Essa Louca Juventude

Ayan Mukerji previously directed Wake Up Sid, his directorial debut, and he did a wonderful job with a film that was both refreshing and very good in and of itself. Just as it often goes with second ventures of promising first-timers, his next film, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, is nowhere as good. I knew nothing about this film when I started watching it except that it was an extraordinary mainstream success. But I was quite interested in watching it. The film is not bad at all, but it just doesn't live up the hype it seeks to generate at its core premise.

The film follows four youngsters in one of their last trips together before one of them leaves the country. While the film is beautifully shot and is a thoroughly enjoyable watch, it's never more than pleasant, it's never overwhelming, and there's hardly any reminiscence of what the title prepared us for - you'll see none of the youth craze or even youth culture that you would probably immediately associate with this film, and what is lacking at the heart of an otherwise watchable film is the much called-for wild spirit which Mukherjee doesn't manage to capture.

And it's not that Mukerji doesn't try. He does. There are some scenes of running through the markets, there are catchy songs and pretty girls, but the script often makes the story not ring true. The only portion where it leaves a mark is in the relationship between the two friends who meet after many years. The romantic tension between the two leads does work to a point, but sometimes it's too polished and fairy tale-like to really be impactful. And the biggest problem, it mostly just feels a rehash of previous films. At points the references to old Dharma (the production company under which the film is produced) films, people, and songs, is really pathetic.

The film's characters are merely derivative of previous famous characters, and are never given enough depth. Ranbir Kapoor repeats his Wake Up Sid character, and he does it well although it feels he never allows himself to shed all his inhibitions. Aditya Roy Kapur is exceedingly good in some parts and struggles in others, while Kalki is wasted although she is consistently good. The winner of course is Deepika. Again, her character is just a recap of popular characters (Kajol's Anjali in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai; Preity Zinta's Naina in Kal Ho Naa Ho), but she is wonderful, subtly conveying much through her expressive eyes and the tiny, nuanced gestures on her pretty face.

Towards the end, the film grows incresingly fluffy, corny and starry, much to the point of losing the lighthearted nature it sought to define back in the beginning of the show. Heavy music and numerous sentimental scenes are followed by a most shallow moment of realisation on the part of the male protagonist, which is not convincing enough. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is not bad, I have no doubt some would highly enjoy it. Actually I enjoyed it too, I just expected more from this film and was disappointed. Still so, it is watchable and entertaining, with some nice romantic and musical portions.

Amidst the hype, Madhuri's ghagra, the Ranbir - Deepika relationship and others, there was a sense of hope and expectation with this film for me, just because is was directed by "Ayan Mukerji". The director of Wake up Sid, which was a film where I really thought of Ranbir as an actor for the future.

This film has a cast of some young and fresh actors who bring their A game to the table. Specially people like Aditya Roy Kapoor, Kalki, and of couse the ever charming Ranbir and Deepika. Their performances do give a fresh and joyous sense to the film.

Coming to the plot, there is nothing you do not expect, A guy who lives a carefree and adventure filled life (Ranbir) and a girl who is like the one friend we all have and know is a book o'holic.(Deepika). This film does not surprise you with the plot or gives a twist or takes unexpected turns, but the actors and the screenplay makes up for it.

Like almost each and every Karan Johar film, this one has that first half fun filled and second half emotion filled plot, if you know what I mean......

The soundtrack delivered by Pritam is really foot tapping and catchy. Even with the emotional sogs, he does leave a mark. Don't be surprised if you find yourself humming some of the tunes even after you leave the hall. (Specially Subhanallah and Kabira)....

Some of the locations of the film shot in manali which shows trekking are enjoyable...

The main fault with the film is the plot itself and how it is presented in a clichéd manner. I don't have a problem with a used plot, but it could have been presented in a way that it does not get boring and too predictable. Guess the makers didn't want to take a risk.

The characters in this film are well built and we connect to them. Even small roles like Ranbir's parents, Kalki, are well acted and most importantly relate-able.

In the end this is a film with good acting, good premise, great locations, songs, but does get very much predictable and some times uninteresting. I give it a 7/10

Like all rom-coms, YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI sparkles with romance, merriment and heartache, is brightly glossy and boasts of crackling chemistry between its lead actors, but Ayan makes sure the heady concoction never waters down. The best part is, he never borrows from romantic clichés that most love stories depend upon and that, in my opinion, is this film's biggest strength. Expect no unwanted melodrama, no unwelcome characters, no earsplitting background music to accentuate the proceedings... On the whole, YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI is a revitalizing take on romance and relationships. A wonderful cinematic experience, this one should strike a chord with not just the youth, but cineastes of all age-groups. Watch this celebration of love and get mesmerized!

so guys it ain't our wake up Sid !!! Director does try with the same self realization theme with the same versatile actor in ranbeer but seems got carried away trying 2 inject so much glam n chutzpah making the narrative way to tedious... it starts with a bang what with all of us gyrating to the ghagra of the "never say die" Mrs. madhuri dixit and are taken through a splendid fun n romantically portrayed picturesque snowy lanes of kashmir, bringing along with spirit of friendship n times passed.... But d movie falters in the 2nd half,with things getting repetitive,loaded with extra songs.... watch it for the item song,our super cool hero n his flirtatious nature, his emotions, his dance.. with deeps, his simply brilliantly directed scenes with his father(reminiscent of wake up Sid), ones with deeps n what not, dis guy is turning out to be the next complete actor man... Deeps too pitches in with a fine portrayal of a girl who loses all inhibitions n enacts a very lovely on screen pairing with kapoor...Aditya n kalki perform well again n give a a strong supporting cast. Kudos to Mr. Farooq(only 2 scenes) 4 his superb act of a father concerned about his kid but at d same time wishing to let him live his own life ...Also the feet tapping music, soulful Arijit, cinematography n direction... Wat would have worked the most could have been a crispier editing reducing the overall length by say 20 min.....

I'm watching this film well after it was released in the cinemas (in fact after seeing both Besharam and Chennai Express) so I know how the film had performed at the box office, and what most people thought of it so my expectations were high!

YJHD does through the typical roller coaster of a Bollywood romance, but where it differs from those that have failed, is that it has the star power of Ranbir and Deepika at the top of their game, alongside lovely music by Pritam and fantastic direction by Ayan Mukherjee.

Ayan is certainly one of the top young directors in the industry, and after Wake Up Sid, shows exactly why he holds his mantle piece. This work will go down as one of his finest, even though I am sure he will make many more films.

This role is bread and butter for someone of Ranbir's stature now. He eases into the role, initially playing the fun going flirty young man, then growing into the serious, yet romantic mature man later. This role is not on the same level as Barfi, there is no comparison, however it's these types of roles that will keep Ranbir competing with the likes of SRK for the romantic king award! Deepika has grown massively this year, and this being the third film (Ram Leela is the 4th) she has hit the industry with a bang in 2013. She looks stunning on screen and plays her role perfectly! Kalki, as annoying as her role, again plays it without any blemishes. Her role reminds you of Zindagi Na Milenge Dobara quite a lot! Aditya seems to be alcoholic of 2013 with this and Aashiqui 2 but does full justice to the role regardless!

Another massive plus point to the film Pritam's music. It's soulful throughout and adds a lot to the film. Kabira, Ilahi and Balam Picharki are my favourites.

Overall YJHD is a beautiful film with performances that will be hard to forget. It may not win any awards this year, but it will certainly will be a film I'll remember.