Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Jaaved Jaaferi

Director: Jugal Hansraj
Music Director: Sulaiman Merchant, Salim Merchant
Lyricist: Jaideep Sahni
Music Company and Banner: Yash Raj Music and Yash Raj Films

Plot: The film tells the story of Romeo (Saif Ali Khan), a dog who was used to living a luxurious life in a huge mansion. He had the works - a mansion to live in, chicks to party with and cars to be driven around in. Until one day, the family he was living with decided to move and left him abandoned on the mean streets of Mumbai. Poor Romeo now faces situations he has never been in before. He encounters a gang of ruffians who, at first, scare the living daylights out of him with their ‘bullying ways’. But, the smart Romeo convinces them that he can be an asset to their team by showcasing his...hair cutting skills!

They all become friends and open a haircut hot spot called 'Romeo’s Salon'. Their business starts running briskly in a short span of time. But, they also end up facing the wrath of the local dreaded don – a fat bull dog, Charlie Anna (Jaaved Jaaferi), though, Romeo outsmarts him as well! Then, one full moon night, Romeo encounters Laila (Kareena Kapoor), practicing her dance steps atop a roof. He falls for her instantly and tries unsuccessfully to woo her. She throws one condition his way to win her love: he should dance and propose to her at the Moonlight Club where she performs every night. Romeo complies, only to realize that Charlie Anna has a soft spot for Laila and has been trying to woo her for quite some time. Charlie captures Romeo and plans on killing him for attempting to get closer to Laila, when Romeo manages to convince him that he will ultimately win Laila’s heart for Charlie. Charlie, then, spares his life. Now, Romeo is in a fix! He has to hide this deal with Charlie Anna from Laila and at the same time save his life from Charlie Anna. How Romeo manages to come out of this tangle forms rest of the film! During the present times of gloom all around, thanks to the market slow down, 'Roadside Romeo' is the perfect antidote to keep you entertained and make you smile!

What Works: A big pat on the back for debutant director Jugal Hansraj for his fun-filled screenplay and amazing direction. 'Roadside Romeo' was funny, entertaining and exciting! The dialogues are quirky and very lighthearted, just how an animated film should be. Whether it's Charlie Anna’s introduction scene, the rooftop dance between Romeo and Laila, the Moonlight Bar dance number,  or Mini’s fooling Charlie Anna posing as Laila, and the climax, it all adds to the fantastic film. The animation is better than expected. A special mention also needs to be made to the choreography given to animated characters. Saif Ali Khan manages to bring in some cool attitude with his voice for Romeo’s character. While Kareena Kapoor brings adds the perfect elegance required for a character like Laila. But, all credit goes to Jaaved Jaffery as the tamil don, Charlie Anna, who makes the film memorable with his dialogue and delivery style.

What Didn’t Work: That's a tough one! Most of the film's elements worked, and this film is one of a kind in India, so no comparisons can really be made. Therefore, no negative things to say!

The Verdict: Young children will definitely want to watch this movie twice over just for Jaaved Jaaferi’s Charlie Anna! Though, tt's the kind of a film which both children and adults will equally enjoy! It’s shouting out “cool cool”! Check it out at your local cinemas and treat yourself and the kids to some humor this Diwali!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Critic: Karishma Purshotam