Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur
Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur

I watched Mani Ratnam’s OK Kanmani when it came out and loved it. I haven’t seen it again since and even when everyone was on a (re)watching spree when the OK Jaanu trailer came out, I consciously refrained. I feel like that’s worked in my favour.

OK Jaanu tells the story of Adi and Tara. Adi is a game designer with the American dream and Tara is an architecture student who wants to go to Paris for her career. The two of them decide to live together till then and when there are only 10 days left for their departure, they have to take a step back and confront some things they didn’t think were important. Directed by Shaad Ali, the film stars Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor as the leads and has Naseeruddin Shah and Leela Salmson in key roles.

The smartest move the makers of OK Jaanu have made is that they’ve not changed the screenplay of the original film. Very few “creative liberties” have been taken and a lot of key moments have been recreated scene to scene. A.R Rahman‘s music in the film, unsurprisingly, is bang on and really adds value to the storytelling – even though it may or may not work as a standalone album.

Shraddha Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur
Shraddha Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur

I really hope this film works for the sake of Aditya Roy Kapur, whose talent could really use a hit now. Honestly, I didn’t think he’d manage to match up to (if not outshine) Dalquer Salmaan‘s portrayal of the Adi’s role, but lo and behold – our man brought his A-game. He didn’t even seem to falls short in his scenes with Naseeruddin Shah and didn’t look like he was intimidated at all! Naseer was brilliant in the film in the role of the strict-on-the-outside-but-soft-on-the-inside retired judge; not that that’s a surprise to anyone. His relationship with Leela’s character (who played the same part in the original) is heartwarming to watch and as intended, provides for a nice juxtaposition for Adi and Tara’s modern-day love.

Naseeruddin Shah in OK Jaanu
Naseeruddin Shah in OK Jaanu

When I met Shraddha during the promotional rounds of this movie, she mentioned how director Shaad told her to not speak in her trademark “sing-song voice” and smile less. Her effort in the movie is visible, appreciated… but there are moments where I couldn’t help but miss the spirited force of Nithya Menen – who played Tara in OK Kanmani. That aside, major props to Shraddha’s stylist. She looked stunning in each frame and the movie has her donning one kickass outfit after another.

Shraddha Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur
Shraddha Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur

I feel like we can’t talk about any Aditya-Shraddha film without spending a little time talking about their chemistry. The two of them are magic on screen together. There are moments in the film where the romance or even the sexual tension is almost palpable. Oh, and I actually really like the new Humma Humma‘s vibe, so sue me!

Like in the original, Mumbai is a latent character in the movie and cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran has captured the magical city in a beautiful way. Gulzar‘s Hindi lyrics to all the Tamil song seem like a sweet tribute to the original and this film can be touted as Shaad’s “comeback” after Saathiya (and Bunty Aur Babli) after two consecutive flops (Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom, Kill Dil). Interestingly, Saathiya was also a remake of Mani Ratnam‘s Tamil film, Alaipayuthey. Makes you think, doesn’t it?

All in all, the film is fresh for the Hindi viewer. It’s predictable, there are no big surprises but if you’ve not watched the original or like me, have watched the original but are not a purist, you will enjoy it! Considering the dearth of good movies last year, OK Jaanu is a good start to 2017. 🙂

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In Conversation With Aditya Roy Kapur & Shraddha Kapoor | OK J…

The cutest jaanus Aditya Roy Kapur & Shraddha Kapoor spoke to Priyam Saha about their chemistry, remaking OK Kanmani, the perils of being famous and much more! Watch it, #OKJaanu?

MissMalini 发布于 2017年1月13日