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Ta Ra Rum Pum (NR, 2007)

common sense media says

Fanciful Bollywood dramedy fine for tweens and up.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this family-friendly Bollywood film does address some adult problems, including unemployment and poverty. But it does so with a light touch that probably won't be too distressing to kids. The movie's lessons are simplistic but useful, and though there's some swearing, concerns for young viewers are overridden by how much fun it all is.

Positive messages: Nothing too objectionable (unless you count corny romance). Some lying and deliberate sabotage on the race track.
Violence: Some fiery race-car accidents, near fistfights, and yelling.
Sex: This is a typical Bollywood romance, with lots of flirtation and little else -- not even kissing.
Language: Some use of "s--t" and "damn."
Consumerism: The symbols of the good life: Flashy purses, fancy cars (Mercedes), a Tiffany ring.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some drinking in a restaurant and at parties.
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More on Ta Ra Rum Pum

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what makes life grand -- the things we buy or the people around us? Why do so many people get caught up in the former? What messages does the media send about materialism and "must have" products? Why does RV live only for the day? Is there value in this way of thinking? Or are Radhika's more practical, save-for-tomorrow ways better? How can you strike a happy medium? Families can also discuss Bollywood movies in general. What characteristics do most Bollywood movies share? How are they different from American movies? How do you think this movie would be different if it had been made in the United States?

What's the story?

What's the story?
TA RA RUM PUM is the American Dream story of Ravjeer (Saif Ali Khan), who gets a great job as a race car driver with help from Harry (Jaaved Jafferi). Ravjeer (or RV) marries Radhika (Rani Mukerji), and they have two kids. RV acquires their NYC home, and everything else, "on installment." Everything is going great until RV gets in an accident, and his dreams are dismantled one defaulted loan at a time. But RV and Radhika don't tell their kids what's going on. They keep them in the same private school even as they downsize to a large studio, telling them it's because they're on a hidden-camera reality show called Don't Worry, Be Happy, with the prize going to those who take on adversity with utmost grace and a smiling face. Will RV and Radhika manage to come up with the school fees in a month? Will the children find out? Will they land on their feet again?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Ta Ra Rum Pum is predictable but also invigorating, like a day at a county fair eating too much junk and going on too many fast rides. Siddharth Anand's Bollywood confection is a feel-good film in English and Hindi (with subtitles) that's stuffed with extended-but-exciting car chases, lavish dance numbers, not-so-subtle moral lessons, and a meandering plot, it's sweet but somehow not saccharine. Even better, it's loads of fun.

Oddly enough, the lessons in this Indian film -- one of the best homages to New York City -- are supremely sensible and startlingly American: Go to college. Avoid buying on credit. Eat lunch every day. Thankfully, it unfolds in surprisingly charming ways that most American movies don't.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Yash Raj Films
Director: Siddharth Anand
Cast: Jaaved Jafferi, Rani Mukerji, Saif Ali Khan
Genre: Musical
Run time: 156 minutes
Theatrical release: April 27, 2007
DVD release: September 1, 2007
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by S. Jhoanna Robledo
 
 

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The best movie ever in 2007
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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