Cheeni Kum [DVD] by Amitabh Bachchan

As the title suggests (Cheeni Kum means "Less sugar") this film is subtle in flavour, and all the more delicious for that. Amitabh is charismatic and energetic enough to carry off the lead role with skill and style. He plays the owner/head chef of "London's finest Indian Restaurant", who channels all his considerable passion and powerful personality into his kitchen where he reigns supreme and unchallenged. Tabu plays a quiet, independent-minded youngish woman, who surprises and challenges him (and the audience) in every way. Their process of falling in love is done in an understated slow-build way which is entirely convincing and utterly charming. I won't spoil how they meet or how it ends, but it is superbly done with a script that sparkles with unexpected wit and charm, rivaling the best romantic comedies I've ever seen.Whilst appearing in many ways like one of the better Hollywood Rom-coms, the film never loses its Indian Identity and in fact reminds us that modern India is a country increasingly at ease with itself and far from either rejecting or emulating its old Rulers, is increasingly able to formulate its own unique identity combining many aspects of its diverse cultural past and present.Examples: (Potential spoiler warning)The heroine has a classic Indian look, but is a software engineer. The maid in Delhi is very traditionally and simply dressed, but in one scene we see her learning to surf the internet from a laptop. Back in London, we have an English waiter desperately trying to learn to pronounce the Indian dishes correctly. The father's enjoyment of classic BBC Cricket Commentators but rejection of `Imported fast food'. Equally there is some gentle mocking of melodrama in the father's psuedo-Gandhian hunger-strike. This is not offensive to Gandhi's memory as the background song here emphasises the distinction between Gandhi and Nina's father with beautiful irony, thus reminding us that 'Acting your age' is not always as it seems.(End of spoiler warning)I must also mention the cracking performances of the support cast, the feisty Zohra Saigal, the sublime Paresh Rawal, the wonderful ensemble of London sous-chefs and notably the 6 year old girl. Her amazing character together with Amitabh Bacchan's brings home the message that life experiences are to be cherished and relished at any age.Not to be missed.

Buddhadev Gupta runs a popular Indian restaurant in central London, where every day is arrogantly his culinary creations.His life is turned upside down when he meets Nina, a young customer who dares to challenge his day delicacy. The rough chef gradually falls in love with the girl, and he even manages to make a breach in his heart ...I apologize to 'the author of this aphorism, but I find it perfect for inclusion in a review "... .... I'm also a good cook ... and many times I made a mistake in preparing a dish ... even if I am not touchy like this Buddhaev ... but let me say I never met a woman so beautiful in the place where I work

The film was OK and the subject matter was good and could have been so much better in my opinion apart from the fact that the child character in the film spoilt it for me. I can't stand these `lovable' characters especially in Indian movies as they have no semblance of realism or at least stay within the bounds of something `plausible'. Every time this character appeared on the screen I cringed, and the fact is that the film would not have been any worse of if it had not been included at all.I would just like to see the Indian film makers to take note and do away with these `sweat' or `endearing' characters as they do nothing for the films that are now appealing to a larger audience then the rickshaw driver in Delhi.AB's overacting when he learns of the demise of the child character was way over done! Let's just keep these films in context... and please do away with the ubiquitous wonder monkey or dog from the 70s, 80s films.. they were annoying and so are the ridiculously voiced over child actors... The audience is more sophisticated now for these films, so cater for that and the quality would improve in my opinion...

The product was neatly packed and came within 3 days. Was very pleased with both the quality and professional attitude. Definitely recommend to all.

amusing video

The movie is funny after all. The first part in England is much better and realistic than the one settled in India.The only inconsistent part in the plot is how the relationship grows between a young indian woman and an over 60 indian man who's rude on the surface.Best part of the movie is when the dishes are coming back to the kitchen.Please be alerted : the catch song of the movie "Cheeni Kum" is addictive you'll end by singing it over and over until you'll surf the web to get the lyrics!

I was a bit doubtful about the age thing, but this movie's really good. Two people falling in love, despite the huge age difference, brought out something special, you have to watch it to believe