...Yahaan

Yahaan is a wonderful movie. Actually shot in Kashmir, the movie brings to life what the locals and the Indian armed forces go through everyday. The director has done a wonderful job and so has the cast. Especially Minissha Lamba and Jimmy Shergill. After Maachis and Haasil, Jimmy proves yet again how fine an actor he is. The music by Shantanu Moitra and lyrics by Gulzar come together to create a soothing effect. The result is a wonderful music album. The songs do not interrupt the flow of the movie, rather they act as a powerful medium for the director to express what he had in mind. We can expect more high quality cinema from Shoojit Sircar in the future. In Yahaan he has shown us the humane side of the Indian armed forces and the commendable job they are doing while putting their lives on the line.

This was the only movie after ROJA that addressed the Kashmir issue in a real manner, and being from Kashmir, I could feel it. Jimmy again proves that even though he is not working with big names, he has caliber. I have seen him in Maachis, cameo in Munnabhai, and Kehtaa Hai Dil Baar Baar. He is a good actor. I've read that Lead actress didn't act well, but I thought she did a very good job for a newcomer. Her accent, although was not kashmiri in any sense, still carried weight. Her interview scene was really moving and showed her talents well. Mukesh (Shaqeel) did his part well, and so did the others. The little mute girl was outstanding in her expressions. The only con would be that there was not a single actor who had Kashmiri accent. Not even bystanders, or anyone from the general public. The director should have taken at least one native to make the movie touch its ground. Music was serene and flowed well with the story. Ending song (which probably was the same as the one before) had a good melody and I could play it on Guitar easily. Overall, a clean movie - which sends the message out loud. Guns can only bring blood. I hope peace would have its chance somewhere along the line. 9/10

Story: Excellent In the turmoil of Kashmir, Army Commander Aman and local woman Adaa fall in love amidst the conflict. Their relationship is put to the test when Adaa's brother Shakeel joins the terrorists, and Aman's duty demands he confront the insurgents. As the situation escalates, Adaa and Aman's love becomes a beacon of hope. Ultimately, their bond is tested by the harsh realities of war and terrorism.

The story perfectly portrayed the condition of kashmir at that time along with a bold take on terrorism. The story didn't tried to justify any kind of terrorist, their motives or portray Indian army in bad light.

Screenplay: Gripping The screenplay's masterful blend of a gripping love story and the intense narrative of terrorism kept the audience engaged, expertly weaving emotions that resonated deeply.

Dialogues: Good

Characters: To the point Captain Aman: A honest and kind army officer who felll for a kashmiri girl. He was shown very patriotic and brave army officer.

Adaa: A simple kashmiri girl who fell in love with army officer amar. She was shown very caring and loving person.

Shakeel Ahmed: A brainwashed terrorist who was once a mass communication student with bright future. He had a soft spot for kashmir but was totally against Indian army.

Major Rathod: He was the army head who had a ego problem with captain amar, thus tried to frame him in false case. He was shown very harsh against kashmiri people.

Rest all characters had a small role.

Performances: Superb Jimmy Sheirgill: He did a fabulous job.

Minissha Lamba: Her looks, facial expressions and dialogue delivery was very beautiful. Superb performance as a debut artist.

Yashpal Sharma: He did his part well. His expressions were good.

Mukesh Tiwari: He did a fantastic job. His performance will make you hate his character.

Dolly Ahluwalia: She did her part well.

Rest all actors did their part well in small roles.

Direction: Excellent The director was successful in capturing essential war scenes, emotional scenes and built a strong narrative.

Cinematography: Good Some scenes were shot in dark shades which enhanced the intensity.

Music and BGM: Good All songs were good. BGM was phenomenal which enhanced the intensity of every scene.

Editing: Bad The editing of film was highly disappointing as some scenes were not placed well which broke the continuly of story.

Ideology: The writer skillfully humanized the impact of terrorism without justifying it, instead highlighting the tragic consequences of brainwashing innocent youth, and the immense suffering it inflicts on their loved ones. The writer effectively conveyed the human cost of terrorism in Kashmir, weaving a compelling love story that underscored the suffering of its people. With nuance, the narrative also highlighted the terrorist leaders' deliberate efforts to sow discord and animosity between Kashmiris and the Indian Army, further exacerbating the conflict.

Final verdict: The film was well researched, the writing was the strongest part of the film supported by phenomenal performances of Jimmy sheirgill and Minissha Lamba along with superb BGM and direction enhancing every scene.

1- Story and narrative 1- Screenplay 1- Dialogues 1- Performances 0.5- Characters 1- Direction 1- Music and BGM 0.5- Cinematography.

Shoojit Sircar's 'Yahaan' is a love story set against the backdrop of Kashmir during the ongoing war. But it's not a conventional love and war story. Sircar brings a freshness, both in telling the story and executing the film. He gives it a bluish tint (the film's not entirely in colour) which gives it a stark look. The camera is also used effectively, sometimes shaky (during the shootout sequences) and sometimes static.

The songs and background score are beautiful. I loved hearing the violin and the eastern flute play in the background. Shantanu Moitra's soundtrack is one to keep. I particularly love the song 'Naam Adaa Likhna'.

Jimmy Shergill leads 'Yahaan'. Finally he has a lead role in a substantial film and he does a superb job. Minisha Lamba has a strong screen presence. For a newcomer she does quite well in bringing out Ada's enigma, vulnerability, courage and strength. Both actors share a warm chemistry. The supporting cast is okay but Yashpal Sharma is a bit irritating at times.

Furthermore, another thing I liked about 'Yahaan' is that Sircar is sincere in his story. There's no hidden agenda, no Hindu v/s Muslim hatred. Nor is it overly preachy. It's about two people in Kashmir who fall in love and about the people of Kashmir. Recommended.

At first i thought ...it'll be a typical Bollywood love story ...but Sorjit Sircor definitely has talent. and that he shows in his movie.

I should really tell about Jimmy Shergill ( The most underrated actor in Bollywood), he is a wonderful actor, and he proves that again , the role seems to suit him well, he has played it superbly. Minissha has done a nice job , she is uncomfortable in few scenes though . but overall performance is good. on screen chemistry between Jimmy and Minissha is wonderful , and you have to see it to believe me. I am definitely counting myself among jimmy's fans after watching this movie . Gulzar rocks again with wonderful songs .i just love his songs , one will feel listening to them again and again . Sherya is awesome, she has got a beautiful voice and i guess she is the next big thing in Bollywood.