Writer: Janak

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Watch this if you liked: “Salam Namaste”, “Baachna Ae Haseeno”, “Jab We Met”

"Love Aaj Kal" (meaning "Love Now and Then") sees the unlikely pairing of Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone as practical individuals who are confused and undecided about love and also each other. The film also sees the perception on two different cultures and differing beliefs on true love and the generation gap.

Story 1 is set in present day London where playboy Jai (Saif Ali Khan) believes in no-commitment relationships and friendships with no boundaries. In comes Meera (Deepika Padukone) and they fall for each other instantly. The only problem is that Jai will not settle down and he believes everything must end, although in an amicable way. With this, Meera leaves with a heavy heart and starts to fall for another guy while Jai continues his life as usual. Meanwhile Story 2 starts in 1965 Punjab where Veer (Said Ali Khan) believes completely in 'traditional' true love and would travel a thousand miles just to get a glimpse of his lover Harleen (Simran). The only problem here is that the girl's family completely disapproves, as Harleen is already set up for a marriage with another man.

What happens when the old Veer and the modern Jai collide in year 2009 and start to shares ideas on what love ought to be? Will Jai eventually believe in 'true love'? Will Veer succeed in his quest to marry Harleen in the end?

"Love Aaj Kal" gives a chance for Saif Ali Khan to return to his comedic self after a series of serious roles recently. There is no denying that Saif looks really cute when he is at his witty best (especially in his clueless and drunken scenes). He also does a pure Punjabi take on himself which many believe to be difficult but he manages to pull it of gracefully. Turns out his Punjabi character is more impressive than the modern one. Deepika Padukone does an okay job here but she still needs to improve beyond just being eye candy. Rishi Kapoor in only several scenes but manages to make them memorable. Another pretty thing to look would be newcomer Simran. She is simple and cute and goes down as memorable.

What is interesting about the plot is that director (Imtiaz Ali) keeps going back and forth between both stories. One might have thought the movie has ended at the interval but the director still manages to play around with expectations and throw in a few surprises. The breathtaking shots in some UK and US locations are also welcome.

Last not the least, the songs are good. Music director Pritam delivers another string of good numbers after his last hit ("Billu Barber") which went to the top of the charts earlier in February 2009. Songs like "Twist" and "Chor Bazari" from this movie will definitely stay on the charts for a while. The song "Ahu Ahu Ahu" which comes later in the film will get audiences addicted. Besides, this is the same guy who did "Dhoom" and "Singh is Kinng" after all.

Overall, "Love Aaj Kal" does have a predictably simple storyline but it is still an enjoyable watch till the very end.

Cinema Online, 02 August 2009