The youth film of the year.

Grade: A-

Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na

Indian Release Date: 04/07/08
CBFC Classification:  U/A
Running Length: 2 Hours 30 Minutes

Cast: Imraan Khan, Genelia D’Souza, Ratna Pathak Shah, Naseruddin Shah, Sohail Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Paresh Rawal, Prateik Babbar
Director: Abbas Tyrewala
Screenplay: Abbas Tyrewala
Music: A.R. Rahman

‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ led the race as far as youth themed films were concerned this year. With a quite understated story, the movie could have quite easily slipped under the radar were it not for two factors, the debut of Aamir Khan’s nephew Imraan Khan and the excellent music by A.R. Rahman.

Jai (Imraan Khan) and Aditi (Genelia D’Souza) have been friends for years; their comfort with each other leads their friends and families to suspect they love each other and will one day get married but Jai and Aditi laugh off these suggestions, insisting that they’ve never been in love and that they’ll help each other find their soul mates. The equation changes when Jai finds a girlfriend, leaving Aditi to finally realise her feelings for him and ponder whether to take up an arranged marriage and move overseas.

The story is as old as time but the freshness with which it has been told and its non-conventional hero and heroine were like a breath of fresh air. Finally a hero that doesn’t have to prove his machoness in order to be a hero. While Imraan Khan has undoubtedly become a heart throb with this film, and has done a decent job of his first role. His portrayal of Jai is effective but does not challenge him or require much emoting on his part and I found myself wondering whether he would be able to portray a more challenging role. Genelia does not seem quite at ease in her role, she seems to do much better in South Indian films. The supporting cast is excellent, particularly Pratiek Babbar as Aditi’s artist brother. It was an incredibly unconventional debut for somebody from a filmy family to make and I’m looking forward to seeing him in more movies in future. Naseruddin Shah’s guest appearance was definitely one of the highlights of the film. Arbaaz and Sohail Khan also have rather silly guest appearances which nevertheless play an important turning point in the film.

Last but not least, the music. A.R. Rahman has excelled himself again with a soundtrack that it’s difficult to stop yourself singing along to.

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is worth at least one watch and is a difficult movie not to enjoy. See it with your friends, eat popcorn and laugh about your own college days and confusions.

Final Verdict: The youth film of the year.

Grade: A-

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