It seems forever ago since I received my very first batch of dvd's in the mail, but I remember the excitement levels were extremely high. They were all Shah Rukh Khan films, of course, and one of the first I attempted to watch was Yes Boss. I say attempted because I don't think my sister and I got past the first half hour. But we were both newbies, not yet schooled in the art of Hindi comedy, and Shah Rukh in a clown costume was just a little beyond our comprehension.
That was then.
This is now.
I finally got around to putting what some consider to be Shah and Juhi's funniest movie back on the dvd player, and when it was finished (after I rewatched some of the songs, that is), I thought why did I wait so long? Yes Boss is kind of like a chocolate ice cream cone, full of rich decadent goodness, with tiny sprinkles of happiness on top. It's a film that is bahut sweet and when you're all done you feel totally satisfied!
Directed by Aziz Mirza, Yes Boss is the story of Rahul (Shah Rukh), the ambitious assistant to manipulative, married yet womanising businessman Siddharth (Aditya Pancholi). Rahul's loyalty to his boss is unlimited, and he does everything for him, Siddharth's own personal enabler. In return, Rahul's boss promises to help him become an independent businessman in the corporate world. Our story really begins when Siddharth decides to dig his claws into the innocent and lovely young model Seema (Juhi), with whom Rahul develops feelings for almost immediately. When ensues is an incredibly funny series of events that includes silly costumes, heartwarming moments and even a bit of dishoom dishoom!
Gosh, I love Shah and Juhi together! They are the 90's couple for me, and in this film (just like the others I've seen them in), they play off of each other making every moment filmi perfection! I think there's some debate between Shah fans as to which are better - his early work or the films he's making now. I find it a hard decision to make, a toss up if you will, because each have their own merits. I will say, however, that I love this type of role. His Rahul reminds me of Sunil in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na, a simple, sensitive, generous, happy and struggling middle-class guy. He is completely convincing and gets to play pretty much every range of emotions as he struggles with his feelings, with his ambitions, with his jack ass of a boss. And he looks adorable through it all (make sure to catch the bathtub scene about half way through!)
Juhi, as always, is the epitome of innocence. Beautiful and vulnerable, she is just completely enchanting as Seema, an aspiring model. She comes across as a very simple and gentle young woman who has great values and who, like Rahul, has dreams of finding success. Personally, I think of Juhi as Bollywood's sweetheart, and she gets to show off all of the emotions that qualify her as such. The growth of her character is believable, and as expected, she is fantastic in the comic sequences.
Other cast members are good. Aditya Pancholi manages to be as hateful as his character requires. Kashmira Shah is pretty good in a small role and she is so gorgeous that many would wonder how her husband even thinks of cheating on her. Reema Lagoo and Johnny Lever do their usual stuff.
One more aspect that significantly contributes to the film is undoubtedly Jatin-Lalit's soundtrack. Every song stands out. Ek Din Aap is very melodious and soothing; Choodi Baji Hai Kahi is joyful and is beautifully shot among some breathtaking landscapes. Also Shah as a sad clown breaks my heart every single time. Chand Taare is lovely and Suniye To and Jaata Hai Tu Kaha are very catchy, the later is an extremely fun song to watch, very colorful and energetic. Main Koi Aisa Geet is my favorite of the film though and is brilliantly pictured on Shah and Juhi as he tries to entertain her and finally succeeds. Plus I love Juhi's yellow dress!
So do I think that Yes Boss is more humorous than what I considered to be Shah's funniest film, Duplicate? I don't think so, but it is probably the sweetest feel good movie I've seen of his. They don't make films like this anymore. Brilliantly done!
June 2, 2010 at 3:23 PM
oh man, I've had this dvd sitting on my shelf for like a year and never watched it...your review has encouraged me to put it in the dvd player!
June 2, 2010 at 3:55 PM
I know what you mean. It sat on my shelf for almost 2 years. I hope you enjoy it!
June 2, 2010 at 9:52 PM
I love love love love love love this film. Chocolate ice cream with happiness sprinkles?!
YES PLEASE! :)
June 2, 2010 at 10:16 PM
I know right! It's such a totally feel good film. Going to have to lend it to my sister so she can experience what we didn't quite get before!
