Director: Kunal Kohli
Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Amisha Patel & Rishi Kapoor
Information: Contains mild car accident detail
BBFC Certificate: PG
Running time: 136 mins
Release date: 27 June 2008 by Yash Raj Films
Rating: 3/5
Orphaned since childhood, a now grown-up Ranbeer Talwar (Saif) is head of a multi-million-dollar company. He has everything going for him, including a beautiful but dumb blond (Amisha).
Ranbeer's life takes a nasty turn when he kills a couple in a car accident, leaving behind four orphans. Found guilty, Ranbeer is given full responsibility for the children's welfare as his court punishment.
But there is a problem – the kids hate Ranbeer and he hates them. With no amicable solution in sight, God (Rishi) intervenes, answering the children's prayers.
He sends his most mischievous angel Geeta (Rani) to spread a little bit of love, happiness and magic into their lives.
But Geeta's mission is not without its own set of problems...
Director Kohli's fantasy film proves to be a heart-warming children's delight, interspersed with sombre moments.
The film's plot unfolds at a fast pace - leaving little time to contemplate - due to Kohli's very well defined script... and that proves to be the key to excellent film-making!
Scenes involving Hollywood-style special effects not only catch you unawares, but make you realise that Bollywood has finally come of age, matching international standards of film-making to Kohli's ingenious storytelling abilities.
This does not come as a surprise considering Kohli was at one time a film critic!
Unlike recent releases, in which the films' performances heavily rely on one actor, full credit goes to all the stars in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, making it a team effort.
Saif is superb as the suave, sophisticated, workaholic-loner transforming into a caring guardian. Rani is a pleasure to watch as the mischievous, talkative angel using her magical powers to win over the kids.
A rather trimmed Amisha looks a million bucks as the bimbo, always falling prey to Geeta's naughty antics.
All four children give great performances considering it is their first feature film. Young Iqbal appears the cutest of the four children as the Sikh child who secretly confides in Ranbeer about his caste.
The climax is very well executed as 'love' wins over God's original wishes, making you smile.
On the whole Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (meaning little love little magic) is a treat to watch for children and adults alike.
Reviewed by Manish Gajjar
BBC Bollywood Correspondent
