Yaaran Naal Baharaan

Movie Review

Navdeep [Jimmy Shergill] and his group of friends - a handsome Bhatinda dude, a body building 'hanuman-bhakt jat' and a studious 'sardar' boy - study in Punjab University - Chandigarh and roam around the city on their 'ek laakh ki bike'! Jimmy's only regret - he has a costly bike but no girl to sit behind him. Enters Harman [Juhee Babbar] along with her group of friends [that includes an Amisha Patel look-alike and a 'soni punjabi kudi'] who takes his breath away every time she passes his way.

Navdeep falls for Harman and on being coaxed by his friends starts wooing her. She too enjoys all the attention and after a college trip to Kullu [reminding very much of Europe tour in DDLJ] and a cute gift of a stuffed toy later, reciprocates his feelings. Jimmy trying to woo Juhee in classroom, canteen, CD showroom, Kullu, parking stand - just everything seems to be going so naturally that the moments just fly. Add to that some comic relief by college senior Rangeela [Gurpreet Ghughee], and smiles keep coming on, though he does tend to go overboard at number of sequences.

Next logical step for the lovebirds is to get married and both Navdeep and Harman approach their parents. Harman does it through her mom [Ketki Dave] who drops a word to her husband [Anupam Kher], a retired Colonel now living in a palatial bungalow in Chandigarh. Jimmy does it through his chirpy sister and doting mom, who try to break the news to his 'pind' settled father [Raj Babbar], a retired Major. As expected, both the men object to the relationship in the beginning as they always wanted to find a spouse for their children themselves. On some persuasion, their hearts melt and they agree to meet, but the meeting brings along with it the some unanticipated fireworks.

Colonel and Major had some old scores to settle since the time they worked together in the Army, so it was unacceptable for them to allow their children to marry. From here on, the movie takes another twist, something very similar to DDLJ. Instead of eloping, the two youngsters decide to win the hearts of their parents. But unlike DDLJ, Navdeep doesn't enter into Harman's house to do so. Instead the two stay at their own houses and by their good conduct and love attempt at making their parents understand their true love. What happens next is anyone's guess!!

As mentioned earlier, the takeaway from the movie is the message for the current generation to understand their parents' feelings better. Agreed that the world has moved on and every youngster has full rights to marry the person he/she loves most. But doing it by running away or getting married in court is not the only solution because that results in nothing but heartbreak for parents!

A feel good entertainer, it also works well due to natural performances and a simple narrative. Never once does the movie try to go overboard by becoming overtly melodramatic. Navdeep is just Navdeep and doesn't try to be a 'Raj Malhotra' or a 'Rahul'. The chemistry shared between the two youngsters and their respective families too never appear to be artificial. Jimmy Shergill comes up with a superb performance once again and is a complete natural. He especially excels in the scene [a high point of the movie] where he addresses his group of friends to think about the parents first before taking any drastic step.

Juhee not just looks beautiful in her trendy outfits [by Navneet Nishan] but also comes across as a seasoned performer in just her second big screen outing [after Kaash Aap Hamaare Hote]. She has a varied range of expressions and makes full use of them. Both Anupam Kher and Raj Babbar stand tall in whichever frame they appear. Ketaki Dave is alright while the women playing Jimmy's mom and sister are fine. Vivek Shauq [as the campus tea vendor] is likeable while amongst the friends, Jimmy's 'Bhatinda' friend and Amisha Patel look-alike stand out.

A small blemish in the first half is too many campus scenes that threaten to dilute the proceedings. Just when you are enjoying the romance of Jimmy and Juhee come Ghughee's gags that do tend to distract. Towards the end it does look a bit awkward to see the Anupam Kher and Raj Babbar enjoying the stage show featuring Jimmy and Juhee together, when just a few days back they wanted the two of them to break away. Agreed that there has been a change in heart over the period of time but still it appears to be too good to be true. Thankfully the climax scene with Anupam Kher and Raj Babbar coming together on stage proves yet again the caliber of the veterans as the two of them simply steal the scene away.

What strikes from the very first frame of the movie till the very end if bright cinematography that gives a very glossy look to the movie, which is at par with any big budgeted Bollywood romantic musical. All credit to director Manmohan Singh, who has handled cinematography for many Yash Chopra movies in the past.

Songs by Jaidev Kumar fit in well too with the opening song 'College Vich Padna' and 'Le Main Teri' being the pick of the lot, especially the latter. As expected, it is a romantic melodious duet that is straight out of a Yash Chopra setting with 'sarson-ke-khet', scenic locations and white outfits. Anjan Biswas' background music is the best part of the movie after performances and it gives a true Yash Chopra feel to the movie. Dialogues are witty; especially the ones mouthed by Jimmy and Juhee in their interaction during the first half.

YNB is a decent family entertainer that has an age old story told well. Able performances, rich look, good music and above all fine direction by Manmohan Singh make it an enjoying fare.