained and effective Saif Ali Khan) scuttles a big deal in Los Angeles to defend the children, he becomes stronger and more human.
And as a vote of confidence in the Indian future, this grace note can’t be beat: with a wave of her hand, the angel turns the “H” to a “B” on the Hollywood sign.
THODA PYAAR, THODA MAGIC
Opened on Friday nationwide.
Directed by Kunal Kohli; written (in Hindi, with English subtitles) by Mr. Kohli and Rohena Gera; director of photography, Sudeep Chatterjee; edited by Amitabh Shukla; music by Dhankar-Ehsaan-Loy, lyrics by Prasoon Joshi; choreography by Vaibhavi Merchant, Pappu & Malu and Geeta Kapoor; art directors, Aparna Raina, Priya Raghunath and Malini Sharma; produced by Aditya Chopra and Mr. Kohli; released by Yash Raj Films. Running time: 2 hours 25 minutes. This film is not rated.
WITH: Saif Ali Khan (Ranbeer Talwar), Rani Mukherjee (Geeta), Rishi Kapoor (God) and Akshat Chopra (Vashisht).
Thoda Pyaar, Thoda Magic Opened on Friday nationwide. Directed by Kunal Kohli; written (in Hindi, with English subtitles) by Mr. Kohli and Rohena Gera; director of photography, Sudeep Chatterjee; edited by Amitabh Shukla; music by Dhankar-Ehsaan- Loy, lyrics by Prasoon Joshi; choreography by Vaibhavi Merchant, Pappu & Malu and Geeta Kapoor; art directors, Aparna Raina, Priya Raghunath and Malini Sharma; produced by Aditya Chopra and Mr. Kohli; released by Yash Raj Films. Running time: 2 hours 25 minutes. This film is not rated. WITH: Saif Ali Khan (Ranbeer Talwar), Rani Mukherjee (Geeta), Rishi Kapoor (God) and Akshat Chopra (Vashisht).
RATED: 3 / 5
SOME REVIEWERS FROM New York Times:
light comedy and cute maical kids
Kunal kohli is turning into a good maker who can attempt a diverse range of cinematic themes and after FANAA and HUM TUM ,he has made a delightful combo of Sound of music meets Here comes mr.jordan ,but his premises are mostly indian and this works as a light entertainment with a touch of wisdom .
The selfish millionaire is well-played by saif and amisha as his prada crazy moll is good too,but the talented Rani mukherjee as the delicious angel and the kids steal the movie along with Rishi kapoor playing god ,the sfx are deliciously pleasant with a purple girlie bike used by angels in heaven ,and the fairy baby is a pleasure to watch.
The songs and music are a let down and that is weird in a yash raj movie with mediocre musical numbers and average choreography ,but the moralist urban fable packs in comedy what it lacks musically and is definitely a watchable movie with it’s sentimental and familiar plot which is executed stylishly with a simple yet graceful feel for the family genre .
Kids just love it big time and it should be popular overseas given the summer term.
3 / 5
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Film With fun
Story : Ranbeer Talwar (Saif Ali Khan), one of the country’s top industrialists, is a loner, not out of his free will but just because he lost everyone, he ever loved.
Life turns around 360 degrees when he faces the most uncomfortable situation of his life. In a very unusual court verdict, he is to look after four orphan children.
Unfortunately, the orphans hate him and want revenge from him for some reason and Ranbeer cannot meet their eye for certain reasons. The children do not want to live with a man they hate and they go ahead to make it quite evident.
Their life together is very unhappy, one day they pray to God for help, and he does help them. He sends his most mischievous, childlike, lovable angle to the rescue, with a mission to bring Ranbeer and the kids together.
Geeta (Rani Mukherjee) comes cycling down a rainbow… and bursts into Ranbeer’s house as the self-proclaimed new nanny. And then starts the roller coaster ride of fun, emotions, magic and love
An angel who doesn’t know what love is, A man who always lost love, 4 orphans who need love all come together to bring you a film with fun, excitement, masti, tears, magic and love truly……’Thoda Pyar, Thoda Magic’!
Special effects is very superb,in india the first time the clouds are Amazing the viewers,whether they are graphics or real one.
and also museum sets & all effects works are fantastic ,In this movie all cg works are wonderful,
- horseking3
3 / 5
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TPTM-BOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINER
Yes you would feel like its an entertainer aimed mainly for kids and to make them laugh
but if that’s what you are going to expect then rest assure you would come out and feel elated because it does touch you heart as an ( adult ) and make you feel happy about things and make you feel light and good.
Scene stealer , call her show stealer, all time perfomer and perfect to the role Rani
Yes indeed you couldnt imagine any one else playing this role, she has played her role with ease and convinces you when she talks about morals, good behaviour and her attachment with kids, and to say she looks simply charming , though as an angel could have donned different outfit but for reasons unknown to me director have chosen to stick to one outfit, Rani is loveable, never seen before role and above all clearly sends out a message to all others she’s still there and u can tell by her acting prowess, She has definitely grown big as an actress and surely this one’s to be remembered as one of her career best all times, Brilliant performance
Saif is likeable, competent and acts naturally, he’s surely matured and grown big from film to film
Ameesha is not irritating as many other reviewers have mentioned but she is ok. No histrionics required for that role
Kids performance wise
Child who played Iqbal- 9.5/10
He touches you, makes you laugh and sympathise with him in almost all scenes, right from the bathroom scene, to icecream scene with siblings and rani, playing the pranks on rani and saif, when he doesnt want to be a sikh, is so natural and he does it so naturally too full marks boy u sure going t get more movies. a star by all means
Aditi-8/10
this girl sure is going to go long way, shes so typical a middle class clever hardworking indiand girl of her age and plays her part with ease, she would and may have touched millions of heart when she cries on her own in the bathroom and the way she expresses herself by accepting b’day wishes from her sibling is touching,
Vashisht 8/10
very convincing as an elder brother who is more intellectual than others and wants to revenge and take out his wrath, you sympathise with him rather than getting annoyed with his attitude and arrogance
Avantika the youngest is sweet adorable and am sure is funny to watch when she hears saif talking/bitching about ameesha and when she keeps on innocently saying to her siblings no one listens to me
I won’t comment on Rishi’s role as I said earlier for my personal religious beliefs in 2 words nice acting
On the whole well made movie by K.KOHLI full marks for making us laugh and putting a smile on our and children’s face, great vision and good to have had belief in rani-saif combo which I am sure would work big times
This movie is sure to spread by big positive word of mouth.
I can be contacted re: above reviews on my email mansoormaha@yahoo.com
DR.M.N.ALI
UK
- mansoor_n_ali
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A most delightful film!
Definitely a “must-see” for kids and families – this film is a delightful blend of some great films from the past.
The special effects are good and the handling of the film is excellent…at no stage do you start looking at your watch!!
Good performances from Saif Ali & Ameesha (who is in a refreshingly different role!); a most delightful performance from Rani as usual but the show is definitely stolen by the four kids and (not to forget) Lucha Singh, their dog!
Rishi Kapoor, playing God, and his bevy of lovely Angels have done well too!
Anyone who believes that cinema is for entertainment with a sprinkle of fantasy and tinge of make-believe will surely love this film!
- arvindrc
RATED: 4 / 5
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