" Jab bhi ho gham, zayada ya kam, muskuraayen gey hum, gaayein gey hum, Tara Rum Pum, Tara Rum Pum, Tara Rum Pum..."

The director of Salaam Namaste is back, and back with a bang, with his second offering Tara Rum Pum, starring Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukherjee, along with the two little kids, who if you look closely are the two cute kids from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai!

Rumours are that Abhishek also has an appearance in the movie.

The trailer looks amazing, please visit the yashrajfilms.com website to view the trailer, or alternatively search for it on youtube, it'll be alot faster!

Movie Release Date - 27th April, 2007
Music Release Date - pata nahin, should be soon though! (",)

Salaam-e-Ishq tells six different love stories, well you could say five love stories and one comedy. The best of the stories in my opinion was John and Vidya's story; it carries a good concept, wonderful acting, a twist and probably the best moments of the entire movie; truly heartfelt. There was certainly chemistry between this couple, and i'm telling you now, the John-Vidya jodi is one to watch out for in the coming years!

I felt Salman and Priyanka's story was too fake. It had a grand outlook but there was no real story behind it. The whole chasing Karan Johar idea seemed abit weird, and didn't do justice to the power of such mega stars. They deserve a more powerful or atleast a little more realistic story. There was one plus point though - Priyanka's introduction in the movie - hottt!

Anil and Juhi's story was more realistic, set in the suburbs of London, it was something a common man of the UK could perhaps relate to. Juhi was sweet and sincere in her role and Anil was professional as ever - however, shaving off the moustache in that one scene may raise a few eyebrows!

Govinda and his dream girl Stephanie's story was really cute and had some amazingly funny moments, especially the climax scene, where Stephanie goes up to the parents at the wedding and says a few lines of hindi straight from her heart! That's one scene you could watch over and over again!

Sohail Khan's story isn't really much of a story, it's just comic relief but it's truly quality!

For me, there are a some beautiful scenes which remain in the mind, even after the credits begin to roll (spoilers included). These include:

* Vidya's accident and loss of memory
* Anil and Juhi confrontation on the plane
* Akshay Khanna's hillarious expressions throughout the movie
* John's proposal to Vidya
* Salman and Priyanka besides the glowing bridge at night
* John and Vidya's meeting at Askhay Khanna's house
* Anil and Priyanka's pre-climax meeting at the cafe
* Govinda's outburst at the climax wedding(s)

Answer: Not really

Salaam-e-Ishq scores full marks on its direction, screenplay and choreography - it's a true treat for the eyes, but sorry Nikhil, the movie could have easily been edited to be rounded off under 3hrs. Because of the length factor, boredom starts to creep in at times - perhaps because there isn't such a personality on screen that has the ability to keep your eyes glued on the screen for over 3 hours. For example Shahrukh Khan in Mohabbatein - even that ran on for 3hrs and 20 minutes, and had numerous stories blended into one concept, but for some reason viewers didn't find the need to complain about the length, because it didn't feel as though it was dragging, (unlike Salaam-e-Ishq), the sole presence of Shahrukh was powerful enough to keep the attention of the viewers.

Overall, Salaam-e-Ishq is great family entertainment so please go watch it at the cinema, it is an enjoyable movie with scenes that will make you laugh and also cry. Do not go into the cinema expecting another Kal Ho Naa Ho, because remember there is no King Khan, but there is a beautiful story in that of John and Vidya's, and some really funny moments. You're getting your moneys worth at the cinema, atleast in terms of length. Who gives you a 3hr 30min movie for £5 these days? (",)

Tip for Nikhil Advani: stick to one story in your next movie, rather than six different one's.

Best story: John and Vidya

Overall movie rating: 6.9/10

Mani Ratnam movies have always been a shade different to what we see week in week out in Bollywood. Take for example Dil Se and Yuva, his previous two works for hindi cinema. The ever so talented story teller now hits us with Guru, and boy does he hit us hard!

I don't know what other people's views are about Abhishek Bachchan's development in Bollywood over the years, but let's flashback a few years to Yuva, to a performance which i personally believe was Abhishek's best performance to date, and the trigger point in his career.

Does Mani Ratnam bring out the best in Abhishek again? Oh YES he does!

Guru is a story about the rise of a normal middle class man, from zero to hero in the business world. It is a simple story, but its beauty is in the storytelling and the after effects it has on the viewer. Guru is a movie that makes you laugh, cry and in the end feel good, confident, inspired and enlightened.

If you are a music lover, you will not be dissapointed by A.R.Rahman's offering. He has delivered one of his finests works. Saying that, i cannot remember the last time i heard a weak A.R.Rahman soundtrack. Barso Re and Tere Bina stand out because of their stunning visuals, but overall the music is a treat to the ears. Melodious and magical.

Here are some of my favourite moments from Guru (spoilers included):

- Tears on the train- "chayn say ro bhi nahin sakte"
- Railway station scene between Abhishek and Aishwarya - "na jao"
- Mithun's confrontation with Abhishek before the interval
- Aishwarya's brother reveals to her the true reason why Abhishek married her
- Madhevan proposal to Vidya in the rain
- Abhishek's speech to the workers - the backclash
- Paralysed
- Namaste
Abhishek has given us his best performance ever in Guru - truly world class. If you thought he was amazing in Yuva and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, then open you eyes to Guru, for you are going to see Abhishek like you've never seen him before.

Mithun's presence adds a touch of class to Guru. He is a legendary actor, a resorvoir of talent. The scenes between him and Abhishek took me back in time; and reminded me of Agneepath for some strange reason, which i am yet to identify. Perhaps it was the tone of Abhishek's voice, somewhat similar to Amitabh's in the olden movies.

Aishwarya delivers a fine performance. I strongly believe the middle class look (e.g. Taal, HDDC and Guru) suits her alot more than the glamour, modern look she has in movies such as Dhoom 2 and Dil Ka Rishta etc.

After consecutive flops, (Dhai Akshar Prem Ke and Umrao Jaan), Guru is officially the first quality movie the duo of Abhishek and Aishwarya have delivered. Because of the positive word going around the industry, Guru is on its way to becoming the first Hit of 2007.

As far as my opinion is concerened, Guru is up there with the best.

My rating: 8/10

The only question that remains now is, will Guru be the movie that brings bessings into the Bachchan and Rai household?

Will they be celebrating the success of Guru by tieing the knot?

Time will tell. Keep reading Bollywood Ki Baatein (",)

On that note, let me congratulate A.R.Rahman, because for those of you who do know know, three of his songs are going to the Oscars library this year, they include Khalbali and Lukka Chuppi from Rang De Basanti. The other is Chan Chan from Water. Long live the legend!