Ranjhaana: Movie Review

           

So we are in a different era of love stories here with Ranjhana. There is a Hindu boy (played by Dhanush) madly in love with Muslim girl (Sonam Kapoor); since the age when it is hard to decide which one lures better a lollipop or a popsicle. Other than appearing like a charming next door girl; and showing maximum two expressions and another full blown smile; Sonam Kapoor has nothing to offer. Dhanush on the other hand has done full justice for a love stricken 14 year old, to a bewildered young boy. Being slapped, getting drenched in Holi colors, slitting wrists or delivering speeches for the baffled JNU students. These two are the only significantly important characters in the movie and no one else seems to matter as much.

            Zoya plays a girl, who is immeasurably mean and selfish for Kundan, who is very expressedly in love with her; she too finds moments to embrace him publicly, and instead of expressing her love, asks for a favor every time.  This act of gracious kindness & embracing circle continues with everyone remotely romantically associated in the movie. Zoya does it to Kundan and he replicates it with Bindiya (his childhood friend who is in dementedly in love with him).

            The cinematography of Banares streets, the Ganga, vivacious Holi and South Indian dance steps are the best portrayed in the movie. Along with the gorgeous dimply faced, kurta clad Abhay Deol, who is hell of a politician who scares the CM and everyone else in the ruling party. The first half is excellent and the four characters who endear themselves instantly to the audience are the madly-in-love Kundan, the bubbly Zoya, and the cutely foul-mouthed Bindiya who pines for Kundan. The humour in the pre-interval part is entertaining and enjoyable; but the second half plummets gravely. JNU students are projected staggeringly dim and daft determining the cause for people becoming chor.

            This movie is a great start for Dhanush in Bollywood with the whole movie build around him, making him look like a true hero excelling in all fields effortlessly; of course except in arena of love, defeated innumerously by Zoha. Last scene is the act of absolute brilliance; Aanand L. Rai's direction is excellent with Rehman’s music poring over as a blessing.

            However, Ranjhaana is worth a watch only to savor the first look of Dhanush in Bollywood, who played everything from a 14 year old to a chai wala outside JNU with conviction. The wide eyed, love smitten look to the wide grinned foolish smile, every expression is relishing and would make you opine for that love in your own life. Overall, the movie deserves a 2.5 of 5 and a half more for dimply Deol and the superb support cast.