Extravagance, royalty, and love are all at the heart of this grand spectacle that showcases the opulent world of a prince. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is a 2015 romantic family drama starring Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles. The movie is set in an unnamed regal kingdom, taking place in palaces with grand halls, exquisite costumes, and opulent ceremonies. It fits squarely into the Bollywood family drama genre, with strong influences of romance, tradition, and the eternal bond of relationships. The world created in the film feels like a fairy tale, with its timeless setting and lush visuals, adding to its appeal as a Diwali release that beckons families to watch together.
The story revolves around two characters played by Salman—Prem, a simple and fun-loving man, and Yuvraj Vijay Singh, the crown prince. Vijay is on the verge of being crowned king but has many enemies, even within his family. After a near-fatal accident, Vijay is left incapacitated, and Prem, who happens to resemble the prince, is brought in as a stand-in. Prem’s entry into the royal world sparks a series of events involving mistaken identities, hidden agendas, and emotional confrontations. At the same time, Prem falls in love with Princess Maithili (Sonam), unaware of the deep complexities of the royal family’s internal conflicts. The plot is a mix of lighthearted romance and deeper, more serious themes of family loyalty, deception, and the heavy burden of royalty.
What stands out most in this film is Salman’s dual performance. He brings charm and sincerity to Prem, a character that feels reminiscent of the roles he played in the 90s—innocent, goofy, and full of heart. As Yuvraj Vijay Singh, he embodies a more serious, brooding demeanor, starkly contrasting his lively portrayal of Prem. The ease with which he switches between the two roles showcases his versatility as an actor. While Salman has always excelled in larger-than-life roles, his portrayal of Prem stands out because of the warmth and likability he infuses into the character. Sonam, as the elegant Princess Maithili, delivers a graceful performance, though her character doesn’t demand much range. She plays her part with elegance and looks ethereal in the lavish costumes designed for her. However, it’s Salman’s show all the way, and he carries the film with his commanding screen presence.
Sooraj Barjatya’s direction is faithful to the Rajshri Productions formula—a blend of traditional family values, melodrama, and moral lessons wrapped in grandeur. Known for creating a world where emotions take precedence over plot, Barjatya once again focuses on relationships. However, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo lacks the emotional depth and coherence of his earlier works like Hum Aapke Hain Koun or Hum Saath Saath Hain. The film relies heavily on its visual appeal, with expansive sets and elaborate sequences, but the direction falters when it comes to maintaining the emotional engagement of the audience. The script, written by Barjatya himself, feels uneven at times, with some scenes dragging unnecessarily. Despite this, the film’s heartwarming moments between Prem and his newfound family inject just enough emotional weight to keep viewers invested.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the film is its grand production design. The palaces, designed by Nitin Chandrakant Desai, are an extravagant blend of traditional Indian and European architecture. Each room is filled with luxurious details—from the towering columns to the intricately designed chandeliers, it’s clear that no expense was spared in bringing this royal world to life. The costumes, designed by Neeta Lulla, especially for Sonam, add to the film’s aesthetic appeal. Whether in her regal lehengas or elegant sarees, Sonam looks every bit the royal princess. Even Salman, in his princely garb, manages to pull off the look with a blend of authority and charm. The elaborate set pieces and costumes are perhaps one of the movie’s strongest suits, enveloping the audience in a fantasy-like world where tradition meets royalty.
The film’s musical score, composed by Himesh Reshammiya, adds another layer of grandeur to the proceedings. The title track, “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo,” became an instant hit for its upbeat, celebratory vibe. Other songs like “Jalte Diye” and “Aaj Unse Milna Hai” bring in the romantic and traditional elements that are signature to Barjatya’s films. However, while the songs are melodious, the film feels a bit weighed down by the frequent musical interludes, which disrupt the narrative flow. The background score complements the emotional beats of the film, but the overall soundtrack doesn’t reach the same level of memorability as the songs from Barjatya’s previous films.
Cinematographer V. Manikandan captures the larger-than-life visuals with great attention to detail. Whether it’s the sweeping shots of the royal palace or the more intimate moments between Prem and Maithili, the film is a visual treat. The camera work, coupled with stunning production design, makes each frame look like a painting. The grand scale of the film is enhanced by its rich color palette, with hues of gold, red, and royal blue dominating the screen. However, despite the visual appeal, the cinematography cannot completely mask the occasional sluggishness in the plot.
In terms of theme, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo explores the importance of family, loyalty, and forgiveness. The film upholds traditional values, which is a hallmark of Barjatya’s work. It’s about mending broken relationships, understanding the meaning of responsibility, and how love can heal even the deepest wounds. While these themes are certainly worthy, the film occasionally feels heavy-handed in delivering its moral message, often at the expense of pacing and narrative tightness. The family conflicts, though central to the story, don’t carry the emotional intensity they should, making some scenes feel superficial.
Overall, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is a visually stunning film that plays to the strengths of its lead actor and delivers a familiar, comfort-food narrative for those who enjoy family dramas. It’s not without its flaws—the plot can feel bloated, the emotional beats don’t always land, and the film is longer than it needs to be. However, it still works as a grand, feel-good Bollywood movie, especially for fans of Salman Khan. If you enjoy films that celebrate traditional Indian values wrapped in a glittering package of romance and royalty, this film is worth a watch. Just don’t expect anything groundbreaking or too emotionally resonant.
