Right frequency

Jasmine Singh

‘Sada dil rabb da radio hai, eh kade galt signal catch nahi karda,’ a dialogue spoken by the lead actor in the film justifies the title of this week’s release - Rabb Da Radio. What is even more unexpected is that this Rabb Da Radio too has caught the right signal! 

Directed by Harry Bhatti and Tarnvir Singh Jagpal, the film’s story is written by Jass Grewal. 

Punjabi singer Tarsem Singh Jassar makes his debut with the film, as the leading actor. The film also stars Mandy Takhar, Simi Chahal, Nirmal Rishi, Anita Devgan, among others.

Rabb Da Radio is an out-and-out family drama, set up in rural Punjab. In fact, this could be our answer to the Hindi film Hum Saath Saath Hai - in terms of the theme. 

Even though there is nothing outstanding in the story, the director duo has kept the film light, easy and flowing. No effort has been made to give it an artificial shape. The story of the film is the story of every second household of rural Punjab; to a good extent. 

The rural setting of the film is something that we’ve already seen in many Punjabi films of late, but it sure reminds every Punjabi of the old Punjab. The dialogues of the film are again simple, flowing and funny, wherever needed.  

Rabb Da Radio moves on its own pace, it’s neither too fast, nor slow; in fact, it has a beautiful rhythm that doesn’t irk, not even for a moment. The directors have done a decent job with the simple storyline and the characters.

Tarsem Jassar hasn’t spoken many dialogues and whatever limited he has spoken, he has done a fine job. This turbanator also scores brownie points for his looks and his restrained romantic onscreen bent, which, of course, justifies his character. 

Next up is the beautiful Mandy Takhar, lighting up the screen with her presence. One thing that makes Mandy an absolute delight to watch is her onscreen emotional hold. Mandy has often portrayed characters that come across as subtle, yet having amazing strength. And then there is Simi Chahal, yet another artiste who does clear justice to her role. She doesn’t go overboard with either emotions or fun filled dialogues. 

Anita Devgan, as the vicious mother-in-law, has done a commendable job. Thank God, for once, she wasn’t given a comic role! Seasoned actor Nirmal Rishi brings in enjoyable, light moments. Nirmal, undeniably, has a strong screen presence. 

The songs of Rabb da Radio are lovely; the one sung by Sharry Mann, Dil Mera Rabb Da Radio, is a soft hummable number.  Punjabi singer-actor Ammy Virk’s special appearance in a song sung by him is a pleasant surprise. Pretty unexpected, but Rabb Da Radio does manage to catch the right signal. Play on!

jasmine@tribunemail.com