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Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic

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Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic
Film poster
Directed byKunal Kohli
Written byKunal Kohli
Produced byAditya Chopra
Kunal Kohli
StarringSaif Ali Khan
Rani Mukerji
Akshat Chopra
Rishi Kapoor
Ameesha Patel
CinematographySudeep Chatterjee
Edited byAmitabh Shukla
Music bySongs:
Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy
Score:
Sandeep Chowta
Production
companies
Distributed byYash Raj Films
Release date
  • 27 June 2008 (2008-06-27)
Running time
145 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹230 million (US$2.7 million)[2]
Box office₹372.53 million (US$4.4 million)[2]

Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic (transl. A Little Love, A Little Magic) is a 2008 Indian Hindi-language fantasy comedy-drama film directed by Kunal Kohli and produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner. The film stars Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji in lead roles, with supporting performances from Rishi Kapoor and Ameesha Patel. It also features child artists Akshat Chopra, Shriya Sharma, Rachit Sidana, and Ayushi Burman in prominent roles. The narrative follows the story of a troubled industrialist who is ordered by the court to care for four orphaned children until the arrival of a magical nanny transforms their lives.

The film marked Kohli’s third directorial venture with Yash Raj Films, following Mujhse Dosti Karoge! (2002) and Hum Tum (2004). Principal photography took place in Mumbai and various locations across India, with cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee. Visual effects were incorporated for the film’s fantastical elements, with character animation supervised by Tata Elxsi. The music was composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi.

Released theatrically on 27 June 2008, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic received mixed reviews from critics. While the performances, especially Mukerji’s, and the light-hearted tone were praised, criticism was directed at its screenplay and inconsistent storytelling. The film grossed ₹37.25 crore against a budget of ₹23 crore and was declared a commercial failure by Box Office India.[2]

Plot

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Ranbir Talwar, a wealthy and emotionally distant industrialist, is haunted by the loss of his loved ones, including his childhood friend and his mother. Distracted while driving, he accidentally causes a car accident that kills a couple, leaving behind their four orphaned children: Vashisht, Aditi, Iqbal, and Avantika. As punishment, a judge sentences Ranbir to care for the children until the youngest turns 18, forbidding him from placing them in boarding school or under anyone else’s care. The judge warns that failure to comply will result in a 20-year prison sentence.

The children harbor resentment toward Ranbir and seek revenge, while he is ill-equipped for parenthood, leading to a strained and chaotic household. Desperate, the children pray to God for help. God decides to send Geeta, a playful and free-spirited angel, to guide them. Despite being warned not to use her magical powers on Earth, Geeta often does so for comic effect. Disguised as a governess, she quickly gains the children’s trust and affection through her warmth and charm.

Geeta’s presence gradually softens Ranbir, who becomes confused by her growing influence. Despite interference from his superficial girlfriend Malaika, Ranbir finds himself drawn to Geeta. After a disastrous birthday party orchestrated by Geeta and the children, Ranbir ends his relationship with Malaika and begins to invest emotionally in the children’s lives. He accompanies them on a business trip to Los Angeles, where he defends them when they are mocked by his boss’s children—marking a turning point in their relationship.

With her mission fulfilled, Geeta is summoned back to heaven. Distraught, Ranbir and the children pray for her return. Moved by their bond, God grants Geeta her wish to become human so she can return to them. She marries Ranbir, and they have a daughter who inherits Geeta’s magical abilities. Although Geeta no longer possesses her own powers, the family lives happily together.

Cast

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Production

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Development

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Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic was directed by Kunal Kohli and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films, marking Kohli’s third collaboration with the studio after Mujhse Dosti Karoge! (2002) and Hum Tum (2004). Principal photography began in September 2007, with filming taking place in Delhi, Alibaug, Bangkok, and Los Angeles. Shooting was completed on 3 February 2008.[3][4]

Casting

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Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji played the lead roles, marking their second collaboration with Kohli after Hum Tum. Rishi Kapoor appeared as God, with Ameesha Patel in a supporting role. The child actors included Akshat Chopra, Shriya Sharma, Rachit Sidana, and Ayushi Burman.

