The highly anticipated musical London Dreams finally hit screens today. Directed by Vipul Shah of Namestey London fame, this rock band saga stars Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan and Asin Thottumkal in the lead. Salman and Ajay come together nearly a decade after Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
London Dreams draws inspiration from the legendary Mozart-Salieri rivalry and revolves around the theme of friendship, trust, passion, jealousy and sacrifice against the backdrop of music.
London Dreams revolves around two childhood friends – Arjun (Ajay Devgan) and Mannu (Salman Khan), who over the years become thick friends. Arjun is extremely passionate about music and his dream is to make it big and sing at the London’s Wembley Stadium with thousands of fans cheering for him. On the other hand, Mannu is lighthearted and capricious and does not realize his innate musical talent. Despite all the hurdles, Arjun’s dream slowly takes shape and he manages to form a band called London Dreams. Just when his fame starts spreading wider and across the borders, things take a new twist and Mannu begins to steal the show. Slowly jealousy creeps into Arjun’s path to victory and his strong faithful friendship takes an ugly shape. Who wins the musical battle to fame and success? Who does London Dreams belong too? This forms the rest of the story
London Dreams Review
Why London Dreams is a much watch in theater
- London Dreams is one of Vipul Shah’s best works. From the gigantic concerts to romance to the conspiracy, everything is well executed. The script ideally should have been crisper, especially the climax.
- With well-etched characters, Vipul has also managed to extract brilliant performances from both actors. Think ‘Wanted’ was Salman’s best? wait till you watch this. He emotes like never before, effortlessly delivering one of his best performances to date. You easily relate and feel deeply for his character. This performance could well win him some awards this year.
- No other actor in Bollywood can be as intense as Ajay Devgan and he fits into Arjun’s skin with dexterity and precision. Although Ajay’s role takes a gray shade, his competency is unmatched and takes grounds equal as Salman Khan in making a place for himself in the minds of the audience. While he doesn’t really look like a rockstar, its his acting histrionics that does the trick.. although he should have worked harder on his dancing skills.
- Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan share amazing chemistry. Be it their confrontation at Ajay’s home or at the stadium or their happy times of friendship, their off screen comfort-level is clearly visible on screen.
- Salman Khan’s first flight to London is absolutely hilarious. His dialogues are funny and so are his expressions. Must watch!
- Asin looked very pretty and danced well, but in a movie dominated by Salman and Ajay Devgan, she doesn’t really get enough scope to exhibit her acting talent. Chennai Express is a cute name!
- Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy is in fine tune with the tone of the movie and fits perfectly into the film. The gigantic concerts are shot amazingly well.
What’s not-so-good in London Dreams
- A few scenes do appear over the top and not so very convincing. Like Ajay giving away the most important moment of his life and confronting his friend in front of thousands. Also the on-stage dialogues were weak and lacked intensity.
- A little more drama, more rivalry would have made the movie an even better watch, perhaps more realistic. Forgiveness is allowed in friendship, but being too humble without even a pinch of anger is unacceptable, its too far fetched.
Overall, London Dreams is one of the best films of the year. The stretched climax is a bit of a disappointment but the fantastic performances by both Ajay and Salman more than makes up for it.
Rating: 
3 and a half stars
Seen London Dreams already? Post your very own reviews below
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November 8th, 2009 at 8:14 am
u cant go on saying mera prah mera prah all the time and expect the movie to be a hit .. this asin irritates mea lot .. she thinks and acts like juhi chawla has a fat bottom and is completely unattractive not suited for indian movies she is better off as an air hostess s job
November 8th, 2009 at 9:18 am
dats harsh Megha. i find Asin very attractive. i would love to have a wife like dat. IN MY DREAMS
November 11th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Its a Paisa Vasool Movie. After a long tym a very good movie with two actors has come up. Salman at his Best and Ajay-No Words to explain……… Simply the Best…… Asin is lookin beautiful……. VJs are good……………..Go Watch It!!!!!!!!!
November 15th, 2009 at 11:30 am
London Dreams: Human beings unavoidable trait: Jealousy
London Dreams was originally released in Pakistan in the last month at the main single screen cinemas and multiplexes. We wanted to see this long awaited movie on its premiere, but due to some reason we missed it, on its first run, since the movie has now been re-released in another regular theater in Karachi for a short term, so we did not want to miss opportunity to see our favorite stars.
