Delightful and Entertaining!
Let me start off with the negatives first. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is an old wine served in a new bottle as the storyline has nothing new to offer. The old age question whether "A man and woman can remain JUST friends?" has been addressed in far too many films. And that Airport Climax has become 'Oh so clichéd!'. It could also have done without those irritating narrations by the four friends as it interrupted the flow of the story(remember the movie Chalte Chalte?).
But having said all that, this movie is refreshing and zestful. It strikes a chord and takes you down memory lane and remember those college days -- the gang, the parties, the crushes, the heartbreaks, the lovable friends you lost touch with. Débutante Imran Khan's portrayal of a middle class, peace loving boy - Jai, is natural, effortless and flawless. Certainly one of the best debuts in recent times. Genelia is expressive and charming, though she still needs to work on her acting and Hindi speaking capabilities. (Well, lets give her credit, as she at least dubbed her own dialogs unlike this bollywood actress from London.) What really works for Jaane Tu is its ensemble cast which is new, believable and likable. It has some sparkling performances by the seasoned Ratna Pathak as Jai's mother and Prateek Babbar, who plays a loving but possessive brother to Genelia. leaving a deep impression in this small but meaty role. Cameos by Naseeruddin, the Khan brothers -- Arbaaz & Sohail, and Paresh Rawal are hilarious, adding 'tadka' and lifting the movie from some low points. Addictive music from A.R. Rehman and a wonderfully picturized Bombay makes JTYJN a delightful and entertaining watch.
It is not a film which is ground breaking, or without any flaws. Yet, you will leave the hall on a happy, feel good note, maybe even humming -- Pappu Can't Dance Saala!
***&1/2 out of 5
But having said all that, this movie is refreshing and zestful. It strikes a chord and takes you down memory lane and remember those college days -- the gang, the parties, the crushes, the heartbreaks, the lovable friends you lost touch with. Débutante Imran Khan's portrayal of a middle class, peace loving boy - Jai, is natural, effortless and flawless. Certainly one of the best debuts in recent times. Genelia is expressive and charming, though she still needs to work on her acting and Hindi speaking capabilities. (Well, lets give her credit, as she at least dubbed her own dialogs unlike this bollywood actress from London.) What really works for Jaane Tu is its ensemble cast which is new, believable and likable. It has some sparkling performances by the seasoned Ratna Pathak as Jai's mother and Prateek Babbar, who plays a loving but possessive brother to Genelia. leaving a deep impression in this small but meaty role. Cameos by Naseeruddin, the Khan brothers -- Arbaaz & Sohail, and Paresh Rawal are hilarious, adding 'tadka' and lifting the movie from some low points. Addictive music from A.R. Rehman and a wonderfully picturized Bombay makes JTYJN a delightful and entertaining watch.
It is not a film which is ground breaking, or without any flaws. Yet, you will leave the hall on a happy, feel good note, maybe even humming -- Pappu Can't Dance Saala!
***&1/2 out of 5
- TuFNuT
- Jul 4, 2008