Bunty aur Babli goes in the 'good but not great' category. You can probably watch it once and even get entertained but thats about it. First, the three good things about this movie are : Abhishek Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan :D. Jokes apart, this movie is a perfect example of a great cast holding up a weak storyline. It starts of well with the one hummable song of the entire movie and pretty shots of North India. It picks up tempo as 'Bunty' and 'Babli' meet and embark on their modus operandi, but quickly loses out on account of a string of forgettable songs and sloppy editing. Rani's vivacious attitude, her colorful Kurtis, the plan to lease out the Taj Mahal, and the encounters between Amitabh and Abhishek, Rani's Punjabi accent and Amitabh Bachchan's dialog delivery are great. The songs, the 'item' number, the occasional sentimental scene between Rani and Abhishek are awful. Overall, a 6/10. The movie had the potential to be something great but I think the director lacks the insight and experience to achieve it.

The movie starts out very well, with the two dreamy-eyed, small town youngsters yearning to get out and live up their dreams in the big bad city. After that, the pace slowed down quite a bit as Big B's character is introduced. Some of the scenes appear to be forced. The plot itself seems to be based on either Matchstick Men, or Catch Me If You Can. The concept of the 'con' has been borrowed and the usual Bollywood elements added to it. The bar scene before the Aishwarya number has been dragged quite a bit. What truly pulled this one off is superb acting by Jr. B, Rani Mukherjee and the supporting cast, which is quite minimal in its appearance. One wonders if the director had a choice, or if someone was hogging footage (get it?). Both the parents are missing for quite a bit while B&B are romping it up. The reaction in the small town to B&B's exploits also could have been worth exploring but isn't shown.

Overall its an entertaining movie, the musical score is good except for one song. One should not watch it as a realistic movie, rather as a fun caper that oozes lots of small town charm. There are definitely shades of films made in the 70s, 80s and one feels the influence clearly. Not surprisingly, this has been a hit grossing 4 times its budgeted cost.