Salman Khan's Hilarious Role in David Dhawan's Classic Comedy Celebrates 20 Years
A Comedic Journey with Salman Khan
In a delightful twist, Salman Khan portrays an orthopaedic surgeon who enjoys the company of women, and he doesn't shy away from it.
Despite his off-screen persona, Salman shines in this comedy directed by David Dhawan. As an orthopaedic doctor entangled in romantic dilemmas, he showcases a remarkable talent for humor.
Familiar with the role of a confused and overwhelmed lover, Salman previously found himself in a love triangle in Dhawan's Biwi No 1, this time sharing the screen with Sushmita Sen and the charming Katrina Kaif. Their chemistry adds a visual treat to the film.
Dhawan's focus remains on eliciting laughter, maintaining a high-energy comedic atmosphere throughout. The actors' impeccable timing and Sanjay Chel's clever dialogue contribute to the film's charm, with only a few moments of crudeness, primarily from Rajpal Yadav's character.
Despite minor flaws, Dhawan's adaptation of the 1960s comedy Cactus Flower leaves audiences grinning. The film is quick-witted and engaging, although it experiences a slight lull post-intermission. However, Dhawan regains momentum for a thrilling conclusion that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Some scenes borrow from various sources, including a memorable airplane sequence reminiscent of an episode from the popular TV show Friends.
Sohail Khan adds a delightful surprise to this polished comedy, reminiscent of Akshay Kumar's antics in Dhawan's earlier film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.
The humor remains consistently strong, with certain scenes almost theatrical in their exaggerated emotional displays. For instance, the opening scene where Naina (Katrina Kaif) ignites a gas burner after a spat with her lover Samir (Salman) showcases a dramatic flair akin to Broadway or Friends.
With a blend of sophistication and traditional charm, Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya cleverly satirizes characters who act foolishly due to their circumstances.
It's hard to believe that the intellectually alluring Sushmita would take on the role of a nurse impersonating her boss's wife to appease his girlfriend and domineering mother (Bina Kak), who injects humor just when the plot begins to drag.
Sushmita once again steals the spotlight with her dynamic performance, particularly in the rain song “Lagaa lagaa re.” She transitions seamlessly from a flustered nurse to a coy wife, showcasing her versatility in a way few mainstream actors can match. Katrina, while still finding her footing, fits her role well.
Salman, experienced in playing the charming rogue, surprises with his inventive portrayal, using his expressions to convey a range of emotions. His performance stands out as one of his best in recent years. Sohail, too, impresses with a unique performance that feels fresh in Hindi cinema. Arshad Warsi, as Sushmita's admirer, adds a layer of humor that enhances the film.
In a pre-release interview, Dhawan discussed the challenges faced by Main Pyar Kyun Kiya, including protests against Salman Khan due to alleged underworld connections. He expressed frustration over the timing of these controversies, which threatened the film's success.
Dhawan lamented, “What kind of system prevents the public from enjoying a film they want to see? My film opened to packed houses, but it has become a target of a calculated effort to undermine Salman and our project. Why did these damaging tapes surface just before the film's release?”
He stood by Salman, emphasizing their successful collaborations in the past and lamenting the impact of these disruptions on the entire cast and crew, including Sushmita and Katrina, who are both affected by the controversy.
Dhawan concluded, “Salman is being unfairly targeted without evidence. Our film should not be a casualty of this situation.”