Date:25/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/25/stories/2008102550830200.htm

Karnataka

There is never a dull moment

A Roadside Romeo promotional

Film: Roadside Romeo (Hindi, animation)

Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Jaaved Jafferi (Voiceovers)

Director: Jugal Hansraj

Finally, we have got an Indian animation film that matches the international standards. At last we have an animation film which is not meant for a particular age group. Hopefully, after a long wait Yash Raj banner has got a success story up its sleeve. And after all Jugal Hansraj has found a vocation where he could be a success.

Yes, Jugal has played it safe. He has weaved a story which has all the elements of a Bollywood pot boiler. A smart dog, who has to rely on his wits rather than size. He falls in love with a cabaret dancer, Laila. All is well, until Romeo discovers that the don of dogs, Charlie, has an eye on the dancer. We know that simplicity is the most difficult thing to achieve on celluloid. Jugal has almost managed it. He scores with his characterisation and dialogues.

They are laced with measured humour and the desired punch drawn from hit dialogues of Bollywood films. There is never a missing link between the expressions, the voice over and the import.

Saif Ali Khan has given his inherent cockiness to Romeo. Kareena Kapoor has layered Laila with her chutzpah. And Jaaved Jafferi has made Charlie as over-the-top as possible. Credit to the voiceovers that for a moment you forget you are watching a tale of dogs.

Generally, you have only one adjective to describe a good animation film: cute. Here you will find many options. You really look forward to how Romeo will smooch Laila on a full moon light! Or what do the street dogs think about us. Salim-Sulaiman’s music has given the moments that extra zing.

The support cast is strong enough to add muscle to the storyline. Charlie’s sidekick, Chainu (Remember Shatrughan Sinha in “Mere Apne”?) has almost walked away with all the glory. The icing on the cake is the pace of the film. There is never a dull moment.

The animation by Tata Elxsi is much better than what we have seen till date, but there is still a gap to fill to achieve Hollywood standards. Watch it with somebody you love. It need not necessarily be kids.