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The very mention of Muzaffar Ali’s name brings back memories of the 1981 release ‘Umrao Jaan’. Featuring Rekha in the lead, the film is regarded as one of the evergreen classics of Indian cinema. Perhaps, that is why there was tremendous curiosity surrounding his latest directorial venture ‘Jaanisaar’ which arrived in theatres this Friday.
Right from the word go, it becomes clear that ‘Jaanisaar’ is not even half as compelling as ‘Umrao Jaan’. However, once we look beyond these comparisons, the film comes across as a highly ambitious and reasonably engaging extravaganza which is a cut above the regular masala movies that are ruling the roost these days.
Touted as a period drama, ‘Jaanisaar’ revolves around the passionate relationship between a lively courtesan and a confused young prince. At a structural level, this storyline is a bit similar to the one brought to life by Ali in ‘Umrao Jaan’. However, thanks to the patriotic undercurrents in its narrative, the movie ends up assuming an identity of its own.
This aspect of ‘Jaanisaar’ is magnified even further courtesy some effective writing. The screenplay, which has been written by Ali himself, relies heavily on “showing” rather than “telling”. Hence, the main characters come across as well fleshed out individuals rather than skeletons. As a result, it is quite easy to relate with the onscreen proceedings.
Moreover, Ali must also be praised for meticulously recreating the sights and sounds of yesteryear Lucknow. Everything right from the language used to the socio-cultural norms alluded to seems pretty authentic.
However, not everyone may be able to understand the references contained in the movie. As such, it does come across as a bit self-indulgent at times.
As far as performances are concerned, Pernia Qureshi disappoints in a big way. The debutante struggles to get her expressions right and ends up delivering a wooden performance. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that her uninspiring act sticks out like a sore thumb.
Imran Abbas is strictly okay. However, his chemistry with Pernia is extremely lacklusture That said and done, the Pakistani star handles some of the dramatic sequences reasonably well.
Dalip Tahil plays his part reasonably well while Carl Wharton seems absolutely uninterested in his part. But the proverbial scene-stealer in ‘Jaanisaar' proves to be Ali himself.The 70-year-old essays his role with full sincerity.
The music gels with the narrative quite well. ‘Zulf Aye Pareshan’ is the pick of the lot.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the film’s choreography. It is way below the mark. Moreover, Pernia fails to do justice to the steps given to her .
The cinematography is good. But the use close-ups of Imran’s face could have been avoided as they end up highlighting his limited acting abilities. The editing is good. The film does not drag at any point.
To cut a long story short, ‘Jaanisaar’ is a brave attempt at storytelling that suffers and that too terribly because of some unimpressive performances. Faaroq Sheikh we miss you!
Rating: 2.5/5
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