Notebook, Movie Review: Read This Binder, Pranutan Bahl Writes Strongly
Legendary Nutan's granddaughter, Pranutan Bahl makes an impressive debut in Notebook, while her love interest Zaheer could have complimented her better. Notebook is still worth a watch, anyway
This guy is not the simpleton Amol Palekar, but Notebook reminds you of the good, old days of Chitchor, Chhoti Se Baat and Baaton Baaton Mein, where love had depth and no expiry date, unlike today. So, I think Salman Khan should have introduced some other guy and kept Zaheer Iqbal in the reserves for any of his other films. Pranutan Bahl is cast perfectly and should go a long way. So much for the newbies and the film, concisely speaking. What's more?
Pranutan exudes innocence and confidence- both qualities together you don't find in most newcomers today. She has done Mohnish Bahl proud, he can be relieved and happy. Watch her in the scene where she reads what Zaheer has written for her in the Notebook. Watch her in the scene where she calls off her wedding. Watch her in the last scene where she tells Zaheer that she's sent the kids home, and then feels a tad shy.
Pranutan Bahl In Notebook
Zaheer fails when he shouts and smiles; he needs to work on these areas, pronto. The kids around Zaheer and Pranutan are sweet. Just Zaheer again. Comparisons are unfair but inevitable- memories of Shammi Kapoor (Bramhachari), Anil Kapoor (Mr India) and Aamir Khan (Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke) keep rolling back in your head and you say 'Okay, he's new, maybe it's a tough role for him so early in his career'.
The soulful love story tends to get slow in parts. If you don't set a film against the backdrop of cars and mobiles, it does not imply that you can't race it a bit.
Zaheer Iqbal In Notebook
The music is unimpressive. Prem kahaanis get cheated if and when their music director does not put his best foot forward. Manoj Muntashir, are you reading this?
All said and done, this Notebook is not halka-pulka. In fact, it goes unscathed even when immersed in the sea and burnt amidst logs of wood. After all, it's a Hindi film, that too helmed by Salman. Itna toh banta hai!
I am going with THREE.
Image Source:- Imdb