Arjun portrayed by Ajay Devgan and Salman Khan as Manu are childhood friends living in native rural suburbs. AJAY DEVGAN /ARJUN possesses deep passion for music and dreams of becoming a musical sensation and performs at London’s Wembley Stadium but his family has revulsion for music because it was the reason for his grand father’s demise.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah has no doubt presented this musical film on a large canvass. The techniques are on higher side, but the emotions are relatively sparse, and this is the place where precise balance was required.
Any how, Vipul Shah did extend appropriate time for character development and he captures the sensitive moments with confidence. Human beings unavoidable trait Jealousy bit by bit creeps in ARJUN /AJAY DEVGAN and Interweaved scheme devised solely aimed at destroying his best friend, turned contender; and events that unfold is the basis of the film.
Indian Cinema has really progressed particularly during he last couple of years in the department of visuals and sound. In the London Dreams Cinematography / camera work is very good and at par with international standards.
The back drop of the film blends prolific themes is clearly visible and if one is not appreciating then it would be injustice to the camera team. In musical films where a pinnacle is to be achieved the climax trek should be the best. There are majestic music shows in the world in which some times the middle presented songs are not that good but the last trek is best of all and if this pattern was followed then the London Dreams would have been memorable.
Music composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loys’ has fairly well in opening number. The First trek of London Dreams filmed on AJAY DEVGAN is impressive with steel guitar sounds (Shadows type) with techno beat of synthesizers.
Ajay Devgan is good while performing his part with dedication. The Character of Devgan is to a degree mystique, envisioned with a distant dream has shades of dark side, ominous in this film.
Salman Khan is a fine star and with the passage of time he is getting better. Younger /new movie stars in Bollwood cannot hold candle against Salman and in our view he can perform low-tone/ semi romantic roles but he is a muscle guy and more suited in Action Films like the WANTED.
Asin who portrayed the role of Kalpana in the last year action movie Ghajni is still remembered by us. Asin is one unique actress, who never indulges in vulgarity or crudeness like other young actresses, this is definitely a plus and a rare quality now days. She is a very decent actress and this reflects her good family background. She should be an inspiration for other female stars. In the recent venture the London Dreams, Asin holds a fragile equilibrium between the two lead artists; her role is in way limited as per the requirement of the film. Asin has innocent looks… she is a doll, a lovely doll.
Mr Om Puri’s is a very senior artist but his role not that noticeable but impresses the cine-goers. The low light and night vision scenes in the Film are captured in a beautiful manner and the credit goes to the camera team of the Film.
LONDON DREAMS is motivating and has a message and the way aversion has been patched up between AJAY DEVGAN and SALMAN is a feeling that comes right from the heart.
LONDON DREAMS has evoked a musical concept, worth seeing in a proper/big cinema hall—–The vast set design and roaring audience at the Stadium can only be truly appreciated on a CINERAMA type, large and ultra wide curved screen. LONDON DREAMS is an expensive film, the project has been made with huge budget are prima facie evident in the vast / extensive sets. ***** Very Good
Kind regards: Syed Ali, Natasha, Nadeem, Faisal Haider, Neha, Keishe
and Ali Talha—–The Cinema Circle=Karachi-Pakistan.
November 28th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
london is super duper film and salman khan is rock.
November 28th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
salman khan acting is outstanding super hit.
November 28th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
super duper hit movie.
December 1st, 2009 at 2:52 am
LD does not rise up to the expectations.. a bit too over the top.. (Wembley stadium filled with people to watch a Hindi singing band which failed badly in Paris… C’mon.. Give the audience a break.. Its only possible if the singer is MJ and non-other..)
Asin doesnt have much to offer.. The movie doesnt have any logical explaination..
The Plus points:
1. Ajay Devgan’s awesome acting skills..
2. The story though over the top and ridiculous to believe has high emotional quotient.. Ajay and Salman did a very good job with emotions..
Minus points:
1. Music…. A big minus.. A supposedly musical entertainer doesnt rise to its expectations.. doesnt have a repetitive value..
2. As mentioned before.. A lot of scenes make no sense and aren’t logical.. Like a small kid runs away from his uncle and turns out to be an awesome singer and plays on the road in London.. The 2 other guys come out of nowhere..
3. Comedy of Salman was just okay.. It doesnt hold the movie together…
Rating : 6(2 each for Salman and Ajay and 2 for emotions..)/ 10