Shah Rukh Khan plays Mohan Bhargava, a successful scientist and NASA project manager. On a trip to India, Mohan is struck by its eclectic, colourful homogeneity. This India is on the crossroads of development, and Mohan can't pass up the chance to live through this adventure, this threshold of much greater things to come. Humbled by his country on the verge of growth, and the realisation that he's cocooned in a safe life abroad, Mohan decides to stay back. And set up a unique project.

Pros: The posters are among the best Indian films have ever seen -- an ordinarily dressed Shah Rukh, perched out of place, backgrounded by villagers, passengers on a train, boatmen. This film looks laid-back and deliciously different.

Khan looks relaxed, comfortable, unlike his characteristic over-the-top persona. This might just be another of those fabulous performances not often expected of the box-office ruler -- maybe, just maybe, another wonderful Dil Se-like effort?

Makarand Deshpande plays a fakir, and is captivatingly compelling, even in the short glimpses we've seen.

Cons: Expectations are far too high. Speaking of directors, let us not forget that Farhan Akhtar gave us the insufferable Lakshya not too long ago.

As for Ashutosh Gowariker, before he Lagaan'ed his way into glory, he directed some truly horrible films, Pehla Nasha and Baazi.

The buzz is that this is a three hour, forty minute film.