YARAANA: Movie Review (no spoilers)

[jahangir...@yahoo.com]

Bollywood's first installment to the 'SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY' trilogy (you know what I mean!) made by the comedy king director David Dhawan. David started his career as a serious filmmaker but later followed the comedy trend. After making some super hit films like SHOLA AUR SHABNAM, AANKHEN and RAJA BABU, he went on to make YARAANA. YARAANA was the most awaited film of 1995 mainly due to the stardom of Madhuri Dixit. However, YARAANA proved a huge disaster at the box-office. Here's a true inlook into the film:

Ups

YARAANA is not a film where you expect a thriller angle (the title and the look of the film doesn't give it away that it's a thriller) but YARAANA does have an angle which does entertain and that's only the thriller aspect of it. David Dhawan may not be the best person at thrillers, but here, he does give a good try. 15-20 minutes into the film, you do know that it's a typical masala film but what you don't know the mystery behind Raj Babbar following Madhuri on the streets of Bombay. It's a very good way to begin the film, especially for a film that is a remake of SWTE. The songs of this film are wonderfully shot and all are some brilliant songs too. The film stands on Madhuri's performance and Anu Malik's music.

Downs

David Dhawan begins to lose plot during the film. After a very good beginning, the film falls into a trap of the usual Bollywood routine of idiotic jokes and worthless scenes. Comparing YARAANA to the other two remakes of SWTE, it falls very short. YARAANA could have been enjoyable, but they lose the basic meaning and track of SWTE. The way Raj Babbar put Madhuri on drugs and marries is one of the most stupid scenes I have seen in my life, the basic point of remaking SWTE just goes out the window. Except for Madhuri Dixit, the other two stars are complete miscasts and look too old to do roles like this. YARAANA could have been a decent fare, but stupidily the director wastes a lot of time.

Scenes

-Madhuri escapes from Raj Babbar
-Shakti Kapoor's death scene
-Raj Babbar revealing to everyone that Madhuri is his wife

Performances (in order of better performances)

Madhuri Dixit is indeed the light of YARAANA. The main reason I had watched this film was for Madhuri Dixit and I was happy with her performance and presence. Madhuri being the most loved stars of Bollywood, she could have done this performance in a better remake of SWTE. But nevertheless, guys, if you want to see Madhuri doing her routine of 'tumke' and 'latke', then YARAANA would be a good choice!
Raj Babbar is completely miscast. He looks like a old pervert on the journey to find his dead, drugged wife.
Rishi Kapoor, well I would rather remain silent. He makes Raj Babbar look young.
Kader Khan as Rishi Kapoor's grandfather (would you believe?) is okay.
Shakti Kapoor and Tej Sapru are average.
Anil Dhawan is wasted.

Music

Anu Malik's music being a key point to film does tend to put a smile on your face. If I was to watch YARAANA again, I would see it only for the songs and sleep for the remaining film. 'Jaadu Jaadu' is a song that comes pretty early into the film and is truly worth it too. 'Mohabbat Ki Nazrein' being the best track in the whole film is brilliantly shot. 'Rabi Re Rali' being another foot tapping track, sure to bring a smile!

Direction

I thank David Dhawan to have dropped the idea of carrying of making thrillers. Every time he would just lift it from somewhere else and make a true mess out of it. YARAANA is the worst remake of SWTE and that's final! The final remains on two aspects one the music and other being the Madhuri Dixit. David Dhawan is just a comedy director and should remain so. I would have loved to see a better YARAANA with a better cast and direction.

Overall

Below average. Let's thank David Dhawan for keeping to comedy!