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Watch this if you liked: “Bol Bachan”, “Rowdy Rathore” & “Yamla Pagla Deewana”

Even though "Son Of Sardar" (in English: the son of a Punjabi nobleman) is a remake of the Telegu film "Maryada Ramanna" which itself was a remake of the American silent movie "Our Hospitality", this Bollywood-Punjabi style remake is still worth watching. Director Ashwini Dhir who regularly casts Ajay Devgan as the lead in his films this time around brings a multi-talented cast on board as well.

"Son Of Sardar" tells the story of Jassi (Ajay Devgan) who works for his friend (Salman Khan in a special appearance) and his uncle in London. One day, he receives a notification from his hometown (Punjab, India) that he will be inheriting a piece of land. Jassi goes to Punjab and along the way; he meets Sukhmeet (Sonakshi Sinha). Both of them are unaware that their families have a long-standing feud and both of them gradually fall in love.

Sukh's uncle Billu (Sanjay Dutt) hates Jassi because his brother was killed by Jassi's father years many years ago. Though he along with his nephews Tony (Mukul Dev) and Titu (Vindu Dara Singh) attempt to kill Jassi, but due some funny reasons, they always are unable to do so. Jassi on the other hand simply enters Billu's bungalow as a guest and according to Punjabi tradition in India - guest are like Gods and they have to be treated well no matter what. So here starts the comedy of riots and joining them is the delightful Pammi (Juhi Chawla) who plays Billu's wife and Bebe (Tanuja) a patient suffering from part-time memory lapses.

On the acting front, Ajay Devgan (who also serves as the producer), has nothing much to rave about but he does pull off being playful, strong and romantic well and delivers the right tone for the film as a whole. Sanjay Dutt is decent and does exactly what is expected from him. Sonakshi is spot on as the village belle and although is still a delight to see, she is close to becoming stereotyped and repetitive. She does need to watch her upcoming film selections. Juhi Chawla however, is an absolute delight to watch and is a warm addition to the cast.

Direction and plot wise, Ashwni Dhir has done a far more superior and sophisticated product in his previous attempts, which had some great comedy. "Son of Sardar" is not necessarily a step back, but definitely a step in another direction - as far as film making is concerned. Himesh Reshamiya's music is quite entertaining as there are a couple of hummable tracks. Mainly the beautiful "Bichdann" by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the slow dancing "Rani Tu Mein Raja" by Mika Singh, Bhanvya Pandit and Yo Yo Honey Singh and the ever fun "Pow Pow" by Vikas Bhalla, Aman Trikha and Himesh Reshammiya.

Overall, the film is ridiculously over-the-top and certain portions are a bit of a drag, but the comic sequences will make up for the monotony. The cast has also put up a good show and make up for lacking a good story. The film is somehow still worth a watch and serves as a complete family entertainer in many ways.

Cinema Online, 23 November 2012