"Its not a going away present, its a forever present..." Oh well We Are Family is all said and done before in 1998 by Chris Columbus under the title 'Stepmom'. This time we have Kajol (Maya), Kareena (Shreya), Arjun Rampal (Aman) and three kids replacing Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, Ed Harris and two kids. Though its inspired by a Hollywood movie but have to appreciate Siddharth Malhotra for living up to the expections. He did complete justice to original Stepmom by casting right actors and by not getting away from the basic subject.
Storyline is pretty familiar to all of us; Maya a divorced but picture perfect mother, raising her three adorable kids Anjali (Diya Sonecha), Ankush (Nominath Ginsberg) and Aleya (Aanchal Munjal) the best possible way. Aman (Maya's x-husband), living-in with Shreya (Aman's girl friend), a career-oriented and dynamic lady. The story becomes a bit rough when Aman tries to introduce Shreya to his family, who goof's up the very first day. Later on when Maya is diagnosed with a fatal disease, the circumstances get Shreya and Maya under the same roof. As the movie continues we see how they both start sharing a bond, caring, learning, respecting each other.
Though the story sounds highly emotional and full of melodrama but have to appreciate debutant director Siddharth Malhotra for not exaggerating emotional scenes and adding light comedy to the movie. He presented the complexities of love triangle with such finesse that not even once during the movie you'll hate Aman or Shreya. Have to say he made this film in his own way and honestly, its not only a PROPER rip-off but also carries its own freshness. Background score is commendable but Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy could have delivered better. "I really cant believe that they actually bought the rights of Elvis Presley's 'Jailhouse Rock' and made a disaster out of it".
Kajol once again stole the show as always! Her smooth transformation from energetic and lively to a sick and depressed mother will definitely catch your eyeballs. I give full 10 to the casting director as no one could have done a better justice to Maya than Kajol. Kareena again gave a power-packed performance and played her role of second women with dignity. She pulled-off her part really well and for the first time she looked completely drowned in her character. She is portrayed in such a beautiful way that one will actually sympathize towards her at times. Coming on to our third protagonist; Arjun Rampal has done an amazing job as Aman. After Rock On, Rajneeti and Housefull his graph reaches a new level with this one. He balanced his role as a husband, boy-friend as well as father much better that Ed Harris in the original one.
Siddharth portrayed Maya and Shreya pretty sensibly without making their relation look dirty. Obviously there is resignation, jealousy and competitiveness but all in a healthy way. And off course its Dharma Production so locations, costumes, props have to be just perfect. Movie goes a bit slow in between but as it starts reaching its finale it comes back in pace. The last scene where Maya gives final pep talks to her kids is really heartwarming and the way they all bid her goodbye looked beautiful on screen.
Final Verdict: Good watch and if you are Kajol's fan then must watch!
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Storyline is pretty familiar to all of us; Maya a divorced but picture perfect mother, raising her three adorable kids Anjali (Diya Sonecha), Ankush (Nominath Ginsberg) and Aleya (Aanchal Munjal) the best possible way. Aman (Maya's x-husband), living-in with Shreya (Aman's girl friend), a career-oriented and dynamic lady. The story becomes a bit rough when Aman tries to introduce Shreya to his family, who goof's up the very first day. Later on when Maya is diagnosed with a fatal disease, the circumstances get Shreya and Maya under the same roof. As the movie continues we see how they both start sharing a bond, caring, learning, respecting each other.
Though the story sounds highly emotional and full of melodrama but have to appreciate debutant director Siddharth Malhotra for not exaggerating emotional scenes and adding light comedy to the movie. He presented the complexities of love triangle with such finesse that not even once during the movie you'll hate Aman or Shreya. Have to say he made this film in his own way and honestly, its not only a PROPER rip-off but also carries its own freshness. Background score is commendable but Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy could have delivered better. "I really cant believe that they actually bought the rights of Elvis Presley's 'Jailhouse Rock' and made a disaster out of it".
Kajol once again stole the show as always! Her smooth transformation from energetic and lively to a sick and depressed mother will definitely catch your eyeballs. I give full 10 to the casting director as no one could have done a better justice to Maya than Kajol. Kareena again gave a power-packed performance and played her role of second women with dignity. She pulled-off her part really well and for the first time she looked completely drowned in her character. She is portrayed in such a beautiful way that one will actually sympathize towards her at times. Coming on to our third protagonist; Arjun Rampal has done an amazing job as Aman. After Rock On, Rajneeti and Housefull his graph reaches a new level with this one. He balanced his role as a husband, boy-friend as well as father much better that Ed Harris in the original one.
Siddharth portrayed Maya and Shreya pretty sensibly without making their relation look dirty. Obviously there is resignation, jealousy and competitiveness but all in a healthy way. And off course its Dharma Production so locations, costumes, props have to be just perfect. Movie goes a bit slow in between but as it starts reaching its finale it comes back in pace. The last scene where Maya gives final pep talks to her kids is really heartwarming and the way they all bid her goodbye looked beautiful on screen.
Final Verdict: Good watch and if you are Kajol's fan then must watch!
view less
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