INSTEP Magzine

If sheer nonsensical entertainment is what the audience is looking for (on the pretext of forgetting their miseries for a while) then nothing could get better than watching Partner. The movie, directed by David Dhawan, is a typical masala entertainer with humour, glamour, action and jiggy-jig dances doing their rounds throughout the film.

The story revolves around how Prem (Salman Khan), the love guru advises men, who are seriously in love with their 'mashooqas'. He gives tips on wooing and courting women. This is also why Bhaskar (Govinda) approaches Salman as he seeks help to make Priya (Katrina Kaif) fall in love with him. Moreover, Salman too has turned into a doe-eyed bimbo after he comes across his dream girl, Naina (Lara Dutta).

It's a cheap copy of the Will Smith flick Hitch. But it is Indian style cheating so it's over the top beyond comprehension!

The plot is evidently thoughtless and the execution of it is what the director has concentrated more on. There have also been serious "discussions" within the film as to how Katrina was not suited with Govinda and especially when dancing next to each other. They look more like an older-younger brother duo! Moreover, there is no connection between the various sequences and one may find the cast waltzing away in Phuket at one time and then in Dubai in the other.

Although Chotta Don (Rajpal Yadav) has done a tremendous job in imitating Amitabh's voice as the real Don and provides some cominc relief. But one can't help but be reminded of one of his roles in Apna Sapna Money Money. Although, there may have been a hilarious novelty in the aforementioned film, one fears if he would he gets roped in more similar roles, it will put him in the bracket of stereotypical actor, which is just monotonous.

The dialogue-churner, Sanjay Chhel has done a commendable job with his clever and witty way with words but there were times that the line spurted out were quite lackluster and run of the mill such as Rajpal Yadav being referred as "Hutch Ka Chotta recharge" this may have appealed to many but for those looking for subtle and stimulating humour, it may let their minds wander to what they would be having for dinner
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Nonetheless, there are many redeeming factors of the movie, which saves one from being completely bored and angry! For example Govinda's powerful comeback (after giving a satisfactory performance in Salaam-e-Ishq and Bhagam Bhag) is something to watch in the film. It also points at the strong relationship Govinda has shared with director David Dhawan, with films like Jodi No 1, Haseena Maan Jaayegi among countless others.

Salman Khan, on the other hand, has given an average performance. Watching him in Partner was like seeing him with similar facial expressions and gestures as those that have plagued his previous films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi or Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (both directed by David Dhawan). Salman Khan sells because of his star power. As an actor, there are few films that play testament to his acting prowess. In Partner, it is the former.

The actresses, Katrina and Lara managed to pull off their roles (which were quite nonexistent, actually) with much élan. Katrina can easily be compared to a lamb frolicking in the fields (such was the oh-so-sweet appearance she had throughout the film). Where Katrina simply provides eye candy relief, Lara still manages to stand out. After Jhoom Barabar Jhoom where Lara Dutta stole the show with her acting, here she delivers once again.
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Given an average business of Killer's music last year, this time Sajid-Wajid have made a solid effort. The result is Partner's racy and catchy music with techno-modulated voices and catchy hook lines of "do you wanna partner?"

Although with an overused dash of RnB and bhangra pop, "You're my love" may not still have the ability to make one go "balle balle" in complete frenzy, yet it is likeable enough, especially with the visuals.
Partner takes its cue from Hitch but where the original was an enjoyable rom-com film… where one could believe that Will Smith was a love guide since he was smooth but here it seems that the only reason Salman plays this role is because of his looks and style. He doesn't seem intelligent enough to understand women… at all.

In terms of cinematography, the film is shot well… at beautiful locations and as far as looks go, the actors look stylish as ever. But the plot leaves one dumb founded. Partner is a film that reminds one of old Govinda-Salman films and as a consequence, there is no freshness to the film.

Where 2006 was perhaps one of Bollywood's finest years, this year has been rather dull. Barring films like Guru, Life in a Metro and Cheeni Kum, Bollywood has been struggling for box office magic. With Partner, the money may start spinning but when it comes to cinematic success, Partner is yet another forgettable film.

Therefore, for good movie lovers, this film would be an offence to their sensibilities and the viewership is restricted to those who still crave for the Hindi masala magic to cast its spell on them. Moreover, if one wants to watch a comic duo in action on screen, it would rather be Arshad Warsi and Sanjay Dutt rather than Govinda and Salman!
–Zara Farooqui

*YUCK
**WHATEVER
***GOOD
****SUPER
*****AWESOME