To be honest, when Nushrratt Bharuccha and Anud Singh Dhaka‘s film Janhit Mein Jaari was announced I underestimated it. I thought it will be another preachy social drama trying to create awareness about the concept of contraception. However, I was wrong. This social drama written by Raaj Shaandilyaa is far from being anything preachy. In fact, the film’s writing is so brilliant that it gives the desired message, with the right impact, but is also wrapped with lots of humour in the trademark style of Raaj. My experience of watching Janhit Mein Jaari in a theatre was filled with bouts of laughter, and it is all thanks to the fun one-liners that this film carried. Directed by Jai Basantu Singh and produced by Vinod Bhanushali, Kamlesh Bhanushali, and Vishal Gurnani, the film releases in theatres this Friday, 10th June.
Watch the film’s trailer here:
Here are the things I like about the film:
1. Raaj Shaandilyaa’s writing genius
I know, I am going on and on about how brilliant the film has been written, but trust me, that is the best part of Janhit Mein Jaari. Not just the story, but the punches and one-liners have been penned and weaved so well that even in the most intense moment there will come a dialogue that will leave you to burst out laughing. The jokes are really humorous and not forced into the story, in fact, they are seamless, which is what I loved the most about Raaj’s writing. What I also loved is how the concept of contraception and something as basic as using a condom during sexual intercourse has been dealt with and told without stepping into the bold or vulgar space.
2. Nushrratt as Manokamna
Right from the word action, Nushrratt Bharrucha has beautifully gotten into the skin of this character. In fact, her portrayal of a strong-headed ambitious girl from the small town of Chanderi challenging the patriarchy is quite refreshing to watch. Even though Nushrratt doesn’t go all guns blazing at the patriarchal society, her will to bring about a change in a basic habit by being as verbal as she can, along with facing the challenges coming her way is what I loved watching.
3. Anud Singh Dhaka as Ranjan
Trust me, Ranjan aka Anud Singh Dhaka is the husband probably every modern girl has dreamt of. He is cool, supportive, and not a victim of the patriarchy he is surrounded with. In fact, even in testing times, Anud chooses to stand by Nushrratt in every decision she makes. Plus, there are so many cool qualities that Ranjan possesses, I mean, even though he doesn’t have a steady income, that ego of his wife earning more never comes in his way, in fact, he is the husband who hands over a tiffin to his wife as she leaves for work. Anud is the husband, who treats his lady love like a true queen and that is what I loved the most about his character. In fact, right from his first scene, Anud is all charming.
Here’s what could have been better:
1. The emotional appeal
Even though there are fractions in the film that leave you kind of emotional, soon those are covered up with a funny punch line. However, I wish the emotional element was a little stronger than it is in the film. While the makers have chosen to tell the story in the most light-hearted and tongue-in-cheek manner, there are moments where the humour overshadowed the message. But all in all, it’s a tale well told.
2. The second half
While the film’s first half is quite powerful, the second half seems to be a little stretched. And while that is the half that carries the message, a little tightly packed one would have made it even much better and impactful.
Well, Janhit Mein Jaari is a film that you all should watch at least once, especially, when the tickets are being sold at as low as Rs 100. But that’s not why I urge you to watch this, I tell you because it’s a good story told differently.
My verdict: 4 stars out of 5