Whether You Know It...

... Or not. Isn't that what Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na means?

Tera mujhse hai pehle ka naata koi,
Yun hi nahi dil lagata koi,
Jaane tu... ya jaane na
Maane tu... ya maane na

This is what Jai sings - or wants to sing - to his Ms Right. This is what Jai and Aditi are identified with. This is what which sounds the most unappealing when the "gang" sings it around Mala , but when she knows the story around it, it is an anthem.

Mala? The "gang"? Jai? Aditi? Who are these characters?





This is a story of Jai Singh Rathore (Imran Khan: Freshness personified), also called Rats by Aditi (Genelia: Cute), who is called Miaow by Jai for her incessant love for cats. This is a story of the gang - Rotlu, Jiggy, Shali, Boms - narrated by the same to Mala when they are waiting to receive someone at the airport and the flight is late.

Jai and Aditi are the friends. The best friends. So close that everyone except them can spot the chemistry between them. Jai and Aditi are true examples of "opposite attract" principle. While Jai is a non-violent and calm personality and a perpetual good boy, Aditi is a violent and aggressive girl. Jai is always available for Aditi. Further in the story you know that Jai is actually a Rajput brought up by his journalist (?) mother (Ratna Pathak Shah) to follow a path of non-violence, much to the disappointment of his late father, Amar Singh Rathore (Naseeruddin Shah in a special appearance as a portrait). While dispelling rumours on their marriage and on Aditi's parents' counsel, they realise that it is time they look for love. They honestly try match making for each other, despite the distances that almost succeed in breaking their friendship. The rest of the story relates how they come to terms with the fact they are and have always been in love with each other.

As I said before that Imran Khan is freshness personified. He does resemble Aamir Khan in some places, but otherwise he holds his own. I wouldn't say that the chemistry between Imran and Genelia is astounding but yes, it is good. You can see a few sparks. The dialogues are fresh, something picked out after listening to a real life group of friends talk which is good. You identify with these people. He's not strikingly handsome, but has a confident air around and his face grows on you. I knew that, I just didn't expect the "growing" part to happen so fast.

There are some great surprise guest appearances. Should I tell? or Should I not? Maybe not. Let me not spoil it for you. Watch it yourself. A special mention goes to Ratna Pathak Shah as Savitri, Jai's mom. She is the new age mom. Who is more like a roomie, cooking in turns, terasing each other, confiding in each other... even about girlfriends. My favourite moment is the conversation between her and her friend - "Isn't that your son?" "Nope that is my husband's son." Didn't understand? You'll know when you see. Bottomline, the thought that first crossed my mind when I saw Savitri was, "I want to be a mom like that to my child(ren)." The mother son bond is very touching.

Speaking of touching bonds, so is the sister-brother bond shown between Aditi and Amit (Pratiek Babbar s/o Smita Patil and Raj Babbar- interesting debut). I think all of us have had this moment with our siblings when we wonder, in mind or aloud, "We used to be best friends. What happened?" and this question arises when one of us are undergoing a change in our lives. My favourite quote is "I thought you hated Jai." "Of course I hate him, he's the kind of guy that Mum and Dad wished they had instead of me." Hating the sister's guy friend - Isn't that brotherly?

In other roles, Naseeruddin Shah adds a wonderfully comic touch to the film as Jai's late father, who often argues with Savitri on the "unmanly" upbringing she has provided for him.

The music is alright, with only a few songs hitting the charts now: "Kabhi Kabhi Aditi"and "Pappu Can't Dance". The rest are good. The title song is soulful. AR Rahman's music is as usual soul stirring but a special mention does go to the lyrics. Easily memorable lyrics.

All in all, a good film. I'd give it 4/5, cutting one point for the tempo of the film suddenly slowing in the second half.

Watch it. You too, Pranju!