Raanjhana
Year: 2013
Director: Anand Rai
Cast: Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor, Abhay Deol

A romantic film featuring Dhanush and Sonam is certainly not a thing to look forward to- or is it? The plain-looking Dhanush, despite his Kolveri D- fame, is nothing like the typical Bollywood ‘Hero’ and Sonam has been carrying a lot of baggage of big flops. But then, the director Anand Rai has given us a fairly entertaining Tanu Weds Manu and this time, he has managed to rope in A.R. Rahman to compose the music for the film.

Before watching Raanjhana, I kept weighing its pros and cons. Unsure till the last moment, I finally decided to take the plunge. At the most, one more dud film- what more?

So how did the experience pan out?

What’s the plot?

The son (Dhanush) of a Tamil Hindu priest of a Varanasi-based temple falls madly in love with the daughter (Sonam) of a Muslim professor. He keeps stalking and pestering her and despite repeated rejections (and stinging slaps on his cheek!), he finally wins her affections. But at that time, they haven’t even cleared their 10^th and the obvious family repercussions result in the girl being sent away for further studies.

The boy doesn’t lose hope though. He keeps waiting patiently for her, all the while sharing his feelings with his bosom buddy (Mohd. Zeeshan Ayub) and rejecting romantic advances of a neighbourhood girl (Swara Bhaskar). Then his lady-love returns but now, she has someone else (Abhay Deol) on her mind. How does the boy react to this heartbreak? What happens to these star-crossed lovers?

What’s hot?

·         The director manages to keep the film intriguing till the end. The way he portrays the complex emotional tangles without falling for clichés is praiseworthy.

·         Superb cinematography (particularly of the Varanasi alleys, ghats and festivities!) makes for a colorful viewing.

·         A. R. Rahman’s music is alluring and adds to the film’s appeal.

·         The main strength of the film is in the compelling performances.

·         Dhanush is the surprise package. He uses his ‘ordinary’ looks to extraordinary effect. He is so natural and unaffected in his approach. His plain-looking boy-next-door, who is ready to go to any extent for his love with a never-say-die spirit and a street-smart charm, is a character certain to stay in the public memory for a long, long time.

·         Sonam, too delivers a marvelous performance; definitely her best to date. She convincingly portrays a bubbly, chirpy, dreamy girl’s transformation into a serious, cynical, world-wise one.

·         Amongst the supporting cast, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayub and Swara Bhaskar make their mark.

What’s not?

·         The film is a bit long-drawn and the second half proceedings dwelling on the political movement do seem overstretched and unconvincing.

·         The feminists aren’t going to like the way the female characters are treated or stalked!

·         Abhay Deol almost seems like a reluctant participant in his cameo!

Verdict

Yes, the film is long and at times, even unconvincing. But overall, it makes for a memorable journey of romance, friendship, jealousy, betrayal and redemption. Excellent performances coupled with many other cinematic/musical positives make Raanjhana a pretty good watch!

In 2011, Dhanush’s Kolaveri-D shook up the nation to become the most popular song of the year. His first Bollywood performance is also of the same magnitude. He has managed to turn the Bollywood’s ‘Hero’ conventions on its head!