Bolly Volley Volume IV

A monthly shower of Bollywood previews, reviews and unsolicited views — Volume 4, by Arup Raha.

I am ready with a new edition of Bolly Volley (late again!). I know many are eager to watch the major Bollywood release this weekend — so let's start there.

The short answer: Mere Brother Ki Dulhan released September 9, 2011 — a Yash Raj romantic comedy starring Imran Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Ali Zafar, directed by debutant Ali Abbas Zafar. September also brings Pankaj Kapur's Mausam and John Abraham's Force.

This weekend: Mere Brother Ki Dulhan

The premise is pure rom-com mischief: Kush Agnihotri (Imran Khan) is asked to find a suitable bride for his London-based brother Luv (Ali Zafar), picks the whirlwind Dimple Dixit (Katrina Kaif) — and then falls for her himself. The film marks Ali Abbas Zafar's directorial debut (he was an assistant director at Yash Raj before this), the Bollywood debut of Pakistani singer-actor Ali Zafar, and Imran Khan's first collaboration with Yash Raj Films. Early reviews praised the lead performances and humor, and the film went on to become a commercial success with two Filmfare nominations. (Wikipedia)

What to watch for

Katrina Kaif's Dimple is the film's engine — a loud, livewire character that lets her play comedy at full volume, a gear she doesn't always get. And watch Ali Zafar: singers crossing over to acting usually stumble, but the early word on his comic timing was warm.

Coming later this month

September is stacked. Mausam (September 23), Pankaj Kapur's directorial debut starring Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor, is the prestige bet — a cross-border romance years in the making. Then Force (September 30) brings John Abraham and Genelia D'Souza in a remake of the Tamil hit Kaakha Kaakha, aimed squarely at the action crowd.

The volley verdict

If you want one film this weekend, make it the dulhan. The rom-com is Yash Raj's home turf, the cast is game, and September's heavier hitters can wait their turn. See you at the movies — and back here next month, hopefully less late.