Yasmin_07 I didn't enjoy the film only because the main cast lack acting talent. People cannot compare this to Rekha's umrao Jaan. The first version cannot be outdone. Rekha's dancing, the music, the storyline and the acting were all superb. You felt so sorry for Umrao jaan in the original version.Fast forward to the 21st century and all that has changed is the outfits, the actors and the scenery. Aishwarya doesn't have much going for her in the dancing or acting departments. She had her looks but even then she seemed quite forced and in some shots quite creepy. Her dancing is always done too fast as if trying to prove a point. The music was absolutely beautiful however. The pain of Umrao jaan was caught perfectly and there was so much emotion in the voice of Alka. Abishek does not suit the role of hero either. Shabana azmi played the role of a plotting older woman who picks and chooses which dancer will entertain "suitors". All in all I will say that this film was a disaster. Why remake a film when the original has nothing wrong with it? Most who see the original fall in love, feel the pain of Umrao, understand history and gaining an understanding to how easy it was for women of a good home to be snatched away.I recommend the original. This should not have been made however I am thankful for the voice of Alka.

amanda_books I thought the story line was easy to follow but not predictable, and the acting was very vivid and full of depth. I think that Ash is an amazing actress, who is able to convey so many emotions with even the most subtle of movements. The real gem of this film is the amazing detail that is given to the costumes and scenes. So many bright and amazing colors, even the texture of the fabrics are noticeable.I have watched this film so many times and each time I notice something new. If you love films that are costume based you'll be very happy with this one.

jwessel-1 This movie is a giant step backward from the 80s Umrao Jaan. Granted dancing is good as should be expected of Aishwarya Rai but her character comes off as flat, weak and unlikable. The brothel is an idealized fantasy place where she can remain loyal to her true love all the while crying her eyes out because life's so unfair. I thought the movie was extremely dull and boring and I suspect Mrs Rai was crying to some extent because she got trapped in this awful movie by JP Dutta.Spoiler: Worst scene: the rape and aftermath. Only: there is no aftermath as the lady is in a really forgiving mood. Everyone does make mistakes I guess (like watching this movie!). The whole love story also doesn't work for me. While in the original Rekha came across as this intelligent woman, Aishwarya Rai is just a pretty face and of course her Nawab falls in love with her at first sight. She is just another pretty face...

ujjaini_lahiry This movie is strictly for those people who have not seen the earlier Umraao Jaan. Because they will compare and this one would fail miserably.The script was badly written, the characters looked like they had not done any homework, especially suniel shetty, who seemed to be a character who was just taken in the movie for the sake of it. No attention was paid to the details like Suniel shetty's shoes. Aishwarya just danced well, and managed look well, a very good job done by the make-up artiste.The only actor who performed extremely well, in spite of those over decked up sets was Shabana Azmi. Her's was the only character, which made some sense. As neither did blow-in blow-out nostrils(Ash) nor the last moment entry(suniel) did. Abhishek was good, though his character didn't seem to be well-defined enough. Some of his scenes were longer than they should had been, however, he managed to portray them well.