No magical output

After the success of Hum Tum and Fanaa, director Kunal Kohli and Yashraj Films are back together with a family entertainer.

Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic has its share of moments but is predictable.

Ranbeer Talwar (Saif Ali Khan) is a rich guy who has to play legal guardian to four kids whose parents he accidentally killed in a car accident.

However, the kids and Ranbeer are unhappy together and always at loggerheads.

It is at this point that God (Rishi Kapoor) sends his favourite angel, Geeta (Rani Mukerji), to sort out the differences between them and bring happiness to their lives.

The remainder of the film is full of clichéd moments and Ranbeer is ultimately united with the kids, and Geeta, in typical Bollywood fashion.

It isn't a bad film but the “wow factor'' is completely missing. The film is a safe product with seen-that, done-that sequences.

Younger kids will love the special effects and kiddie humour but older ones may find it boring.

Khan does a decent job. His is an ordinary role, which, in a way, is a refreshing change from his cool-dude ones.

Mukerji is a bit of a disappointment as she fails to weave magic with her performance this time. She could have infused a lot of life in the role but it ends up mundane.

Gaping loopholes

The character Mukerji plays is never questioned for wearing the same dress throughout the film.

Maybe Kohli thought she looked attractive in the silly costume and expected people to go gaga over it.

Amisha Patel, rechristened recently as Ameesha, plays the sexy bimbo effectively.

Her uninhibited skin show in the song Lazy Lamhe sticks out like a sore thumb in this children's film.

Kapoor's role is modelled on Morgan Freeman's character in Bruce Almighty.

Among the kids, the character of the Sikh boy called Iqbal is the most lovable and deserves kudos.

Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music is ho-hum with Nihaal Ho Gayi and Lazy Lamhe being the worthwhile tracks. The production values are high, with good cinematography.

If Kohli is serious about giving Hollywood competition, he has to stop aping them and come up with something original.

— Abdulla Mahmood is a UAE-based freelance writer

Barometer

Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic