A horror movie generally evokes visuals of an old haveli, or ruins, a white-sari-clad hair-blowing crooning female ghost, eerie sounds from around etc but "Nanu Ki Jaanu" is away from all this. It's a movie with a difference where horror has been presented with doses of humour.
The film carries a message in the end that i shall refrain from telling as it would be a spoiler.
In our daily running about to earn a living, many a times we think of going out for dinner or a movie to relax ourselves- if that is so, i assure you to watch Nanu Ki Jaanu- it is a laugh riot. Yes, by the end, you will get a little emotional too, but all in all, it's a comedy. Horror comedy.
The film has memorable characters, be it the building's watchman (Ganesh Kumar), or the abusive husband (Sameer Siddique) or the pitiable wife (Aditi Kalkunte). The performance of Manu Rishi (who is also the film's writer) as one of Abhay's friend's is superb. Abhay himself has played a character that is away from his usual and he has done an outstanding job at that. Patralekhaa, who one wishes could have got some more screen time, has played her character quite admirably.
Rajesh Sharma as the father of a single daughter is brilliant! Gifted actors such as Brijendra Kala, who has portrayed the character of a neighbour and as always is first-rate, should have got more screen space. Manoj Pahwa has a guest appearance but as we know, talented actors only need a few minutes to leave their mark.
The songs are good- especially the love song though it could have been shot better. Dhruv Dhalla's background score is very good! Kashyap Chandhock's casting is unique and very effective. The actors leave a lasting impression even with their bit roles, such as the watchman's scene with Abhay asking him for a drink, or his naughty smile, or his Ghost Buster cameo. Or be it Mahendra Shrivas as the kachoriwala or Himani Shivpuri's full justice to the role of the mother. Chirag Sethi has done a fair job. The Special kid, played by Spandan Chaturvedi of Tv Serial Udan fame is brilliant .
Faraz Haider's direction is good; the film keeps you hooked till the end.
Mika's song, which is quite good and has also been filmed equally well, should have been part of the regular narrative of the story rather than being in the end. I am personally not in favour of the current trend of end credit songs because most people do not stay on to watch it.
The Jagran scene could have been better. The song filmed on Sapna Choudhary was not catchy.
I have seen the film twice and even the second time, i found it as much enjoyable. You should also watch the film at least once; in fact share your own reviews!
All in all, Inbox Pictures "Nanu Ki Jaanu" is a great film. It could have done with slightly greater publicity and promotion. Its direction, dialogue delivery and characters leave the audience in splits! I wish the film a super hit!
A Review by
Madhu Anand Chandhock
