When I saw Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, I immediately assumed that Abbas Tyrewala had an understanding of modern young love. While JTYJN bared huge gaping holes that were unexplained, it still managed to make 80 percent sense and was feasible to a certain degree. You could never imagine Tyrewala making a period love film; his sensibilities are not such. But his take on contemporary love is fathomable and thus, his second film, Jhootha Hi Sahi, was much awaited. In fact, JHS is interesting in its filmmaking too. Instead of taking on an actress from the industry, Abbas Tyrewala chose to cast his wife, Pakhi in the female lead role opposite John Abraham. Not only that, but Pakhi is the brains behind the film as she takes on the writer’s role for the script of the JHS. A full cast, A.R. Rahman music and a reputation to live up to, Abbas Tyrewala had his hands full.
Siddharth (John Abraham) is a dorky gawky Londoner whose number is mistakenly printed in an ad for a suicide helpline brochure. Amidst the numerous phone calls, through which he somehow becomes an Uncle Agony, he finds true love. Mishka (Pakhi) decides to call it quits with life, but not before she gives that suicide helpline a call. Sid convinces Mishka that her life is far too precious to end it over a broken relationship and a new friendship begins. Sid realizes he has a liking for Mishka but in an effort to look and seem un-dorky, he lies about likes, dislikes and hobbies. Confused by his own identity, Mishka and Sid find themselves in a web of lies which of course, in the end is exposed.
This time around, Abbas Tyrewala tries too hard. And that is the ultimate problem with Jhootha Hi Sahi; it’s not natural. From the get-go, the story attempts to be too hip and too mod. You are introduced to a group that consists of one gay, a desperado waiting to be a groom and a whole range of others. And while their sequences in the film are perhaps some of the better ones, it could have been a regular bunch of friends without the required add-ons in their characterizations. The film also has deep holes and loses its path mid-way through the film. All of a sudden you’re confused as to whether John’s character is in love with Mishka or is simply looking for a way out from his annoying girlfriend Krutika (Manasi Scott). And the climax is far too far-fetched. Yet again a horse sequence bares extreme reminiscence of the ending of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. While it made a tad bit more sense in JTYJN, it makes no impression in Jhootha Hi Sahi.
The only real reason to watch Jhootha Hi Sahi is John Abraham. In perhaps one of his more honest performances, the actor tries immensely to make a mark. It’s been a while since we’ve seen the actor in a solo role in which the entire film lies on his shoulders. However, this is not a film John should really consider this performance of his worthy of an award. It’s a good attempt and that’s it. Pakhi is simply average and the fact that there is zilch chemistry between them doesn’t help either. The supporting cast is fun and enjoyable.
The music is average too. There is nothing exciting about Rahman’s composition this time around. It’s far too simple and lacks oomph. But then so does the film.
Jhootha Hi Sahi is not the worst film of 2010 but it does fit among the more average ones. It’s not unwatchable and works as your Sunday afternoon film that makes you smile and even laugh. However, it is disappointing coming from Tyrewala. And as a quick clarification, JHS is not Notting Hill nor is it FRIENDS. It’s just another film which shouldn’t be compared to any of the two. Watch it if you love John and don’t mind him in any avatar on a rainy afternoon with a cup of chai. If you won’t enjoy the film, you’ll certainly will the chai. And that is sau takka sach!
