Prem Ratan Dhan Payo -2015- Review
A Royal Diwali Hangover: Revisiting Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015)
There are movies, and then there are events. In the golden era of the mid-2010s, a Salman Khan release during Diwali wasn’t just a film; it was a festival in itself. In 2015, the Bhai of Bollywood teamed up with the “Showman” Rajshri Productions (of Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! fame) for Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.
Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, this film was the spiritual successor to the iconic Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994). But did the magic strike twice, or was this royal offering a case of diminishing returns? Let’s unwrap this tinsel-laden gift from seven years ago. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo -2015-
Production Values
- Visuals: Lavish sets, bright costumes, and careful framing create a fairy-tale atmosphere. The cinematography favors wide, grand compositions that emphasize the palace’s scale and the film’s celebratory nature.
- Music: The soundtrack blends devotional melodies and romantic numbers. Songs are staged as full-fledged spectacles and became popular with audiences, contributing strongly to the film’s emotional beats.
- Pacing: The film is leisurely and lengthy — designed to luxuriate in moments rather than rush through them. That suits some viewers but may test those preferring taut narratives.
4. Thematic Analysis
4.1 The Ideal of Tyag (Sacrifice)
Central to the film is the concept of renunciation for the greater good. Prem willingly abandons his identity and love for Maithili to restore order—echoing the mythological sacrifices of Lord Ram. Unlike the biological king, Prem embodies the raj dharma (duty of a ruler) without seeking power. A Royal Diwali Hangover: Revisiting Prem Ratan Dhan
4.2 Family as the Ultimate Wealth
The title translates to "The wealth of love and honor is the jewel of the family." Barjatya argues that emotional bonds (prem, ratan, dhan) supersede material wealth. The climax, where Vijay learns humility through Prem’s example, reinforces that forgiveness and unity are the true treasures. Visuals: Lavish sets, bright costumes, and careful framing
4.3 Subversion of Patriarchy
Despite its traditional setting, the film critiques primogeniture and male entitlement. Maithili rejects both Vijay and Prem when they act dishonorably. Her insistence on respect and partnership—rather than passive devotion—challenges the conventional Hindi film heroine’s arc. Additionally, the queen mother (played by Swara Bhaskar’s character’s mother?)—specifically, Rajmata (Neetu Singh) and the younger queen (Aishwarya Rai’s role?) —actually, the female characters, including Maithili and Kanchan (Swara Bhaskar), assert moral agency.
The Soundtrack of a Wedding Season
No discussion of a Barjatya film is complete without mentioning the music. Composed by Himesh Reshammiya, the soundtrack of PRDP was a chartbuster that dominated the wedding season of 2015.
- "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo" (Title Track): A bhajan-like melody that became the anthem of the year, famous for its choreography involving mirrors and the simple, devotional lyrics.
- "Jab Tum Chaho": A melodious romantic track that captured the playful tension between the leads.
- "Halo Re": The ultimate Holi song, bringing back the color-soaked joy of classic Bollywood.
The music didn't just serve the narrative; it elevated it, turning scenes into musical theater.
⚠️ Things to Consider
- Length: At nearly 3 hours, the film is long by modern standards.
- Melodrama: The film leans heavily into theatrical, old-school Bollywood drama. If you prefer gritty, realistic cinema, this might not be for you.
- VFX: Some scenes (particularly the action sequences with the horse) rely on noticeable CGI.