‘London Dreams’ almost manages to live up to the great expectations that have been invested into it. Two assets that help the movie to stand up straight and get counted among the ‘Very Goods’, are the invigorating music and powerhouse performance by Salman Khan.

Arjun is a wannabe singer, who runs away from home in order to fulfill his musical dreams. He forms a rock band, and just before his big night on stage, imports his childhood friend, Manjit (Salman Khan) into his band. Manjit turns out to be more talented, and also wins Priya (Asin), the girl Arjun loves secretly. Arjun, in his jealousy, tries to wreck his friend, but his secrets are out in a big denouement on stage.

The favourite old theme of professional jealousy between ‘best’ friends is dealt with some deft and sensitive touches, but the ending falls flat.

What makes the hackneyed story stand out is the music that manages to raise the emotions to a grand and almost epic scale. The awesome combination of Shankar-Ehsan-Loy weaves the magic fusions through the narrative. The touch of Indian classical music, in particular, helps to give the movie the sudden flavours at the right moments.

Salman Khan as the crude country bumpkin, as well as the wronged friend, is amazing. He carries the movie on his shoulders with his sheer vitality. However, Ajay Devgan comes across as weak and maudlin, failing to convey the emotional intensity that his role demands. He is not an apt foil for his ebullient friend.

The biggest disappointment is Asin, who looks a bit bewildered by her role, and seems to have brought two-and-a-half acting tricks!

The cinematography is enthusiastic, as both Bhatinda and London, with their fresh colours, seem to be the stuff that dreams, not reality are made of!