Multiple releases sometimes spoil the zest among audiences and many a time create chaos among the filmmakers. This week seems to be the busiest week of the year when more than half dozens are hitting the marquee. Besides 'Zindaggi Rocks', all other releases have low profile with average to poor face values. 'Jaana-let's fall in love' comes out from the bandwagon of love stories that seems to be inspirational subject for launching pad for star sons and daughters. In the era of multiplexes, the concept seems to be outdated and sullen. Newcomers are more welcome in the meaningful cinema. There have been father-son pairs in the past who have delivered the needful but these are just handfuls. Except for Rakesh -Hrithik Roshan, no father-son combination has succeeded in attracting audiences. Veteran filmmaker Shahrukh Mirza launches his son Rehaan Khan in this film in the mould of mushy love story.
The old style storytelling and average acting skills make it a mediocre show. In 70's and 80's such formula worked wonders but it seems to have lost its sheen and gloss. 'Jaana' is an inspirational lift from emotional tearjerkers like 'Anand', 'Aankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se', 'Safar' and 'Kal Ho Na Ho'. The film tries to unravel the path of an ailing lover who craves for it in the last phases of his life. The love story passes through the turbulence of nostalgic and sentimental moments and finally ends on a sad note. It seems to be a noble concept but the film disappoints on all fronts. It may sound ridiculous that actor Rehaan Khan was fighting for "tax free" status for such a mediocre film. The concept of "non-smoking" is too meek to unveil in any act of the film.
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Firstly, it's the sick and haggard scripting of the subject that fails to create any tempo. Second, there is an average acting skill from the lead pair that fails to attract the audiences. Lastly, it's stereotyped and sluggish direction that fails to bind audiences. 'Jaana' is proposed to be an ideal launching pad for Rehaan Khan and comeback vehicle for veterans like Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman. It fails on both the aspects and ends up as a shoddy display of boring love story.
Jatin-Lalit's titillating melodious music is the only saving grace that redeems some pride for the film. There are some refreshing moments in the soundtracks -- "Dheere Dheere" and "Kalma Kalma" -- where the film offers light and dramatic moments. Regretfully, it comes as their one of last compositions but still it leaves an impact.
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'Jaana-let's fall in love' is the love story of Raju (Rehaan Khan) and Madhu (Anjana Sukhnani). The film begins as reconciliation of long lost moments of Madhu for his beloved Raju. Madhu is the daughter of wealthy businessman (Rajiv Verma) who wants to live life to its fullest. She plans her holiday in hilly regions of Nainital where she meets Raju. Raju has lovable and caring mother Mary (Zeenat Aman) who prefers to be single all her life. Hamid (Rajesh Khanna) is Mary's old lover who wants to befriend her. The love chemistry of Raju and Madhu develops through the lustful thoughts of unemployed Raju. He dreams of marring an ultra rich girl for better living and attracts her. Madhu has cancer but still she wants to live life to her fullest. Raju learns about her ailment but he falls for her. The climax proves to be a complete downer when Madhu recovers and Raju becomes prey of lung cancer. It shows the naivety on the part of the script writing. The film ends on a sad and depressing note and educates audiences to abstain from smoking.
Rehaan Khan proves to be a non-actor by all standards and it forms the weakest link of the film. Mushy love stories have nurtured the stardom of present genre of hot stars ranging from Aamir Khan to Shaahid Kapoor. But the newcomer is pure disappointment and belies all hopes of a good entertainer. The actor lacks the screen presence and has unimpressive dialogue delivery that fails to coordinate with the emotions of the script. Even the dancing skills are not synchronized and it shows in fast paced soundtracks. Had he been supported with challenging script and author-backed role then it could have been a different story.
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When it comes to the resurrection of veterans -Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman - then again the film disappoints. The film portrays them as long lost lovers and complements their scenes with old melody of 70's. It retards the growth of the film and rather irritates the audiences. These brilliant actors have been screen legends of 70's and 80's and deserve better scripting for graceful comeback. Zeenat Aman impresses in her role of a caring mother. She has enough potential to be an ideal actress and deserves better role. Her compatriot Moushmi Chatterje has made a resounding comeback in 'Zindaggi Rocks' in double role this week. Rajesh Khanna made the finest comeback through Mohan Kumar's 'Avatar' but 'Jaana' proves too mediocre for his caliber. The actor gets some footage in the climax when he emotes his feeling for the ailing hero. He still has the potential to rise above mediocre script but needs good projects.
Anjana Sukhnani completes hat-trick of solo presentation with this film after the unsuccessful 'Hum Dum' and 'Sun Zarra'. She looks promising but still fumbles in many emotional scenes. The actress deserves a better look and grooming for her future projects. Razzak Khan tries to improvise his acting skills with better characterization. Rajiv Verma proves competent in character and delivers the needful.
Shahrukh Mirza's direction falters miserably with its stereotyped and haggard treatment. The poor narration and half-baked characterization speak for the debacle of the film.
'Jaana' comes at a time when big budget films are ruling the box-office. The film has struggled to find desired theatres and will struggle for its survival.
Overall, this half-baked clone of 'Kal Ho Na Ho' will prove a disaster at the box-office.
