The One About Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
It was only yesterday I remember that one of the main reasons I created this LJ was to share my movie reviews. You see I have a sickness, I can not sit quietly after seeing a movie. I have to pull it apart into pieces until I can see each angle clearly. So this LJ was created for that purpose solely. And after a very long time I am returning to it with a review of perhaps the years most anticipated release. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.
I'd like to start by saying a very cliched or 'filmi' line. I never thought the day would come when I'd see this movie hahaha.....I remember when I saw the teaser and how excited I was at the sight of fresh faces, new style of cinema and promising release. Day and night I anticipated for the music release. And then music release came and the excitment went down a notch. It didn't live up to my expectations which were beyond sky high. And then the hype around Imran came and I started identifying him as 'Pappu'. A Pappu that can dance! So I remained neutral about the movie. Until 12 hrs ago.
My feelings for Jaane Tu...is quite un-decided. The movie is so unique and fresh its hard to decide what I think of it. All I know is that I definetly didn't hate it.
In a one liner, JT is a story of friends, their life after college and two particular friends Jai / Aditi who soon find out that maybe 'friends' isn't the best tag for their relationship. Now moving on.
Abbas Tyrewala takes a very unique approach to a college lovestory. He goes down the path of Imitiaz Ali, an ordinary story packaged in an extraordinary way. The part where Abbas hits jackpot his with his brilliant characters. He said it a million time before the release tha each and every character has been given scope and now that I have seen the movie I absolutely agree. I don't feel like I have watched a movie about Jai and Aditi but just a movie. A movie about so many people.
However having said that I have a small opinion to share. Many thought that Genelia stole the show. I on the other hand thought that Meow/Aditi's character was given more scope than anybody elses. Her characterisation was the most indepth of them all. More time on screen was spent creating the image of a confused girl in love who was still trying to deny it than of confuse guy in love (Jai/Imran). She remains still rather impressive. A few things about the character annoyed me. Mainly the loudness. Now that I sit back and try and remember Aditi all I remember is her voice!. However Genelia will create some serious waves with this performance and will definetly demand a lot of attention from filmmakers. (However, Hasini remains her most flawless portrayal till date!)
Having said that, to say she stole the show is not fair especially when I feel her character was given more scope. Imran Khan is to commended on his very sincere performance. The brilliant part about his performance is that it was not flawless. So it gives space to improve and when and actor starts with such a conviction and sincerity you cannot help but be excited about what he'll do next and how he'll get rid of the flaws. So in conclusion, I may be the first reviewer to say that no Genelia did not steal the show, she was simply given more scope. I am suprised to see myself typing this but the guy was really entertaining and I am really annoyed that he didn't get more screenspace. And I just have to make a mention to this particular scene which I think was outstanding! The scene where Jai is sitting on his bed and he admits to his mom that he does indeed love Aditi! What a brilliant scene! Subtle and effective. So beautiful! Also the scene where he's all frustrated outside Jiggy's party is amongst my favourites.
The rest of the cast were highly impressive with the exception of the actress who played Bombs and Manjari (Meghna) I felt both of these were highly flawed actresses (particularly their dialogue deliveries) and no matter how much I tried I couldn't ignore this! Even though Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan's (I love them both and think they are great actors)character did have a point to their existance which was only made clear in the climax, I really wish the makers would have down without it! They were really annoying and almost seemed like a 'cheap comedy' addition to the movie!
The screenplay I felt could have been improved. Many portions were dragged out and too many scenes were used to display the same message (in particular, too many scenes used to get across the message that Ayaz Khan was not the right guy for Genelia. This could have easily been summarised in lesser scenes). I wish they would have used this time more wisely to give more scope to Imran. I am not saying the movie should be a 'group' based story, just that some scenes were unneeded whilst others that were, were not included.
Songs aren't a very important part of the movie. The ones that are used are used effectively. Pappu Can't Dance is rather oddly picturised and could have been improved greatly. Kabhi Kabhi and Nazrein Millano are perfecto! The rest are used as situational numbers very effectively.
Dialogues which I am assuming are by Abbas Tyrewala are briliant. A rarety to find a realistic blend of English and Hindi and also a rarety to see it so appropriately used. That has to be amongst the biggest achievements of this movie!
Three scenes that deserve special mentioning, the climax which was brilliantly shot! Amazing. Can't say more about it. And also the scene where Aditi and Jai are in the car after they have dropped Meghna and jai is annoyed at why Aditi's is acting weird. Absolutly flawlessly performed that scene by both actors. And lastly the scene at Jiggy's party where Sushanth kisses Aditi. Jai's expression, the cinematography and the editing in the scene is brilliant. Rarely are such situations handled so subtely and yet so effectively. Actually that whole sequence is brilliant. Especially the blending of the songs when the characters expressions change and as the situation gets more intense. Extremely effective editting.
So I guess in conclusion Jaane Tu lived up to its expectations. In fact more. When I started watching it I said 'I can't be all that excited since I know what the story is and how it will end' however it still suprises you in terms of how things and situation are handled and portrayed. Prepare to be impressed. Also prepare to not want to watch films for a while! Because thats exactly how I feel right now, when you've seen such a fine piece of cinema you just don't want watch anything beneath that. Really sets a high standards. So the wait is at least over. Where to now? Like I said, I don't feel like watching anything for a while! Hahaha..
4/5 stars.