Starring: Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Bobby Deol, Lara Dutta, Amitabh Bachchan (special appearance)
Director: Shaad Ali
Every time one hears the name Yash Raj, it is always associated with big blockbuster films. That is the best way to think of it, as it is the number one production house in Bollywood. Now they are back with their new release, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. As expected, the hype surrounding the film is enormous. This is nothing new for a Yash Raj film as practically all their films come with similar hype. Jhoom Barabar Jhoom caused waves with its promos from day one. Now that d-day has finally arrived, does the film meet the expectations is created for itself? There is no simple yes or no to this question. First things first, the movie is not a cinematic masterpiece, and it would be foolish to think so before entering the theater to watch the movie. The movie’s sole purpose is to entertain. The movie accomplishes its purpose as Jhoom Barabar Jhoom provides some mindless fun over the 2+hour duration. It is a film you can relax and enjoy watching. Just remember to go in to it knowing what you’re getting yourself into.
When a film itself doesn’t take itself seriously, how can you expect the audience to take it seriously? As a matter of fact, it would have been a huge disappointment to see a movie like this take itself seriously. The beauty of Jhoom is that it isn’t faking to be something it’s not. It knows it’s a totally mindless, crazy, outlandish film, and it showcases it well. So when you watch the film, and make comparisons (as people always do no matter how much they try to avoid it), remember to make comparisons with films of its genre, not with films with substance. That is the number one mistake people make when looking at a film. People think that a great film means loads and loads of substance. You can’t be farther from the truth. You can be a good film without having substance as long as you execute it well. A film like Jhoom is an entertainer, not a path breaker. So it has to excel in bringing the entertainment, rather than trying to be over dramatic. As an entertainer, Jhoom is able to get the job done as it does provide some laughs here and there. The film does drag a bit at times, especially when Abhishek and Preity are narrating their love stories to each other at the train station. That doesn’t deter it from enjoying the proceedings, as there are still fun moments to be had throughout the film. The best part of Jhoom has to be the fact that there is no story whatsoever. As crazy as it sounds, it is true. You don’t want to be treated to some sappy or dramatic love story with this one. The foolishness and ridiculousness of this film is what makes it so enjoyable to watch. The second half of the film is better than the first as we get to find out what is really going on in the movie. After we do find out, there are interesting sequences that can bring out a laugh or two. Jhoom rhymes with Dhoom, and just like that film, it does what it sets out to do: have fun!
Shaad Ali is back after the super hit Bunty Aur Babli. He deserves some credit for bringing out the joy in the film. Not once does he get melodramatic in the film. He deserves props for keeping the film light all the way. As said before, the writing (Habib Faisal) of the film is nonexistent, so there is no point even discussing it. But Shaad does exactly what he set out to do, and that is commendable. There are some directors who would try to show off the seriousness in their films to score brownie points with the critics, but that is the absolutely wrong way to go. Showcase what you are really all about. Shaad isn’t afraid to get tomatoes thrown at him from the critics or the junta. That’s why he never pretended his movie was something it wasn’t. You have to give a man like that some respect.
The music of the film is the savior. If there is one thing that will stay with you after the movie is over, even if you hated it, it will be the music. Each and every track is rocking. We start with the first title track Jhoom, which is played throughout the film picturized on Amitabh Bachchan. It is an amazing track, which you just can’t get enough of. Every time Mr. Bachchan appears for the song, you love it because the song is so catchy. Then there are two more versions of the title track, JBJ and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. They are great tracks as well. The picturization of the songs take place simultaneously in a dance competition. It’s wonderful because you get two great tracks playing back to back. Ticket to Hollywood is a decent track, which is made to look better because of its picturization. It is humorous, so you enjoy watching more than listening to the actual song. Kiss of Love is cool, but the picturization is mediocre. There are parts that look nice and flow well with the song, but there are also parts that just look weird, like the dancing. Finally there is Bol Na Halke Halke, which is a beautiful track with beautiful picturization. The song is soothing to the ears, while the visualization is a treat for the eyes. The choreography of the film is a bit disappointing, as they do not mesh well with the songs (i.e. Kiss of Love). Overall, it is an amazing soundtrack, and definitely one of the best of the year.
Abhishek Bachchan leads the cast of characters in this mad film. Abhishek does a wonderful job in the movie. He is the best performer, gets the best lines, and is the most entertaining in the movie. The movie just wouldn’t be the same without him. It is safe to say, whatever Jhoom accomplishes, it will be because of Abhishek. He is proving that he can do any type of role. It is great to see Abhishek choosing a variety of films to do. It will only show off more of his talents. People will love seeing the light side of Abhishek in this film.
After Abhishek, it is Preity who impresses you with her performance. Her and Abhishek are given the biggest parts, so it is natural for them to steal the movie. It can also be said that Abhishek and Preity look wonderful together and make a great pair. They need to sign more movies together because their chemistry is outstanding. Preity is a fun loving girl, and she shows it with this performance.
Bobby Deol is not given much importance in the movie. His entrance in the second half, when we find out about the real him, is quite hilarious though. One wishes to have seen more of Abhishek and Bobby together. They had very few scenes together, but made the best of what they had together. Bobby does very well with what he has, as he is able to bring some laughs out of you, especially in the second half.
Lara Dutta is good when she is on screen. Her French Hindi accent is pretty damn funny. She is growing as an actress, and the girl has a flair for comedy. She might not have the meaty role like Preity, but she still strikes a chord with you. Just like Bobby, it is interesting to find out about the real story behind her character.
Amitabh Bachchan is only there for the song Jhoom and the end of the dance competition. But it is great to see him juking and jiving to the songs. The songs are made better with his presence, no doubt.
Jhoom Barabar Jhoom is a light movie that doesn’t try to be serious at all. When one ventures to watch it, they must remember that is a mindless and light film and treat it as such. The content is lacking, but it is made up for by the humorous performances by the cast. It is a nice time pass film and a decent entertainer. Watch it if you’re in the mood for something light and entertaining.
