Jab Tak Hai Jaan reviews!

Tuesday,12th November 03:45 AM IST

JAB TAK HAI JAAN IS VINTAGE YASH CHOPRA ROMANCE

Pluses:

Shahrukh Khan reinvents his romantic performance, Late Yash Chopra delivers the classic film, film has some real touching moments, By far Katrina's best performance, Anushka pitches a breezy performance, breathtaking cinematography

Minuses:

Long duration, absence of exceptional hit music

Critic Rating:

4/5

Business Rating:

4/5

Verdict:

Watch it for perfect romantic outing

Detail Analysis:

There are films and then there are events. A Yash Chopra film is always an event to celebrate love, passion and cinema. For last 20 years, Yash Chopra and SRK combo gave some finest moments on celluloid, be it an obsessive lover in "Darr" or a man living far apart from his love in "Veer Zaara". After demise of Yash Ji this becomes even more special.

Filmhas some real gripping plot as always the case with Yash Chopra film. "Darr","Lamhe", "Daag" and "Veer Zaara" all had some surprise element even in a romantic flick and this around too "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" is another one with some real twists and turns.

Film's plot is backbone and it is a rare love story which simply works due to its plot and poignant moments. To give away such a plot is insult to the film which we don't do anyways for any film. Though in short one can say that it has "Dil To Pagal Hai" and it has "Veer Zaara" both in it.

Shahrukh plays a fun loving youth in London and he charms throughout in that phase. His chemistry and physics (yes!) with Katrina is delicious and will be loved by all. In 2nd shade of his character, Samar (played by SRK) remains grim, arrogant and angry as bomb disposal squad member. This is one of the best performances of Shahrukh in romantic role if not the best. Watch him in climax in church and you know what I am talking about.

Katrina Kaif as Meera undoubtedly gives the best exhibition of her acting skills. Her expressions and glamor quotient make it the perfect outing as Yash Chopra heroine. Watch out for her in white attire on bridge...a small moment but too good. Anushka Sharma again delivers a breezy act full of energy and enthusiasm. She as Akeera delivers some real touchy moments especially through her expressive eyes. Watch out her in climax!

Supporting cast is full of stellar performers. Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor in cameo as Samar's parents made an impact so did Anupam Kher as Katrina's father. Then there are some small cameos by good actors in supporting cast which lift the film.

Cinematography by Anil Mehta is breathtaking and Kashmir looks outstanding. Namrata Rao's editing is good though few scenes in beginning of 2nd half would had been edited. Writing by Aditya Chopra and Devika Bhagat is 1st class and keeps you engaged.

Music is again high point of the film but surely misses the massy element in it. In film one can see why certain kind of music kept but still absence of 1-2 huge massy numbers would had helped the flick. Title song is the best of lot and that is why kept under wrap. "Saans" and "Challa" lead the pack and "Ishq Shava" looks happening and grand at same time. Rahman does not live upto the hype but still Yash Chopra element saves it on and off screen. Gulzar's lyrics are romantic and philosophical in "Challa" an 'Heer", truly Sufi in nature.

Film has its share of shortcomings. Surprisingly long duration doesn't hurt but slow pace in 2nd half might deter few in terms of repeat watch. Film has some memorable moments but dialogues could had been more impressive.

Last but not the least, Late Yash Chopra gives his one of the best films at the age of 80 which in itself no mean feat. His direction is impeccable and leaves you wondering about his appetite for emotional portrayal and detailing in romantic moments. Long after you leave cinema hall, scenes will linger in your heart and that is the fitting farewell to the best romantic director of Bollywood. He delivers a vintage classic romantic flick in an era full of 3rd rate remakes, loud comedies and bad actors. Thanks Yash Ji for giving us the belief over last 60 years that no matter what good cinema with clean family entertainment prevails. Salute to master!

Go for this one as this is not a film but an experience of lifetime, treasure it, cherish it.

Story:

The movie will span two ages, one in Shahrukh Khan's late twenties as a musician based in London and the other at an older age as an introverted, composed, dutiful army officer in Kashmir. Khan as Samar is an angry, unforgiving, with loads of emotional baggage. Katrina Kaif plays Khan;s love interest in the movie in the first span, while Anushka Sharma is a 21 year old girl, who works for Discovery Channel and makes documentaries. Jab Tak Hai Jaan is a love saga which depicts eternity of love and passion of souls entrenched in love.

Verdict on peformances:

Shahrukh Khan doesn't need any verdict when it comes to his acting skills. Our king is back with a bang, courtesy his lover boy image. Khan does justice is his role, while Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma too are quite convincing.

Verdict so far:

If my prediction goes right from what I've seen so far, Jab Tak Hai Jaan is sure a masterpiece and a true Yash Chopra movie, with all the love elements in it. Shot in exotic foreign locations, JTHJ gives us a beautiful and larger than life picture.The movie has lived up to my expectations so far and hope to watch out the same till the climax.

We'll be back with the final review at 1 pm, so, till then, stay tuned.