Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani

By Aditya Mimani

Ratings: * * (Okey-dokey)
Special Comment: A well picturised film with a rich look that was absent in Aziz Mirza's earlier films.
Anything more:The show is sponsored by Shah Rukh Khan.


It's a story about the common man being entangled in the clutches of powerful politicians. Ajay Bakshi (Shah Rukh) and Ria Banerji (Juhi) work for two rival TV channels. Both want to outdo each other and prove that he/she is the best. After various attempts at deceit, pampering and manipulation, they fall in love. Meanwhile, Paresh Rawal (who is the common man in the film) enters their lives after killing Shakti Kapoor's jija because the latter had raped Rawal's daughter. The wronged Paresh is put in jail, but manages to escape and meets the journalists Shah Rukh and Juhi. He convinces them that he acted to mete out justice. On the other hand, Shakti Kapoor who has plans to become the CM and the present CM Govind Namdev engage in a vicious battle for power. They label Paresh as a terrorist and plan to hang him. The channels too agree to telecast it live while pocketing crores of ad money. Shah Rukh and Juhi find themselves out of the game and vow to bring the truth to the Hindustani janata and save Rawal.

Enticing visuals and great camerawork by Santosh Sivan, the choreography and the music too keep you asking for more. Shah Rukh and Juhi play their roles with finesse and ease. Watch the chemistry between the two. The film has a wafer thin, not-so-convincing story-line. Shah Rukh carries the film entirely on his shoulders. If the film runs, it will be due to his hardcore fan following and his overpowering charisma. Ignore the hype. Go with an open mind for this timepass film.

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