Jaane Jaan Movie Review: Jaane Jaan is a Gripping Film that Entertains

Last updated on February 18th, 2024 at 08:23 am

The film JAANE JAAN tells the tale of a single mother and a teacher who embark on a mission to outsmart the police. Maya D’Souza, portrayed by Kareena Kapoor Khan, resides in Kalimpong, where she lives with her daughter Tara, played by Naisha Khanna. Their neighbor is Naren Vyas, a math teacher, portrayed by Jaideep Ahlawat. Naren is deeply in love with her, but he is too afraid to express his feelings to her. He visits her food joint every day to pick up a package of Egg Fried Rice. He makes a sincere effort to communicate with her, but often finds himself at a loss for words. Everything is going smoothly in their lives until one fateful day when Inspector Ajit Mhatre (played by Saurabh Sachdeva) unexpectedly enters Maya’s life, determined to wreak havoc. As events unfold, Maya finds herself emerging as a prime suspect. This is when Naren comes to her aid. However, the investigating officer, Karan Anand (played by Vijay Varma), happens to be Naren’s old friend and begins to suspect that something is not right. He resolves to persist until he uncovers the truth. The events that follow shape the remainder of the film.

The mystery in this film is not about identifying the murderer; rather, it focuses on how the murderer manages to escape. Obsession, love, and sacrifice are various subjects that are touched on throughout the film.

Directed by Sujoy Ghosh, Jaane Jaan is a thriller film with the highly capable cast of Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma in significant roles. The film is an adaptation of the popular Japanese novel The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino.

Sujoy Ghosh’s direction is remarkable. He does not come up with a gripping narrative, however, he makes sure that the audience remains engaged and entertained. The execution of the story will captivate the audiences, leaving them deeply invested in what unfolds next.

The film JAANE JAAN is predominantly without any songs. The title track, which has been recreated, is played at a pivotal moment. The song played during the end credits is not memorable. The background score of Shor Police is subtle yet impactful. The cinematography by Avik Mukhopadhyay is truly splendid, skillfully capturing the beauty of the location. The utilization of unique color tones enhances the eerie and mysterious atmosphere. The costumes designed by Aki Narula for Kareena Kapoor Khan and Dipika Lal, as well as Anirudh Singh’s costumes for the rest of the star cast, strike a perfect balance between style and realism. The production design by Rajesh Choudhary, Madhumita Sen, and Ajay Sharma is well-suited for the project. Heera Yadav’s actions are incredibly authentic. The VFX produced by Futureworks Media Ltd are of top-class quality, while Urvashi Saxena’s editing skills are sharp.

What works for the film:

The lead actors’ performances, particularly Jaideep Ahlawat’s portrayal of Naren, a mathematics genius and a lover, were exceptional. He delivers a nuanced and convincing portrayal of his complex character, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
The novel “The Devotion of Suspect X” by Keigo Higashino has been widely acclaimed as a best-selling thriller in Japan. The film successfully captures the essence and suspense of the book, incorporating Indian elements and twists to cater to the audience’s preferences.
The film’s music and visuals effectively create a mood and atmosphere that perfectly complement the genre and setting. The title track “Aa jaane jaan” is a captivating and romantic song that provides a contrasting element to the film’s dark theme. The cinematography effectively captures both the beauty and bleakness of Kalimpong, a hill station located in West Bengal.

What Doesn’t work for the film:

Kareena Kapoor Khan has been cast as Maya, a single mother who is also the prime suspect. She is not only a talented actress and a shining star, but she also captivates the screen and the narrative, sometimes overshadowing the mystery itself by becoming the central focus. Furthermore, she does not embody the traditional image of a plain and average woman, as she consistently exudes glamour and style throughout the entirety of the film.
The film’s pace is slow, and its length is long. The film’s duration exceeds two hours, and unfortunately, it lacks the necessary thrill and excitement to captivate the viewers. The film also diverges from the book in certain sections, introducing unnecessary scenes and subplots that diminish the impact of the original story.
The film’s logic and credibility are occasionally questionable and flawed. The film’s plot contains several holes and inconsistencies, which can make it challenging to suspend disbelief and follow the story. The film includes certain unrealistic and convenient solutions that diminish the intelligence of both the characters and the audience.

Overall, JAANE JAAN is a captivating film that succeeds thanks to its skillful execution, surprising plot twists, and outstanding performances by Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma.

Review Rating 3/5: A Good Watch
Where to watch: Netflix

For sure the film Jaane Jaan has potential to be at no. 1 on Netflix, check the update from Taran Adarsh.

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