Film: Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na

Director: Abbas Tyrewala

Producers: Mansoor Khan, Aamir Khan

Banner: Aamir Khan Productions

Presenter: PVR Pictures

Cast: Imran Khan, Genelia D’Souza, Prateik Babbar, Manjari, Ayaz Khan, Karan Makhija, Sugandha Garg, Nirav Mehta, Alishka Varde, Renuka Kunzru, Anooradha Patel, Jayant Kirplani, Ratna Pathak Shah

Special Appearance: Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Sohail Khan, Arbaaz Khan

Rating: 4/5

Aamir Khan Productions’ Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na directed by Abbas Tyrewala scores at various levels – humour quotient, brilliant performances by the entire cast, emotive scenes, witty dialogues, the fun moments, sincere attempt by a debutant director and last but not the least extraordinary marketing muscle pumped in by Aamir Khan himself.

The film begins with Jignesh Patel aka Jiggy (Nirav Mehta), Sandhya aka Bombs (Aliskha Varde), Shaleen (Sughanda) and Rotlu (Karan) narrating the story of Jai Singh Rathore aka Rats (Imran Khan) and Aditi aka Meow (Genelia) to Mala. Ever so reluctant to hear their typical masala love story packed with joys and sorrows, happiness and heartbreak, laughter and songs, action and a climax at the airport, Mala has no choice but to wait at the airport for Jai and Aditi to arrive and in the meanwhile hear their story from the gang.

Jai is probably the most non-violent Rajput one ever came across, whereas Aditi is completely his opposite – the daredevil fighter who won’t think twice before picking a fight with a guy. While they’re the best of friends in a platonic sort of way, realisation strikes towards the end that they’re actually in love with each other.

On the other hand, Rotlu secretly garners a crush for Aditi, whereas Bombs’ heart beats for Jai. However, realizing sooner rather than later that either of them doesn’t stand a chance there, Rotlu and Bomba channelize their love towards each other. Jignesh The Patel is the oh-so-typical Gujju bhai with streaked golden hair and goggles! Shaleen with her streak of red hair is the sober one of the lot.

Jai’s mother Savitri (Ratna Pathak Shah) has barred Jai from raising his hand on anyone or picking up a fight ever. Her reason: His father (Naseeruddin Shah) had died in a fight and she didn’t want him to meet the same fate. Adding more madness to the story is the dead Naseeruddin Shah, who talks to his wife through his portrait on the wall. Prateik Babbar plays Aditi’s brother Amit who is more often than not confined in his own world (in this case his room). His complain in life is that he’s lost his best friend in Aditi, who hardly ever spends any time with him anymore.

Somewhere down the lane, Jai and Aditi walk seperate ways and each finds themselves Meghna (Manjari Phadnis) and Sushant (Ayaz Khan) respectively, whom they think they love and can settle down with.

And so the story goes… predictable yet packaged beautifully.

We’ve seen romantic comedies before but either it’s filled with crass humour or with the same old jokes and puns. However, this one’s a romantic comedy but with consistent romance and consistent comedy!

Debutant director Tyrewala holds potential and has penned some great dialogues and lyrics. He’s managed to pump life to the most cliché of love stories. Some of the dialouges in the movie has you rolling on the floor. For example: The scene where Aditi sees her brother playing with his pet mouse and asks him – "You really love her na;" to which he cattily replies, "No, we’re just friends." The nonchalant way in which the dialogue is delivered is absolutely amazing. The director has also managed to aptly showcase a whole lot of relationships in the movie — be it that of siblings, friends or parents and kids.

Another Khan joins the long list of great actors that the Hindi film industry boasts of. One look at debutant actor Imran Khan onscreen and you’re taken back in time, reminded of the chocolate-boy hero of Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak – Aamir Khan. Like Uncle, Like Nephew! After a long long time, Hindi cinema has given us a fresh, boy next door, chocolate hero, who looks dashing and more importantly is promising. Imran has a pleasant on-screen persona. He’s good at his dialogue delivery and adept at emoting. Your heart goes out to him when he breaks down in his mother’s arms after getting to know that Aditi is engaged.

Genilia comes across as a pleasant surprise in the film. She exudes exuberance and adds life to her character. Her character is relatable and she plays her part to the T be it in the light-hearted or serious moments. She handles emotions like jealousy, confusion or rage with élan.

The surprise packages of the film are brothers Sohail Khan (Bhaloo) and Arbaaz Khan (Bagheera). Their rip-roaring antics will have the audience in splits.

Of the supporting cast, Ratna Pathak Shah, Jayant Kriplani and Anooradha Patel (Aditi’s parents) portraying the parents are great. However, Rajat Kapoor and Kitu Gidwani were wasted in the film with a mere five minute role as Jai’s girlfriend’s parents. Prateik Babbar is brilliant in his restrained performance as Amit – Aditi’s painter brother, who lives in his own shell and hates her friends specially Jai.

AR Rahman’s music only goes on to add to the peppy theme of the movie and does wonders.

While, we’re not complaining at all… we’ll leave you with some food for thought — One wonders how many 20 year olds today know of the song Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na from the 1973 Shashi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore starrer Aa Gale Lag Ja, which the gang keeps humming in the movie. Moreover, do ambitious kids of today’s Generation Next really think of marriage at 20 as portrayed in the movie?

Another point to ponder over is that while one can vaguely make out that Ratna Pathak Shah’s character is involved in some kind of social service work… the director fails to bring out her exact profession. The repeated runs to the police station for cop bashing looks out of context. On the other hand, the airport scene with all the drama and police chase with guns in hand did look a bit over the top too… but then like we said in the beginning… we’re not complaining!

Go watch the movie… it’s definitely worth all the money you’ll dish out!