When was the last time a romantic movie complied with your level of penchant? I know, Jab We Met in 2007. But, this is 2008, and it feels like it’s been ages since we saw an up to scratch Bollywood movie, predominantly because of the thrash talking, nauseating and brain slaughtering movies like Tashan, Krazzy 4 and the latest, De Gaali, I mean De Taali.
In spite of all this, Bollywood finally gave us a movie which will make you gaga over its freshness, unique presentation and too good to be true performances and that movie is, indubitably, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. I think I’m praising too much, but on a second thought, it deserves this.
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is about Jai Singh Rathore (Imran Khan), also known as Rats and Aditi Mahant (Genelia D’Souza) a.k.a Meow or “Kaali Billi”. Jai is a person who doesn’t believe in violence while Aditi is a girl who is violent and who calls her own brother, “Son of a Bitch”. And, both of them are best friends or let’s just say more than friends. A perfect case of “Opposites attract”.
Based upon the life of 6 college friends, it is a simple yet fresh love story, at least in terms of storytelling, but the same can’t be said for the script as it is based upon the tried and tested formula for love stories in Bollywood. For example; love between two best friends, opposites attract and of course, the Airport climax scene.
But, it is the fresh style of the debut director Abbas Tyrewala, the writer of movies like Munnabhai M.B.B.S and Main Hoon Na, which makes the movie, seem like Dr. Manmohan Singh standing between the uneducated Indian Politicians. Sounds palatable, right?
From the very first frame, you’ll come to know that you are about to witness a rollercoaster ride. But, just like any other movie, it has its own share of rust on it. And in this case, it is the most ignorant mistakes that I’ve ever seen in movies.
Mistake 1
I don’t expect this kind of mistake from Aamir Khan’s production and that is the choppy editing of the movie. There are many scenes which could have been funnier especially the one in which Jai and Aditi’s brother try to catch his pet. Substandard editing and direction totally ruined that wonderful scene.
Mistake 2
There are too many characters and their stories which are not required at all. Take the example of Aditi’s brother who has his own little story which distracts the viewers from the main idea of the movie and it doesn’t hold any significance.
Mistake 3
They are shown as 21 years old youngsters who are too keen to get married. Does it really happen these days? I don’t think so. And, they have spent 5 years in college which makes them 16 when they entered the college. Brainy students, right?
Mistake 4
I want to tell this but I can’t, because it is the climax scene and I don’t want to ruin the fun.
Performances
Imran Khan – He is undoubtedly the next Big Khan. He is really comfortable with his role and does perfect justice to it. I don’t think there is anyone who could have done this role better than him. Moreover, his smile and looks are already a hit among the girls of all age groups. One more thing for the ladies, don’t miss him when he rides the white horse, he surely looks like a king at that time.
I think Ranbir Kapoor should drop another towel to get all the attention back.
Genelia D’Souza – She steals the whole show hands down. She is cute, funny and perfect for the role. She pulls her role off with utter brilliance. It was a surprise as her performance in Mere Baap Pehle Aap was not that good. Nevertheless, she is the one to watch out for.
Supporting Cast – Most of the supporting cast was perfect especially Manjari Phadnis, Ratna Pathak (Jai’s mother), Naseeruddin Shah (Jai’s dad), Ayaz Khan and the three guest appearances. Paresh Rawal in his short role make you laugh more than any character in the movie.
Problem with the movie is that, the director sometimes tries too hard to impress you. And, sometimes, story loses its original path and become confusing thanks to the editing which was carried out with utter shame. I expected a lot from this movie, but, it didn’t live to my expectations because of the stupid mistakes.
In spite of all this, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is a movie to watch. You just can’t miss it. It is a movie to watch with your friends, or better, with your girlfriend or boyfriend.
Showstoppers – Imran Khan, Genelia D’Souza
Rating – 3/5 (I’m being generous for this one)
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