English Babu Desi Mam

Happy ending !

Starring: Shahrukh Khan, Sonali Bendre, Sunny Singh, Saeed Jaffery

Directed by: Praveen Nischol

‘English Babu Desi Mam’ has been labeled as somewhat of a less impressive part of Shahrukh Khan’s filmography. Nonetheless, I quite liked this film. Why? Mainly because it has King Khan. On a more serious note though, it has a plot which has become .. umm..rather extinct these days. Nowadays, a film garners publicity based on its love making scenes, bikini scenes or even six pack abs of heroes. It’s becoming difficult to watch films with your entire family. EBDM is a film which has drama, music and comedy – in abundance. Unfortunately (and surprisingly) this film didn’t earn commercial success. 

Ooooo ! Suhaag raat time for Shahrukh!

Now I know where that scene from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (Rani's death scene) was inspired from.

Well even if you haven’t seen the film yet, you would have guessed by now that Shahrukh is the ‘English Babu’ while Sonali Bendre is the ‘Desi Mam’. You get to see many versions of Shahrukh Khan as he plays multiple characters in the film – he plays the dad, the brother and then the hero of the film – Vikram Mayur. Vikram is an NRI from London who comes to India in order to get custodial rights over his brother’s son. However, his nephew, Nandu (adorably played by Sunny Singh) is the laadla of his aunt, Bijuria (played by Sonali Bendre). Thus, begins the battle between the aunt and uncle, including several comic and tearful moments. 

Now that is horrendous - Really !

This film will have you laughing in stitches and will make you cry till you run out tears. The star of the film is undoubtedly Sunny Singh who plays his part so genuinely (He could even give Darsheel Safary a run for his money). Shahrukh is Shahrukh – he plays his usual self – arrogant, macho and an ideal romantic hero. I was also quite impressed by Sonali Bendre. ( I don’t usually consider her seriously as an actress). In this film though, she proved me wrong. She looks beautiful and has incredible comic timing. She is also able to engage in the rona dhona quite fabulously. Her raunchy numbers like O Bijuriya Sun, Love me honey honey and Bharatpur Lut Gayee can bring Munni and Sheila to shame. 

Adorable Nandu trying to bribe God with his cuteness

The music is quite awesome. As I mentioned, Sonali’s item numbers at the beer bars are notable. She manages some solid jhatkas and thumkas.  But the song which touched my heart was Kaise Mukhre Se Nazre Hataao Ke Tujhme Hai Rab Dikhta. 

Tragedy Queen much ? !

Thumbs Up:

• The plot

• Shahrukh Khan

• Adorable Master Mayur (Nandu)

• Sonali’s Thumkas

Thumbs Down:

• Tends to get over-melodramatic at times

• Overdose of Shahrukh Khan (Got tired of seeing him play the male roles of the entire Mayur Family- If Nandu had grown up in the film, he would probably also look like Shahrukh Khan.

Rating: 8.5/10