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The stale and outdated concept of filmmaking makes a glaring presence in much delayed project 'Humko Tumse Pyar Hai'. The film comes from the ruins of old melodramatic style of films that ruled box office in 60's and 70's. It's pity that in today's context the filmmaker's has tried to rejuvenate formulae that have been adopted by a number of TV soap operas. Earlier, it was Suneel Darshan who tried the old style of story telling and treatment in films like 'Barsaat' and 'Dosti' but faced the audience rejection.

'Humko Tumse Pyar Hai' has been the brain child of late Bunty Soorma who had earlier directed 'Dushmani' and produced half a dozen films. Unfortunately, his death was one reason for the film's delayed release but the project was completed by Vikram Bhatt. Vikram Bhatt has been pioneer of Hollywood DVD style of story narration and direction. This time he has been burdened with the job of completing this contemporary love saga. The film suffers from a predictable scripting and the mismatched co-ordination of story telling. It should be noted the film started off with somebody's vision (Late Bunty Soorma) and ended with a different genre of director (Vikram Bhatt). This can be termed as "benevolent" and friendly act but not professional by any standard.

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The film has its limitations as the first half is contemporary sob story and it collages entirely with rural backdrop. Films with rural backdrop and mediocre storyline have been considered sub-standard and have been the last choice of the present day generation. Recently, 'Chingaari' faced the wrath of the audience though all the three lead actors have got acclamation. Producer Morani's and Soorma have been largely associated with action-packed thrillers like 'Yodha', 'Dushmani' and 'Dum'. This time they have chosen to produce a "run-of-the-mill" sentimental love saga - 'Humko Tumse Pyar Hai'.

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'Humko Tumse Pyar Hai' is the story of a blind and hapless girl (Amisha Patel) whose life toggles between the past she never knew to the present she has just witnessed. The film starts off in a village of Jaipur and centers around beautiful and doll-faced blind girl Durga (Amisha Patel). She has caring mother (Suhasini Mulay) and divine gift of making beautiful sculptures despite her handicap. Rohit (Arjun Rampal), charming young man is enticed by her beauty culminating in eternal love. Rana (Parmeet Sethi), the dreaded village goon has lust for Durga and desires to marry her. Rohit tries to cure with Durga of her blindness and he meets eye specialist Dr Prasad (Kanwaljeet). Rana is upset by the fact Durga loves Rohit and tries to eliminate him. Though Dr Prasad operates Durga successfully but the destiny has other plans.

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On a fateful day when Durga gets her vision she loses Rohit. This upsets her to an extent that she tries to kill herself. Dr Prasad takes Durga to Switzerland. Raj (Bobby Deol), a hi-profile tycoon, is besotted with Durga's pristinely innocence and charm. Raj shows his love for her but she resents it at first but finally accepts. During that time Raj tells Durga about his best friend (Rohit) whom he has lost. Durga hasn't seen Rohit because of her blindness but his voice and appearance has strong impact on her mind and soul. Durga and Raj are engaged. On the engagement day, Raj hears about Rohit and this makes him happier. Rohit recognizes Durga but she hasn't seen him. In the climax, lovers (Raj and Durga) are united with Raj sacrificing his love for friendship.

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The film suffers heavily in the climax that forms its weakest link. The predictable melodramatic end has been witnessed in countless films and this shows the director's poor vision. Amisha Patel has shown tremendous improvisation as an actress. Despite her simple and shy looks she has been competent throughout the film. In the second half she has some mesmerizing moments where she reconciles her association with Arjun Rampal. The actress should be applauded for delivering decent performance and not succumbing to the charms of item numbers and vulgar songs. She has been unfortunate as all her films have been sub-standard in terms of scripting and direction. Arjun Rampal has also been promising and it shows in his performance. The media might have labeled him "wooden actor" but he has shown great improvisation in emotional scenes. Bobby Deol has the least footage but delivers the needful. His screen presence has been dominating and it shows as the film unfolds.

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If 'Black' and 'Iqbal' treated disability with honor then this film treats handicap with fluctuating fortunes of the protagonist. Bunty Soorma's concept of story telling is inspired from films like 'Sangam' (Raj Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar) and to an extent 'Saajan' (Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit). The concept of infusing love triangle with one of them being physically challenged is being reciprocated from 'Saajan'. This time they have shifted the protagonist from male to the female lead as the oppressed character. Ironically, last year Amisha Patel and Arjun Rampal started off with 'Vaada' where Arjun played blind and this time Amisha plays blind. The on screen chemistry of Arjun and Amisha has proved a damp squib in the past and this time it's no different. In terms of characterization, the film belongs to Amisha Patel and to an extent to Arjun Rampal. The actress who started off with a bang has been relegated to the back seat with row of flops. In the past her on screen co-ordination with director Vikram Bhatt has been a losing preposition with disappointments like 'Elaan' and 'Aap Mujhe Acche Lagne Lage'. The film comes with no expectation and its long and delayed release also weakens its prospects. Even the lead actors have lost their box office charm and cannot be termed as "bankable" in today's context.

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Though a film with strong melodramatic feel gives the music director sufficient scope of delivering melodious score, yet its music is disappointing . Anand Raj Anand's repetitive and contemporary style of music ranges from average to poor soundtracks. Songs like "Yeh Mehndi Ke Boote" and the title track hold attention whereas the rest of them accommodate space and retard the pace of the film. The cinematography by Nirmal Jani is strictly ordinary though the film has backdrop of beautiful ethnic Rajasthan locations. 'Humko Tumse Pyar Hai' caters to audiences who craves for old style of films but will be a disappointing fare for the pop genre. The film is a stale, outdated and unbearable package that will have few takers.

A thumbs down affair!