What’s This?
Through the streets of Mumbai, our young hero Imran gallops away like Sivaji on his steed, however to win back his love. What is a banner that gave you cinematic gems like Lagaan and Taare Zameen Par doing with a more traditional youth flick? Has Aamir Productions lost it?
The answer is simple…APL (Aamir Productions Pvt Ltd) much like the recently concluded IPL is a force to reckon with and their latest venture Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na cements the fact that they stand for uncompromising quality in Indian cinema.
Though this time the certain Khan is missing, there are several other Khans in the movie, of which the real limelight is on the debutant Imran Khan. And if all goes well, I am certain that Imran will be remembered years from now precisely with that shot that I mentioned in the beginning.
But another notable debut from this film of debutants is that of the talented Abbas Tyrewala as a director. After writing for various films and songs, he finally makes his directorial debut with Jaane Tu, and I must say, a mighty good start here!
Not that I have a sensational story to tell but Jaane Tu… is essentially about ‘Meow’ Aditi and ‘Rats’ Jai who happens to be great friends. So thick their friendship, that everyone around them agrees that together the two are meant to be. However Aditi and Jai refuse to acknowledge that there is anything beyond a platonic relationship here. So thus this Tom and Jerry pair of Meow and Rats along with the rest of the buddies decide to go mate-hunting for each other.
It does not take much time for Jai though to find someone interesting, as he swoops in to save his lady love Meghna (Manjari) from the clutches of Bhaloo and Bhageera (eventually leading to a rather silly Jungle Book moment pre-climax). Thus we have Jai happy, the rest of the gang happy, and Aditi ofcourse trying her best to be happy, …when the truth is that she begins to realize that Kuch Kuch Hota Hai!
But what sets this one apart is its treatment that is bubbling with freshness. And that is where Abbas Tyrewala scores with his writing. He has a keen eye to flesh out everyday characters with dialogues that is straight out of real life. And add to that the tongue in cheek humour that is his trademark, and voila…you have the recipe for success.
To begin with the narration plays a difference as the happenings unfolds as told by the friend circle to a newcomer as they wait at the airport for the return of the lead characters. (remember Chalte Chalte anyone?) And then it instantly takes us to our college days and the immediate days after, before the tensions of our career consumes us away. And the viewers can instantly connect to the various emotions that run wild in every youth – yaari, dosti, pyaar. Everything is kept realistic except for giving into a filmi style airport ending. (Chalte Chalte again?). But I did not see anyone complaining about that since here sab chalta hai!
Then again there ain’t much wrong that the makers have got here with Jaane Tu …except for its stale central plot. But be it the cast, the music, the characters, the screenplay, the subtlety ...everything works and blends darn well to make this flick one of the irresistible charmers of this year. This is essentially the alluring bliss on the lines of say, Jab We Met but thankfully one that does not lose its way like the latter did mid way through.
The actors effortlessly get into the skin of their characters. Imran Khan is a natural and makes a confident debut with his boy next door looks. Though he still has a long way before getting to the filmi routines of performances, he does well when the emotions are kept to the minimum. For Genelia ofcourse this is a cakewalk having done several similar roles before. But with this she does get a ticket to the big league. The rest of the cast that forms the Friends-like circle also performs well be it Rotlu, Juggy, Bombs or Shaleen.
Another reason why this feel good flick works so well is that it gives enough meat for all its cast members to leave an impression. Though the characters aren’t really well etched out, it is interesting to note that how each leaves an impact in their short guest like roles. Two of the most impressive of acts is that of Naserudhin Shah and Prateek Babbar. While the former has a ball of a time as the brave macho ‘Rathore’ papa of Jai, the latter makes an formidable debut in the role of Aditi’s brother. Playing a loner character that looks like Taare Zameen Par’s Ishaan in college days, Prateek does shows us glimpse of his mother Smita Patil for sure. Irrespective of being kept out of the limelight, he is bound to gain a lot from this showing.
Also chipping in with good performances are Ratna Pathak Shah, Paresh Rawal, the Khan brothers Sohail and Arbaaz. Manjari also does a decent job that will do wonders for her career.
Keeping in tone with the feel of the movie, the freshness is evident in the music score from Rahman as well. The jazzed up background score is a welcome treat for the ears. As far as songs, songs like ‘Kabhi Kabhi Aditi’ and ‘Pappu Can’t Dance’ are already a rage on the air waves.
All in all, if last week’s Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic was strictly for the kids at heart, this simple flick is strictly for the youth at heart. They are bound to lap it up. The rest will look back at it nostalgically with a heartwarming smile. They know it is more than just a tale of how Aditi and Jai got together. There is a slice of everyone’s college days somewhere in there.
What’s This ?
This is the fresh breezy entertainer which undoubtedly is the best the year has seen yet!
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