Love Aaj Kal-Poetry On Celluloid(My Review)

News

Written by Avirup

Friday, 31 July 2009 18:18

Love Aaj Kal opens in a a sheer anti-thesis to its premise , with Jai (Saif Ali Khan) and Meera( Deepika Padukone) going in for a break up. The first ten minutes make it clear that the film aims at something never quite attempted on Indian screens, in sheer terms of contemporary storytelling. Montage cut shots to display the curve of relationships with time, little gem of moments to define the protagonists, Imtiaz deals out his cards like a champion, with the break up party being his ace in the opening act itself. The audience is left shockingly mesmerised at the direct yet poised mode of interaction between Jai and Meera, when Veer Singh( Rishi Kapoor) enters the frame. He is the one who uses little instances to show Jai the other side of love, and the moment the story slips into the flashback mode of his own love story, Imtiaz delivers a brilliantly drafted tale of silent romance, with the soul of love in the right place , which provides scenes that is sure to make a lasting impression on hearts forever.

The story shifts into a constant switch mode to bring out close contrast between love in the 60s and love of today, carefully focussing on little nuances to underline the subtle changes that make the magic of romance timeless. The movie reaches an emotional crescendo with scenes where Saif moves to Kolkata through the flashback, or when Deepika tries her best to smile and move on by looking at the mirror. Scenes like these are captivatingly elegant, that tugs at the heartstrings. The pace of the movie shifts from the blazing, fast paced love story between Jai and Meera, to the silence restrained acceptance between Veer and Harleen. Love is equally magical when spoken through the eyes, through black tea and sweets , as it is through chatrooms, on the clock smses and international calls. Imitiaz handles two extreme shades of love with unmatched dextrosity, bringing out the best in each, providing a emotional rollercoaster with the progress of the story and the characters themselves .

The second half has Imtiaz going into the more subtle and mature mode as the frothy romances now make way for the inner emotional turmoils plaguing Jai and Meera. The relationship is formally over, but there is that little something inside of them both that keeps them coming back to each other. As time passes, and the distance grows, Saif reminds himself that "long distance relationships never work" but is ready to accept Deepika in every frame saying"tum hamesha sahi kahete ho Jaaneman". Deepika focusses on her own responsibility , towering with the relationship with her boss Vikram(Rahul Khanna) as she seems to have sorted out all priorities in life, but there is something lingering in her which can never be fulfilled by anyone else but Jai. Jai hooks up with a Swedish girlfriend only to realise the value of Meera in her life as Meera contemplates settling down only to crave for the unplanned magic of Jai once more. The entire journey from pre climax to the end credits are a emotional landmark, gripping in each frame, as the protagonists battle out their inner demons, to mature their thoughts. Jai and Meera, Veer and Harleen plan out their love stories to grown in strength , only to keep the innocence of love alive. Imtiaz makes sure he keeps this magic alive in every frame.

Saif is brilliant as Jai, a performance which sees him switch from being charmingly naughty, to a mature self exploring identity. He handles out the role like a pro, bringing nuances into his character that make him live it out in full glory, a performance that is surely to stand out as one of his best. Deepika is unmatched as Meera, and no one else can even be imagined to portray the role the way she executes each scene, showing innocence and depth at the same time. Rishi Kapoor is well placed in his short role, and Florence conveys the silence of Harleen through her eyes brilliantly. But the real ace is director Imtiaz Ali who delievers this gem in a flawless manner, backed by a superb script and a flowing narrative. Each frame is drenched with emotions, sprinkled with the magic of love and Imtiaz comes into a league of his own with this film, being easily identified as one of the best romantic storytellers of present times.

Love Aaj Kal is a film that stays with its viewers long after the end credits roll, making us go back to ponder over scenes which are so relatable to our own lives. The emotion touches a chord in the heart and the chemistry between the lead pair is strikingly mesmerising. The music adds to the glory of this gem of a film, by bringing out the romance or pathos in the atmosphere through hauntingly attractive scores. The film is contemporary and innovative at heart, and some people might even be put off by the point or purpose of it, leading to negative reviews. For every one who has loved, or ever felt love, this movie is beyond an experience or journey, nothing short of sheer poetry on celluloid, best described in the words of Shelly as a "captivating harmonial madness" sure to win every single heart over and over again.

My Rating: 4/5(Outstanding!)

Written by :

avirup2008

Comments

Add New

RSS

Write comment

Name:

Email:

Website:

Title:

UBBCode:

Please input the anti-spam code that you can read in the image.

DON	\|Manager \|2009-07-31 12:56:57

Loved Review and i loved the promos!
surely gonna catch it ASAP

Reply | Quote

Aks	\|Administrator \|2009-07-31 13:38:19

Well i have been waiting for this movie ! Hope i watch this movie during
weekends ! its been while i have watched any gud movie -

Always admired
Imtaz as director - By reading ur review he hasnt messed up !

Avirup grreat
Review - always enjoyed reading from u !

Reply | Quote

mate - re:

|119.152.33.xxx |2009-08-02 06:56:14

Nice review. Brilliant movie in all respects. An award worthy performance for
Saif.

Reply | Quote

avirup2008

|Publisher |2009-08-02 15:42:20

Thanks Aks :-)

I was seriously impressed with how the movie balanced two
complex streams of love, contrasting and reuniting them in every frame.

If a
movie needs to be applauded for sheer brilliance of emotions,its Love Aaj Kal!

Reply | Quote