Filming

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Filming was conducted across multiple domestic and international locations, including Delhi, Alibaug, Bangkok, and Los Angeles. Additional sequences were shot at Universal Studios Hollywood and the San Diego Zoo, with some indoor scenes filmed at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai.[3][4]

Soundtrack

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Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic
Soundtrack album by
Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy
Released21 May 2008 (2008-05-21)
GenreFilm soundtrack
Length29:16
LabelYRF Music
ProducerShankar–Ehsaan–Loy
Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy chronology
Taare Zameen Par
(2007) 		Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic
(2008) 		Rock On!!
(2008)

The music was composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi.[5]

No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Pyaar Ke Liye"Shankar Mahadevan5:07
2."Nihaal Ho Gayi"Shankar Mahadevan4:11
3."Bulbula"Shankar Mahadevan, Sunidhi Chauhan3:21
4."Lazy Lamhe"Anusha Mani5:12
5."Beetey Kal Se"Shreya Ghoshal, Sneha Suresh4:56
6."Nihaal Ho Gayi" (DJ Aqeel Remix)Shankar Mahadevan3:51
7."Lazy Lamhe"" (DJ Aqeel Remix)Anusha Mani5:58

Reception

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Box office

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Upon its release on 27 June 2008, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic opened across approximately 750 screens in India. The film garnered ₹3.34 crore on its opening day and accumulated ₹11.52 crore over its first weekend. By the end of its first week, it had collected ₹16.85 crore net in India. The film's total domestic net earnings stood at ₹21.67 crore, with a gross of ₹29.9 crore. Overseas, it earned approximately $1.71 million (₹6.83 crore), bringing its worldwide gross to ₹37.25 crore. Despite these figures, the film was declared a "flop" by Box Office India, as it failed to recover its production budget of ₹23 crore.[6]

Critical reception

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Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 86% based on seven reviews, with an average rating of 6.7/10.[7]

Nikhat Kazmi of The Times of India gave the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising the performances of the child actors and the light-hearted tone, calling it “a feel-good fantasy for the family.”[8] Anil Sinanan of Time Out described it as “a skillful Bolly-blend of Mary Poppins (1964) meets The Sound of Music (1965),” awarding it 4 out of 5 stars.[9] Common Sense Media noted the film's appeal to younger audiences, stating that "its themes of kindness and healing are suitable for family viewing."[10]

In contrast, several reviewers found the narrative simplistic. Namrata Joshi of Outlook rated it 2 out of 5, calling it “a reasonably nice kiddie flick” that “fails to reach out to adults.”[11] Raja Sen of Rediff.com remarked that the film “lacks emotional depth” and relies too heavily on formulaic storytelling.[12] Khalid Mohamed of Hindustan Times criticized its tone and direction, writing, “This purported mad-in-India fantasy has as much subtlety and grace as a carpenter’s hathoda.”[13]

Accolades

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Award Date of the ceremony Category Recipients Result Ref.
Stardust Awards 15 February 2009 Best Supporting Actress Ameesha Patel nom [14]
New Musical Sensation (Female) Anusha Mani (for "Lazy Lamhe") nom
Producers Guild Film Awards 8 January 2010 Best Special Effects Neil Cunningham and M.S. Senthil Nathan nom [15]

References

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  1. ^ Saltz, Rachel (28 June 2008). "An Angel Rides in to Preserve a Family (and India)". The New York Times. New York City. Archived from the original on 26 November 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic – Movie". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 18 January 2018. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
  3. ^ a b "Rani is not quitting, shoots for Kunal Kohli's next". IndiaFM. Archived from the original on 20 September 2007. Retrieved 3 September 2007.
  4. ^ a b "Last shooting schedule of Kunal Kohli's untitled film". NDTV Movies. Retrieved 18 February 2008.
  5. ^ Pandohar, Jaspreet (21 May 2008). "Shankar, Ehsaan & Loy Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic Review". BBC. Archived from the original on 3 November 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  6. ^ "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic - Movie - Box Office India". boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  7. ^ "A Little Love, a Little Magic | Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  8. ^ "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic Movie Review". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  9. ^ Sinanan, Anil (1 July 2008). "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic". Time Out. London: Time Out Group. Archived from the original on 3 June 2023. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  10. ^ Movie & TV reviews for parents. "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic Movie Review | Common Sense Media". www.commonsensemedia.org. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  11. ^ Joshi, Namrata (14 July 2008). "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic". Outlook. New Delhi. Archived from the original on 13 April 2019. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  12. ^ "Review: Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic". www.rediff.com. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
  13. ^ "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic Review - Hindustan Times".
  14. ^ "Nominations for Pan Bahar Max Stardust Awards 2009". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 21 September 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2009.
  15. ^ "Nominations of 4th Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards". Bollywood Hungama. 23 November 2009. Archived from the original on 13 September 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
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