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By Taran Adarsh, January 23, 2002 - 14:52 IST
Mahendra Dhariwal's MAA TUJHHE SALAAM, directed by Tinu Verma, is the story of an Indian military officer, Major Pratap Singh (Sunny Deol), who aborted a terrorist infiltration attempt of the enemy country at an area that's located near the border of India.
Zhonabad is the name of the area that is located at the high-altitude mountain ravines. In this area lives a man called Lala (Tinu Verma). Since his ancestors were landlords before independence, Lala is a much respected and influential man there. But behind the curtain, he is the agent of the enemy country who helps infiltration of terrorists and ammunition through the passes in mountains known to him and his men only.
Albaksh (Arbaaz Khan), an illiterate, works like a slave for Lala, without knowing that Lala is indulging in anti-national activities. He is Lala's henchman.
Captain Sonia (Tabu), a military intelligence officer, gets to know of Lala's anti-national activities and she informs the military of it. The military authorities order Major Pratap to go to Zhonabad and keep an eye on Lala.
In the meanwhile, Albaksh gets to know of Lala's dishonourable activities. He opposes Lala, but invites his wrath in turn. Lala frames and potrays Albaksh as a traitor and terrorist in the eyes of the law. The police arrest Albaksh.
Subsequently, Major Pratap meets Albaksh, who reveals Lala's activities and also how he is all set to help the infiltrators into the country through Zhonabad. Since there isn't much time for the Indian military force to reach Zhonabad, Major Pratap decides to fight the battle alone with the help of Albaksh.
Without mincing words or beating around the bush, MAA TUJHHE SALAAM points a finger directly on the neighbouring country for harbouring terrorists and indulging in cross-border terrorism.
There are three factors that build up curiosity for this film:-
One, the film has a tremendous title value. In the current scenario, when patriotism has taken precedence, the title is apt to attract cinegoers in lots.
Two, the film boasts of a contemporary theme. The Indo-Pak relations, which are at an all-time low due to the Kashmir issue mainly, forms the base of this flick.
Three, after the success of GADAR and INDIAN, Sunny Deol has developed an image of a patriotic. In MAA TUJHHE SALAAM, the actor is cast in the role of a 'desh-bhakt' yet again and made to utter dialogues that will be loved by his hardcore fans.
The initial reels of MAA TUJHHE SALAAM set the ball rolling. The Kashmir issue, cross-border terrorism, the infiltrators… everything seems to be straight out of newspaper and news channels' headlines. Unfortunately, the romantic track between Arbaaz Khan and his beloved acts as a stumbling block in an otherwise captivating narrative. The song picturised on them can easily be deleted to make the pace faster.
In the post-interval portions, the focus is on terrorism solely. The training camps and the evil designs of the neighbouring country to take over Kashmir, dominate this half. But here too, like in the first half, several unwanted sequences dilute the impact. Moreover, there seems to be an overdose of blood and gore, which can easily be reduced for a stronger impact.
This is Tinu Verma's maiden attempt at direction and it's evident that he knows his job well. He has chosen the right story for his debut vehicle and the execution of the dramatic sequences is creditworthy. All the same, he should've kept the narrative concise and crisp.
As an action director, Tinu Verma confirms yet again that he is the best in the business. The action sequences are brilliantly executed, especially the horse race (first half) and the attempt to molest Arbaaz's beloved (second half).
Sajid-Wajid's music is just about passable. The tunes are plain ordinary and only two numbers sound pleasing – 'Ranjhana' and 'Mooh Dikahyee'. Raju Kay Gee's cinematography is bewitching. The snow-capped mountains have never looked so beautiful. Dialogues (K.K. Singh) are top class. In fact, they are one of the mainstays of this enterprise.
Sunny Deol's fans are sure to love him in a role that seems tailor-made for him. Like always, Tabu is efficient. Arbaaz Khan has an author-backed role and the actor takes to it like a fish takes to water. This film should prove a turning point in his career and will benefit him tremendously. Tinu Verma, as Lala, is venomous enough to create terror.
On the whole, MAA TUJHHE SALAAM is a present-day presentation of the India-Pak relations. The film's four assets – a contemporary theme, brilliant action, clapworthy dialogues and Sunny Deol's presence and performance – are sufficient to draw swelling crowds. All these factors put together, coupled with the fabulous opening of the film, will make the film a success. In North India especially, where Sunny Deol enjoys a massive following, the film should rise higher than 'Class A'.
  
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