Oh, and welcome back. You are back right!?
June 2, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Oh God!!! How i love this movie!!!...wonderful post shell!!!
June 3, 2010 at 3:11 AM
I LOVE Yes Boss..SRK & Juhi are just amazingly adorable in it, and it still manages to have a pretty good message. As you said, totally a feelgood movie.
June 3, 2010 at 6:29 AM
They're soooo cute! I have this waiting to be watched; I'll have to bump it up in line.
June 3, 2010 at 7:27 AM
@Tady - Thanks! It definitely is an easy movie to love.
@Daddy's Girl - So adorable. I had a hard time picking screen caps to post.
@ajnabi - Bump it up girl! I don't know what you have waiting, but this one is so fantastic. I know you'll just love it! Seems to be the general consensus.
June 4, 2010 at 4:48 AM
when life's burdens,weariness,cares overflow me.. I need to be in my dreamy careless life by watching yes boss or duplicate even one2ka4.. such a marvelous and funny couple..
I wish that they come back togather again and again and again :) ..watching (srk&jo )givs me sugary feel..
;)
ودمتم
June 4, 2010 at 4:50 AM
when life's burdens,weariness,cares overflow me.. I need to be in my dreamy careless life by watching yes boss or duplicate even one2ka4.. such a marvelous and funny couple..
I wish that they come back togather again and again and again :) ..watching (srk&jo )givs me sugary feel..
;)
ودمتم
June 4, 2010 at 7:21 AM
I totally agree - the perfect remedy when life's got you down!
June 4, 2010 at 1:26 PM
Glad you wrote about this film- this is Shahrukh as he alwys should be- I really enjoyed him, Juhi and the entire ensemble. I too wish theyd make more like this !
June 4, 2010 at 2:40 PM
It's films like this that totally show how and why Shah Rukh made it in films, I think. Also, it makes one wonder if a movie with them filmed today would still have that same inexplicable sweetness and chemistry. I think a mature romantic movie with them would be too wonderful for words.
June 5, 2010 at 10:02 AM
YAY! So glad you gave this a second chance...I love Juhi and SRK in Aziz Mirza's movies (Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Phir Bhi Dil Hai...and even One 2 Ka 4!). Love the review.
And you're so right....they don't make 'em like this anymore :(
June 6, 2010 at 8:36 AM
Thanks darling! I have only seen about half of Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, another movie that I started and didn't get to finish. I don't think there's a single movie of Shah and Juhi's that I don't like. They are pure magic for me!
June 13, 2010 at 2:04 PM
This one's a rolle coaster ride of giggles and happiness. Love it. And the music is awesome.
June 14, 2010 at 7:30 AM
I know, right! I can't believe how much I ended up liking it after such a intial cold reception. That'll teach me to shut a movie off (well, unless I decide to try any of Himesh Reshamiya's films)
June 15, 2010 at 1:09 PM
This is one of my favourite SRK/Juhi films and I'm always trying to get people to watch it and love it as much as i do :DD
June 15, 2010 at 2:04 PM
I followed your excellent advice and watched this the other night. It was delightful! The bathtub scene..was..well..weird though! I love Shah Rukh and Juhi together...although my new favorite is Raju Bangaya Gentleman! Thanks for a great review!
-K8yR
June 15, 2010 at 3:24 PM
@nayika - Namaste and welcome to my blog. Isn't it great when people get what you love!? I wish Juhi and Shah would do something now for their fans. Thanks for stopping by!
@K8yR - haha! The bathtub scene would have been better had Shah not been sharing it with another man!
Raju Ban Gaya is another film that I started and then ran out of time in the day and had to shut it off. I haven't made it back yet. I should do it soon, hey?!
I'm so glad you liked Yes Boss.
November 8, 2013 at 8:03 AM
Was a pleasure to read your review. A bit too late to reply but I miss SRK-Juhi now more than ever before because it's almost certain that they will not get to work together again :(
They have literally done all kinds of movies but I wish they got to do an out and out romantic movie at least once because their chemistry and comfort is incredible and not sufficiently exploited. Now there's no hope.
Thanx :)