OK Jaanu is a romantic drama film directed by Shaad Ali whose
previous assignments include films like Saathiya (2002) and Bunty Aur Babli
(2005).OK Jaanu happens to be the official remake of Mani Ratnam's O KadhalKanmani—a Tamil film starring Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menen. Shaad builds
upon Mani Ratnam’s screenplay, A.R. Rahman’s music and Gulzar’s dialogues to
weave a tale of modern romance about a young couple in a live-in relationship. Starring
Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur and in the lead roles, OK Jaanu is a collaboration
of Mani Ratnam’s Madras Talkies and Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. OK Jaanu
costars Naseeruddin Shah, Leela Samson, and Kitu Gidwani. The film features a
cameo appearance from renowned ad film director Prahlad Kakkar.
OK Jaanu is essentially a Mani Ratnam film. Although, the film
is directed by Shaad Ali, it is really Mani Ratnam’s vision that he is trying
to present here. Shaad doesn’t take any liberties here. His goal is simple. All
he wants to achieve is to remake O Kadhal Kanmani for a Hindi audience. And he
certainly succeeds in his endeavor. For, OK Jaanu replicates the Mani Ratnam
film to a tee. One can literally juxtapose the two films scene by scene. It may
look like a cinch to replicate a film, but it is easier said than done, especially
if it is a film by a master filmmaker like Mani Ratnam. There are few filmmakers
who can think of competing with Mani Rantam when it comes to romance. By making
films like Roja, Bombay, and Dil Se in the 1990s, he single-handedly revolutionized
the way Indian films approached romance. Now, O Kadhal Kanmani is not a typical
Mani Ratnam romance but it works because it brilliantly captures the difficulties
and dilemmas that young couples experience in present times. And Shaad, to his
credit, nearly replicates it. Of course, the provision of a much bigger budget
wouldn’t have hurt.
OK Jaanu is set in Mumbai and revolves around a game designer named Adi and
an architect named Tara who fall in love with each other but are not ready for
a commitment. They are quite serious about their respective careers. While Adi
wants to settle in the US, Tara wants to pursue a professional course in Paris.
So they decide to make most of the time they have with them before their career
paths take them away from each other. Since both fear commitment they take the
option of a live-in relationship. It starts like a fairytale affair but sooner
or later they much confront the reality. Will they choose love or career? OK Jaanu succeeds in asking pertinent questions about modern-day romance without, at
least for the most part, adopting a serious tone. Here is an upbeat film about
the notions of love and romance in modern times that reminds us about the
importance of commitment. It also reminds us that life and career are like two
sides of the same coin.
Overall, OK Jaanu is a lighthearted tale of romance that offers
a refreshing take on modern relationships. Shaad, who started his career as an assistant
director to Mani Rantam, succeeds in seamlessly translating the master
filmmaker’s cinematic vision. OK Jaanu benefits from the solid performances of
Shraddha and Aditya who succeed in rekindling their old magic. In terms of
acting talents they may not be as gifted as Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menen
but they nonetheless get the job done. While Naseeruddin Shah is always a treat to watch, it is Leela
Samson who steals the show here. The chemistry that Samson shares with Shah is in
perfect contrast to what we get to see from Shraddha and Aditya and it is this striking
contrast that helps propel the movie’s plot. In the end, we are at liberty to
choose between the old institution of marriage and the new concept of live-in.
Both have their pros and cons. It is for the couples to choose what’s best for
them. OK Jaanu has its share of flaws but despite its weaknesses it not only entertains
but also makes us think. The film is strictly meant for youngsters, for the older
viewers may not be able to connect with it in the same way as younger audiences
would.
P.S. Those of you who have already watched O Kadhal Kanmani can of course afford to give OK Jaanu a miss.
Readers, please feel free to share your opinion by leaving your comments. As always your valuable thoughts are highly appreciated!
Rating: 6.5/10
P.S. Those of you who have already watched O Kadhal Kanmani can of course afford to give OK Jaanu a miss.
Readers, please feel free to share your opinion by leaving your comments. As always your valuable thoughts are highly appreciated!
Rating: 6.5/10
References:
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