'Jaane Jaan' review: Kareena's OTT debut is disappointing
What's the story
When Sujoy Ghosh is helming a mystery thriller, you'd expect nothing but a captivating storyline with powerful performances (remember Kahaani?). Such was the expectation with Jaane Jaan too, which dropped on Netflix on Thursday (September 21). Unfortunately, despite enthralling performances, Ghosh's thriller that marked Kareena Kapoor Khan's OTT debut failed to impress, and Ghosh needs to take the blame for it. Read our review.
Plot
Single mother is distraught when her husband goes missing
Set in Kalimpong, Jaane Jaan revolves around Maya D'Souza (Kapoor Khan). She's a single mother, whose life goes for a toss when her estranged husband goes missing. Police officer Karan Anand (Vijay Varma) investigates the case with D'Souza as the only suspect. In the meantime, D'Souza's neighbor "Teacher" Narain (Jaideep Ahlawat), who's also Anand's college friend, finds himself in the midst of the case.
Performances
Not Kapoor Khan or Varma, Ahlawat's character is most intriguing
Ghosh has certainly put a watch-worthy cast to use by roping in Kapoor Khan, Ahlawat, and Varma to lead the film. But it seems he couldn't utilize them to their best. While Kapoor Khan and Varma have put up mediocre performances (enough of Varma's "hot neighbor, hot suspect" already!), Ahlawat with his half-shady and half-creepy character, proves why he's an acclaimed actor.
Writing
Wish the writing could have been explored further
Inspired by a Japanese novel, Jaane Jaan is co-written by Ghosh and Raj Vasant. From location to crime, victim, suspect, clue, investigation, and climax, it has all the elements needed for a mystery thriller, yet it disappoints with its delivery. The end makes you wish that the writers had explored more in terms of its climax and comeuppance, especially with Ahlawat's character.
Positives
Music and visuals are praise worthy
Rest assured that the film's visuals and its background score will not disappoint. Expect some breathtaking views of Kalimpong here and there, but the charm of small cafes and hilly wooden homes shows the care put into cinematography. I must thank the makers for NOT incorporating Neha Kakkar's Aa Jane Jaan track in the movie, and instead playing the original Lata Mangeshkar song.
Direction
After 'Lust Stories 2,' Ghosh misses the mark yet again
Ghosh's last outing as director was in Lust Stories 2 (also starring Varma), which was possibly the weakest among all the short stories. After it failed to hit the mark, expectations were laid with Jaane Jaan, especially, given how he has aced thrillers in the past. Unfortunately, Ghosh seems like he wasn't in his element for this thriller.
Verdict
Verdict: Isn't as promising as its trailer
Jaane Jaan, on many occasions, comes off as exciting. But just when you expect a twist, the excitement wades off. The key characters and their stories have many shades but all are left half-baked. The problem doesn't lie with the performances but the story. The movie doesn't live up to the excitement it built with its trailer. Verdict: 2 out of 5 stars.