Movie Review: JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA (2008)

Debut actors’ films are usually good for a variety of reasons such as a named director, known supporting actors, etc. This is true of a recent debut from a few years ago, of Bollywood’s current ace of popcorn entertainers, Imran Khan. Despite being the kind of fluff that I’m usually against, I couldn’t help but enjoy this one as it did show an aspect of typical relationships that aren’t usually depicted in Indian films. JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA wasn’t groundbreaking by any means, but was definitely enjoyable without reducing one’s intellect to mush.

Rating: 3 Out Of 5 Stars

Imran’s debut is a definite success, which is apparent given his status within the industry now as the go-to guy for romantic/comedy/fluff films. I do hope he eventually makes the jump to more serious cinema like his contemporary Ranbir Kapoor. Moving on: JAANE TU… is the perfect blend of light hearted moments and comedy, and even the ‘love’ elements aren’t as cliched and vomit inducing as expected from an Indian film. As parents of Imran’s character, Rathna Pathak Shah and Naseer-uddin Shah (in a guest appearance) are amazing to watch as they bicker, also given the nature of their real life relationship. Imran’s character’s pacifist nature is attributed to his mom trying to prevent his family’s violent and aggressive blood from taking over within her son; she does this by lying to him about his father, claiming he was a peace loving man, when in truth he died picking a fight with an entire family of royals, in their own house. The journey that his character goes through during the film from mild mannered to riding through the streets on horseback and being thought of as a terrorist by cops, is a great thing to watch. Pratiek Babber’s performance really stands out among the rest, as he gives a great performance prior to his DHOBI GHAT role as the socially retarded, artistic brother of Genelia’s character, who helps her realize aspects of her personality that went ignored before. His is a strong role and an awesome performance.

The rest of the cast are essentially hero/heroine support. However, the narration of the film from the beginning is also another aspect that sets JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA aside from other films. It’s interesting, hooks you in and keeps you glaring at the screen for the duration of the film. Considering the beginning of the narration mocks the formulaic aspects of an Indian love story sets the tone for the rest of the film right away, as you know immediately that this one will be ‘different’, and it is… definitely worth the watch. You know, if you’re into Indian movies that is.

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