| This Satish Kaushik comic caper focuses on Ashish (Akshaye Khanna) and Rani (Ayesha Takia). They fall for each other whilst at college. So when Ashish asks Ayesha's father (Vijayendra Ghatge) for his daughter's hand in marriage, he is greeted with a negative response. Due to Ashish's low social and financial status, Ayesha's father refuses to let his daughter marry him. Not one to give up easily, Ashish works hard and in no time becomes the owner of a house and a healthy bank account! But in achieving his riches he starts to suffer from a nervous disorder - the slightest tension provokes him to take a pill to calm his nerves. Yes, he's turned into a nervous wreck! The twist comes when he faints on his engagement day. Upon examination, his GP (Boman Irani) informs him that everything is normal, but Ashish is not convinced. Matters get complicated when he overhears his GP say his patient has cancer and that he has only a year to survive. Thinking that the doctor is discussing him, Ashish decides to end his relationship with Rani so she does not have to suffer the ordeal of his death. Not telling Rani about his illness, he decides on a plan which will make his fiancé hate him. He achieves this by pretending to flirt with Sania (Malika), little knowing that she is the sister of the most dangerous underworld gangster. What's more, Sania falls for Ashish's charms and now wants to marry him! However, it's not long before Ashish discovers that he does not suffer from cancer. What follows next is all about what Shaadi Se Pehle (meaning Before Marriage) is all about. The film belongs to Akshaye, whose comic timing is just right. His facial expressions appear so funny that it makes you laugh. This has become his strong point in all his films. Ayesha and Malika support well and look glamorous in the song and dance sequences. Rajpal Yadav, who has made a name for himself in Bollywood as one of the best on-screen comedians, has done an excellent job evoking laughter through simple situations. The musical score by Himesh Reshammaiya is fun and peppy to match with the on screen comedy. Overall, this film will appeal to the masses as it's an all-out entertainer. In its opening weekend in the UK cinemas, Shaadi Se Pehle debuted at number 18 by collecting £47,389 on 19 screens. So if you fancy a good laugh this Easter break, then Shaadi Se Pehle is for you! Reviewed by Manish Gajjar
BBC Bollywood Correspondent | 
