Vivaah: A Goody, goody traditional film

After attempting a disastrous modern film, Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon, Sooraj Barjatya realised that such films are not his cup of tea so he returns with Vivaah, a tradition-based film much on the lines of Hum Aapke Hai Kaun. The problem with such films is that everything around them is so perfect that you find it difficult to digest.

Small-town girl Poonam (Amrita Rao), niece of Krishnakant (Alok Nath), gets a proposal from industrialist Harishchandra's (Anupam Kher) son Prem (Shahid Kapoor). All are happy with the relationship except Krishnakant's wife (Seema Biswas), who feels that her daughter deserves better.

The entire film is about the journey from the engagement to wedding. During this period, you get a feeling of deja vu - similar songs and emotional scenes - from Barjatya's earlier films. There is nothing new in this story for the audience besides telling them to stick to traditions and reminding them to use chaste Hindi words such as jal (water) for juice. With this film, Barjatya proves that he can make only sugar-coated family dramas which help the audience revisit their roots. Kapoor is cute in the film. Rao has a better impact and fits the role as Barjatya's simple and traditional girl.

Nath has the experience of playing the good samaritan in previous films that he just cannot go wrong. Kher is perfect as the ideal father and father-in-law. Biswas' character is the most believable and she does full justice to it. Ravindra Jain's music is a disappointment though.

If you enjoy watching feel-good family dramas and have not been to a wedding in a long time, then watch this movie. It's so similar to Hum Aapke Hai Kaun, but with less vigour and fun.

Critic's advice: Can be viewed by the entire family