RAANJHANAA - A brief review

How far can you go for someone you love?? Can love truly be unconditional?? Can love at first sight last for an eternity??

I am sure you would ask yourself these questions as you finish watching this recent Bollywood release. I was not expecting anything great from this movie as its star cast included a very unconventional hero (of KOLAVERI DI fame) and one of my least favorite actress . The only saving grace seemed to be the music comosed by the Mozart of Madras. Anyway, I decided to catch this movie with my friends after reading the horrible reviews of GHANCHAKKAR. After coming out of the theater 134 minutes later, I was overjoyed by my decision.

RAANJHANAA is probably the only Bollywood movie to be released this year (till now) which is worth a second viewing. It is a love story unlike any you have seen in Bollywood.Its a roller coaster ride of emotions which will keep the audiences wanting for more, and by the end of it will surely leave a mark on your heart.

STORY

Shot in Benaras & Delhi, 'Raanjhanaa' narrates a tale of love through Kundan (Dhanush), Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) & Akram/Jasjeet (Abhay Deol)..Kundan (a Brahmin boy) & Zoya (a Muslim girl) were brought up in Benaras, where Kundan expressed his love for Zoya during his teenage days.After growing up, Zoya took admission in Jawaharlal Nehru University where she fell in love with an university student cum socialist Akram..What happens next forms the crux of the story.

ACTING
Films like these demand strong performances and great range from the cast and this is where the film scores. The debutant DHANUS is the heart of this film. Its really the story of his Kundan and how he never gives up on his love. He showcases all his emotions perfectly carries the film on his shoulders through a thoroughly intense performance. Special mention must also be made about the two supporting actors Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub (as Murari) and Swara Bhaskar (as Bindya).Murari has some of the funniest lines of the movie.Abhay Deol sleepwalks through his role in his small appearance. Sonam supposedly gives her best performance of her career but still has a lot to improve.

SPECIAL MENTIONS
The music of A R Rehman which helps carry the narrative forward.
The beautifully captured Benaras with a variety of colors
Some wonderfully penned dialouges and beautifully executed scenes - Look for the one where Dhanus goes to bid adieu to Sonam in the railway station.


Once Tom Robbins said: "We waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love.." !!In this densely populated sphere of Earth, there is always a scarcity of those persons who can sacrifice his/her deepest desires to bring sunshine in the face of their loved ones..Don't let go of that kind heart, if by chance you find him/her....


MY VERDICT

**** (THE EXTRA HALF STAR FOR THE TERRIFIC DHANUS)