Ekk Deewana Tha

The latest offering from Bollywood once again reveals the dark side of today's "Review Market" prevailing in the Industry. Where last week's EK MAIN AUR EKK TU didn't really deserved the 3-4 stars ratings given by many, the current week's EKK DEEWANA THA also doesn't deserve the 1-2 star ratings by most of the critics, stating it as a very poor film. So there is evidently a huge imbalance in the reviews which largely get influenced by the production house and stars in the film instead of the product's actual content.

Coming to EKK DEEWANA THA, it certainly isn't any great piece of art or path-breaking film with some fresh ideas. It talks about the same ages old love story between two young souls, who not only have a slight age difference but they also come from two extremely diverse regional & religion backgrounds causing all the problems. The script can easily be called predictable as we have already seen the same emotional drama umpteen times before on the screen. But still EDT isn't a complete washout as being written in many reputed reviews. It's a sweet film with a refreshing first half which keeps you engaged and entertained till the interval. Plus it also has its moments post intermission resulting in an above average film far better than many craps churned out by some big production houses in the name of Love Stories.

Following the current remake trend EKK DEEWANA THA is the Hindi version of director Gautham Menon's earlier 2 hits namely VINNAITHAANDI VARUVAAYAA (Tamil) and YE MAAYA CHESAVE (Telugu). In the initial reels it even reminds you of Kamal Hassan-Rati Agnihotri starrer EK DUJE KE LIYE which also revolved around a love affair in some similar circumstances. But as it progresses it moves on to a different path involving an interesting marriage sequence and its loving results. So what's watchable in this routine love-saga? The answer comes in the form of Amy Jackson, Manu Rishi and to a certain extent Prateik too.

However the sole charmer in the film remains Amy who looks stunningly gorgeous especially in the Indian outfits. Though she doesn't get a well defined character (who remains confused) along with a poor make-up in many scenes, still she keeps the viewer hooked on to her innocent beauty till the end and acts well. The second reason why EDT rises above a routine love story is Manu Rishi, who holds the film together with his natural style and entertaining one liners particularly in the first half. But if only he had something more to do in the script, it would have resulted in a much finer product for the audience.

Prateik manages to impress in his casual approach towards the role but the boy seriously needs to work harder on his dance and emotional scenes. At times both his body language and dialogue delivery goes in an awkward zone which hampers the impact of his otherwise fine performance. In the supporting cast Sachin Khedekar performs the best as Prateik's friendly father.

Apart from the actors it's the Cinematography (taking you on to a Kerala tour) and few songs by A. R. Rahman which raise the standard of this routine love story. Yet the maestro isn't in his full form in the movie as he once again gives a soundtrack below expectations with traces of "Kabhi Kabhi Aditi" (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na) in his "Hosanna"".

Actually EDT is a fine film till the intermission and it doesn't disappoint the viewer despite of having a routine storyline mainly due to its fresh pair and Manu. In fact this is the reason why Love Stories have always been there in every decade featuring two unknown faces since they can easily make an instant connection with the public and can deliver a Hit.

But EDT is not able to reach that crescendo due to its pretty weak second half and a prolonged climax which eventually ends on an "All is Well" note unexpectedly. It would have been a different film altogether if it had a more realistic climax where there was no re-union of the lovers but they still remained friends living their separate lives in two different parts of the world.

The writers falter in a big way as they are not able to define the character of the girl in a justified manner. Yes a girl in love remains always in a dilemma to choose between her boyfriend and her parents. But the writers here give no proper justification for their parting away from each other all of a sudden. Moreover it all starts dragging in the last 30 minutes without any purpose, which fails to leave any kind of loving impact on the viewers.

In my opinion the love-affair in the film should have ended right there in the Taj Mahal corridors showing a married Amy saying good bye to Prateik and the film should have ended with everyone praising the directorial venture of Pratiek being loudly cheered by Manu Rishi standing along with him in the theater. That would have been a more ideal and realistic ending of a tragic love story as I see it.

Anyhow, in its present version EKK DEEWANA THA is a sweet film with a fine first half and a beautiful Amy which surely can be watched once without any doubt. So if you are really interested in love stories, then please forget all the negative reviews you might have read about the movie as it certainly isn't that bad at all as being projected in those well publicized write-ups.

In all honesty I've not seen the Tamil or Telugu version of this movie. But it seems people that have seen them don't seem to like the Hindi version.

