Jawaani Jaaneman: A quirky comedy with a predictable plot-line

Jawaani Jaaneman: Predictable but entertaining

Very often today we forget that the main aim of movies is entertainment. Most people go in to the hall expecting the movie to provide them with some life lesson or a gripping portrayal of history. However, cinema in India was earlier a place where families went to enjoy themselves and have a good time, filled with laughter and a sprinkle of emotion. Jawaani Jaaneman brings back some of this flavour.

The movie centres around a 40-year-old man, Jazz, played by Saif Ali Khan, who refuses to accept the fact that he’s ageing and carries on living the bachelor life, until one day his 21-year-old daughter, played by debutant Alaya Furniturewala, who he had no idea existed shows up and slowly changes the way he views the world. It is a predictable plot-line, however, thankfully the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously. This allows the actors to showcase their flair, while still keeping the movie light-hearted and filled with some hilarious moments.

Saif Ali Khan cruises through his role. Having played similar roles in Cocktail and Happy Ending, he knows exactly which beats to catch and it seems like he’s almost operating on auto-pilot. He plays the laid-back, party loving man child with ease but equally manages to showcase convincing emotion when the time comes. Tabu again enhances her reputation in whatever little time she has on screen. She plays a hippy from Amsterdam with ease and provides the audience with some really funny moments, making you wish her character was more fleshed out and had more time. Alaya F, is like a breath of fresh air in the film. Although, in the first few scenes of the film she appears a little stone-faced, with a lack of emotion, as the movie progresses, she appears to grow more and more into the role. She has an understated charm, which comes across on screen, and doesn’t make you feel as though she is trying too hard to make an impact. Her chemistry with Saif seems natural and makes you believe in their relationship. Finally, the supporting actors also manage to play their roles quite convincingly and in a way that helps to tell the story.

The writing and direction of the movie is a mixed bag. While the premise of the movie is something fresh and exciting, the movie doesn’t manage to do complete justice to it. Although most of them play the part they’ve been given extremely well, some of the supporting characters are not very well fleshed out and seem to be slightly stereotypical, for example the smart friend, the worried mother and the annoying landlord. Also, the plot point that leads to the inevitable fight between daughter and father seems slightly forced, in order to create that fight. However, there are some moments of inspired comedy that leave you in splits. Furthermore, the music of the movie complements the vibe nicely, providing a mix of a catchy remake and emotional new songs.

Overall, Jawaani Jaaneman is an entertaining watch and can be referred to as a ‘one-time watch’. Its predictable and not extraordinary, but it will provide you with some brilliant laughs and a few moments of true emotion. The acting, especially of the lead actors lifts the movie and ensures that you will be provided with good entertainment.

                                    

- AHAAN GUPTA