Raanjhanaa Review

Is there a definitive moment that our mind steps in when our heart rules a decision? I mean, we all have moments where a decision is made by the heart and it is regretted but then is it the point of regret that our mind has stepped in? Or was it there before? Raanjhanaa is a love story on the outset but it is not just a love story. Nor is it just an ordinary filmi story. Out of the basic plot, the amount of everyday modern society intertwined in the story is refreshing to say the least. But how does this relate to the question I posed? Well read on to find out.

Kundan [Dhanush] may have rushed into falling in love with Zoya [Sonam Kapoor] but it was only in 10th grade he actually got courage to say it to her. Yet love doesn't just need courage. It needs persistance and patience, and a best friend like Murari [Mohd. Zeeshan Ayub], to get through its hurdles. So while Kundan gets through the "remember me" phase, the potentials from the parents and the not-so-subtle advances from another childhood buddy Bindiya [Swara Bhaskar], his lady love Zoya, having grown up in the world of Dehli University and met someone there, has adapted to the cultured and educated youth vision of modern India that Akram [Abhay Deol] follows and brushes off his advances as childhood sweetheart drama. Dejected to say the least, Kundan doesn't take things lightly to the news but then, neither does he let things slide either. He may have decided to help Zoya marry Akram but not before ensuring his own wedding plans on the same as final goodbye and good riddance. But when at the crossroads of losing his love to someone else and finding out the truth about Zoya's love, Kundan doesnt flinch at shedding light to the truth. What follows is how that one moment will change their lives to the point of no return.

Dhanush is the epitome of Kundan. No one can look and emote as easily for this boy next door character like him and the fact his films didnt cross the border to Bollywood works for him. He is fresh, intense and totally in his element. No machoism, six pack or designer clothes to make his stand out, yet that's what he does. Sonam Kapoor steps up her game and while her character itself becomes quite stiff, she falls into play and you do not see Sonam Kapoor, its Zoya. Abhay Deol is always a delight and bring a sense of Karthik from Mouna Raagam in his small yet vital role. Mohd. Zeeshan Ayub and Swara Bhaskar could not perfect their portrayal of Murari or Bindiya any further and the climax scene is made because of them. 

Each character made its entry in their own special way and Benaras is just as much one. If the actors brought to life the character, Benaras was brought to screen by Natarajan Subramaniam and Vishal Sinha. Their camerawork made each town, village, road and lampost look at feel like we were there and this is our home. Nothing foreign about any of it.  Himanshu Sharma tells a simple story but gives it the kick in the backside life would give any of us. Natraj Subramaniam and Vishal Sinha bring out the vibrancy of each phase in the story while maintain the mood. But the show stealer off-screen is the one and only A. R. Rahman. There are so many levels to this album, so many emotions and the connection to the audience is visible with the number of downloads and youtube plays. Be it Tum Tak or Piya Milenge, the Master is back with a folk-classical based soundtrack that delights the ears and makes you dance.

So was it worth the money, time and conviction to get over preconceived notions? YES! I have seen my fair share of Southern actors venturing North for projects but Raanjhanaa is one that makes you forget those details and enjoy a story that has real to life emotions, and some not so nice realities.

Rating: 4/5