I was awaiting this film before even seeing the trailer. Once I saw the trailer I got even more excited. Loved most of the songs and finally went and saw the movie 1st Day 1st Show. Unfortunately I was the only person in the movie theater. That was kinda odd but cool at the same time.

The 2hr 45min film's biggest flaw is it's slow pace. But it makes up for it thanks to the super awesome songs, Kerala has been shot wonderfully, Prateik Babbar's brilliant acting. I hope he becomes the industry's biggest star. Amy Jackson did really well considering she's a first timer and looked gorgeous. The story was beautiful as well.

On the whole I'm happy with the product. The film failed at the box office which is quite unfortunate. I hope Gautam Menon continues to direct Hindi movies in the future. If you haven't seen the Tamil / Telugu version, watch Ekk Deewana Tha. If you have seen the Tamil / Telugu version ... no comments.

I have watched this movie several times. Several means really several. This movie is very close to my heart. Every scene, dialogue are just awesome. How can one make such a cute movie. This is one of my all time favorite. Ohh... i always feel my eyes wet while watching. Last scene, the meeting at Tajmahal... OMG...

Special character, Ananya.

No language barrier for this masterpiece. Hindi or Tamil etc..(though i north Indian so can understand only Hindi)

I still do not have its HIGH RES print or may be it was not released. If somebody has please share... please...

Hossana.. the song... what a composition, lyrics.. music...

bravo.. Pratik, Amy...

Will always remain close to my heart.. EK DEEWANA THA

Lokender Kumar @ Sonu New Delhi 9999029565

First of all, I heartily apologize to all the people (my friends, colleagues and blog mates) for seriously recommending you the movie; I did it just because I thought (like every Tollywood fan) that the movie is a remake of Tamil super hit "Vinnaaithandi Vaaruvaayaa". To my utter disappointment, the movie is actually remake of Telugu semi hit "Ye Maaya Chesaave".

To all those who have no idea about VTV or YMC, let me clear the clouds. Gautam Menon directed VTV (Vinnaithandi Varuvaayaa), starring Silambarasan and Trisha. The movie due to its unusual climax is considered to be a classic love story. Next, Gautam directed the same movie in Telugu language with Nag Chaitanya (on recommendation by his father Nagarjuna) and Samantha, with exactly opposite ending than the Tamil one. YMC received an average response from public as well as critics.

Now, Gautam Menon has selected the conventional climax of Ye Maaya Chesaave, rather than VTV, and that is what will make this film a sure deserved flop! I personally did not like YMC at all, and this Hindi movie is actually a remake of YMC! I am feeling cheated Mr. Menon!

It takes a lifetime of a filmmaker to deliver a masterpiece movie. But if the filmmaker himself doesn't cherish about it, then it seems that the movie was a masterpiece rather by fluke.

I am not even interested to review this movie further, but I will do it just for the sake of formality.

Cast: Prateik Babbar excels as Sachin, the lesser said about Ammy Jackson is better. Manu Rishi is noteworthy.

Story And Screenplay: Nothing new in "this" version of movie and the screenplay is extremely weak with no subplots and overdose of songs.

Editing And Cinematography: Editing is poor, cinematography is first rate.

Music And Background Score: I chose not to review EDT's music as I can't move on from VTV and YMC's music. Background Score is remastered and is brilliant.

Direction: Sorry Mr. Menon, you have just lost a loyal fan!

Verdict:Please avoid this film.Period.

I have watched the original Tamil 3-4 times so far and I like most of the one-lines , subtle and non-gross humor. Also the fantastic music.

But the Hindi version might have lost something in translation. I watched it but its not a bad movie. I agree that the supporting cast has done a better job than the new hero-heroine. And the ending makes all the twists and turns pointless. But I guess Gautam menon was not sure if the Hindi audience would accept the same Tamil ending. I hope that someone who has fallen in love with a girl and lost her would be able to relate to the story. For the same reason, I urge all to watch the director's cut version with the alternate ending.

But still the movie is not as bad like the critics have reviewed. The whole point of the movie is that this is a story about a 22 year old boy who is acting like a 19 year and a girl who is confused and prefer to suffer than go against her parents. Don't expect super melodrama or cheap comedy or item numbers. I have lost count of friends who have told its their story.

I give 7 stars because of the dialogs, music, camera, good performances by support cast.