Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor’s latest film, “Jaane Jaan,” made its debut on Netflix today. This cinematic creation, directed by Sujoy Ghosh, is an official adaptation of Keigo Higashino’s Japanese novel, “The Devotion of Suspect X.” Starring Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Verma in pivotal roles, the film is available in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages. Let’s delve into the narrative and evaluate its various aspects.
Plot Summary:
The storyline unfolds in Kalimpong, focusing on Maya D’Souza, also known as Soniya D’Souza, a single mother portrayed by Kareena Kapoor. Working in a cafe to support her daughter Tara (Naisha Khanna), Maya harbors resentment towards her estranged husband, Ajit Mhatre (Saurabh Sachdeva). Naren Vyas (Jaideep Ahlawat), a high school teacher and Maya’s neighbor, harbors a secret affection for her.
Unexpectedly, Ajit Mhatre reappears in Kalimpong, leading to an unforeseen visit to Maya’s residence. Assuming it to be a money-related visit, Maya discovers darker intentions. In a shocking turn of events, Maya kills Ajit, with her daughter Tara becoming an accomplice. Naren aids Maya in concealing the crime. The film explores the motivations behind the murder and the potential consequences for Maya, Tara, and Naren.
Highlights:
Jaideep Ahlawat, renowned for his role in “Paatal Lok,” shines as a math genius in “Jaane Jaan.” His nuanced performance stands out as a significant asset to this crime thriller. Kareena Kapoor, a seasoned performer, brings her wealth of experience to the screen, delivering superb emotional sequences. The final 40 minutes of the film are skillfully handled, providing gripping moments.
The portrayal of the small-town setting is commendable, contributing to the required mood for a crime film. Vijay Varma’s solid performance as a police officer adds depth, offering a refreshing departure from his recent negative roles.
Drawbacks:
Regrettably, “Jaane Jaan” draws parallels with the Japanese novel “The Devotion of Suspect X” and the Malayalam blockbuster “Drishyam.” The similarities are noticeable, particularly in the creation of alibis to cover up the murder, echoing the Malayalam film. While these comparisons may distract viewers, the lead cast’s outstanding performances and the film’s final segments mitigate this issue.
The first half of the film moves at a slow pace, and improved editing could have enhanced the overall viewing experience. The movie concludes abruptly, leaving some questions unanswered. Additionally, the character of Ajit Mhatre lacks detailed exploration.
Technical Aspects:
The background score by Shor Police is impressive, and Avik Mukhopadhyay’s cinematography is commendable. The production values and well-written dialogues contribute positively, although the editing falls short.
Director Sujoy Ghosh succeeds in extracting excellent performances from the cast, especially in the gripping final moments. However, given the unavoidable comparisons with the popular “Drishyam” franchise, some alterations to the screenplay might have strengthened the film.
Verdict:
“Jaane Jaan” emerges as a passable crime thriller, with its strengths primarily showcased in the last forty minutes. While drawing inspiration from a Japanese novel that influenced the “Drishyam” franchise, the film invites inevitable comparisons. Despite this, the standout performances by Kareena Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma, coupled with well-executed scenes, make “Jaane Jaan” a moderately engaging watch.