DIL PE MAT LE YAAR

Tabu sure is a busy girl! We have already told you about her fantastic performance in Astitva, so lets see how 'Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar' compares. Joining the talented actress in this movie is Manoj Bajpai, who has also shown his capabilities in the acting department with the likes of 'Shool'.

Manoj plays a small town guy who decides that Mumbai has far more opportunities for him, and he therefore packs his bags and moves there. He believes that he can make his mark as a motor mechanic and earn big money.

However things do not start well at all - he has to live in some seedy little room, in a seedy little area. It certainly is not the lifestyle that Manoj dreamt about. At this stage, Tabu enters his life as a chain-smoking, cold journalist who wants to write a script about the lives of people like Manoj, who have that standard of living. She has even managed to rope in Mahesh Bhatt to direct the project (Mahesh actually makes a guest appearance as himself, which is quite enjoyable)!

Manoj enjoys the attention that Tabu give him and actually falls in love with - now, that's not exactly a surprise, is it? Unfortunately for him, Tabu is not only uninterested, she already has a boyfriend! Oops.

Manoj does not take the news well (this is a slight under statement)! Things start getting slightly depressing at this stage - such is the impact of the rejection that he turns to alcohol for comfort. He also starts dabbling with the underworld - it can only mean trouble!

However, the message of the movie is to not let such things get to you (hence, the title)! Bad things happen in life, but you have to move on. You cannot let one rejection lead you to a life to crime and drink.

The film manages to work on some accounts, but fails in the other departments. Manoj Bajpai has given a stellar performance, but Tabu's role does not give her the scope that 'Astitva' did. If you are a huge Tabu fan, then 'Astitva' is better to watch for her alone.

Direction shows some promise, but practice makes perfect. Hansal, are you listening? A lot of the scenes drag on aimlessly, and bore the audience. The film could certainly have been a lot tighter in this department.

All in all, the film offers time pass for fans of this genre. However, with so much competition this week, it will be interesting to see how it fares.