The film tells the moving story of two lovers separated by fate for 23 years, who are given one final chance to reunite. Ajay Devgn & Tabu’s Romance is a Timeless Love Ballad
Star Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Saiee Manjrekar, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Sheirgill, Jay Upadhyay
Director: Neeraj Pandey
What’s Good: Apart from great music, the sensitivity and treatment of the story
What’s Bad: The length of the film
Loo Break: At interval point!
Watch or Not?: Worth a watch for its gossamer core story
Language: Hindi
Available On: Theatrical release
Runtime: 145 Minutes
A Love Torn Apart by Fate
Krishna (Shantanu Maheshwari) and Vasudha (Saiee Manjrekar) share a deep love as fellow residents of a Mumbai chawl. While they dream of a future together, their personal ambitions lead them down separate paths: Krishna aims to go to America for growth and opportunity, while Vasudha seeks to improve her own life and support her siblings’ dreams.
However, their plans are abruptly shattered when Krishna is unexpectedly sentenced to 25 years in prison just days before his departure. He urges Vasudha to move on with her life. After 22 years, Krishna (now portrayed by Ajay Devgn) is released on good conduct and prepares to start anew in Dubai. On the day of his departure, he encounters Vasudha (now played by Tabu) and her mysterious husband, Abhijit (Jimmy Sheirgill), leading to an emotionally charged reunion.
A Double-Edged Script: The Strengths and Weaknesses of Neeraj Pandey’s Love Classic
Neeraj Pandey’s script is both a blessing and a curse for Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha. His direction and writing craft a love story that would stand out in Hollywood or South Indian cinema today. The film’s sensitivity, classic visuals, and intricate situations achieve a remarkable level of finesse, particularly through the seamless intercutting of the past (2001) and the present (2023).
The screenplay is rich with humor, satire, and genuine emotional depth. Key scenes, such as the poignant meeting between the lovers before Krishna’s departure to the States and the extended interaction between Krishna and Abhijeet, deliver a powerful emotional impact.
However, the film’s length in this complex era of Hindi cinema (2024) might have benefited from a reduction of at least fifteen minutes. A more linear narrative could have potentially made the story more engaging, though lengthy runtimes are generally better received in South or Hollywood films.
The sequences where Krishna returns to the chawl after 22 years and revisits his past, including his meeting with the Irani café owner he once helped, are both skillfully written and deeply empathetic. The role of Krishna’s close friend and roommate, Jignesh (Jay Upadhyay), adds further emotional resonance.
The final meeting between Krishna and Vasudha, as Krishna prepares to leave, is masterfully written, despite a few melodramatic lines. The tearful farewell from the inmates as Krishna leaves jail is another highlight.
Nevertheless, the subplot involving Mahesh Desai (Sayaji Shinde) feels superfluous and does not significantly contribute to the overall narrative, though Neeraj’s intent with this element is clear.
Despite these issues, Neeraj Pandey’s handling of the rapid twists in the second half of the film adds to its emotional depth, enhancing the overall impact of the story. The film’s title, while evocative, could have benefited from stronger justification in the writing.
Ajay Devgn Shines in Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, Supported by a Strong Ensemble
In Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, Ajay Devgn delivers an exceptional performance as Krishna, capturing the character’s humanity, flaws, and stubbornness with depth. His portrayal of Krishna, shaped by years of hardship and imprisonment, is marked by a distinctive monotone that adds gravity to his role. Shantanu Maheshwari, as the younger Krishna, contrasts effectively with his carefree demeanor while maintaining the character’s passionate nature.
Tabu, though in a shorter role as Vasudha, leaves a significant impact through her nuanced expressions. Her portrayal of anguish and internal struggle is particularly poignant when she learns of Krishna’s release from Jignesh. Saiee Manjrekar, as the younger Vasudha, delivers a performance that is competent but lacks the same depth.
Jimmy Sheirgill makes a strong impression as Abhijeet, despite his limited screen time, and Jay Upadhyay brings warmth and likability to his role as Jignesh.
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha Movie Review: Direction, Music
Neeraj Pandey’s Subtle Direction and Outstanding Technical Craft
Neeraj Pandey’s direction in Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha maintains his signature non-gimmicky style, even as he explores the interplay between past and present. His approach ensures that the film’s technical aspects, including cinematography by Sudheer Palsane, VFX, and DI, are executed with sophistication without being overpowering. The warm tones throughout the film add a subtle tenderness to the narrative.
The music is exceptional, with songs that profoundly capture characters, moods, and emotions through both lyrics by Manoj Muntashir and compositions by M.M. Kreem (also known as Oscar-winner M.M. Keeravani). Kreem’s rich musicality is evident as every instrument and compositional phrase aligns perfectly with the scenes. Among the standout tracks are the three versions of “Ae Dil Zara” and “Tu”. The creative highlight is “Kisi Roz,” although its potential within the story is somewhat underutilized.
The background score further enhances the film’s emotional depth, adding a cerebral layer that intensifies many key scenes.
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha Movie Review: The Last Word
The film unfolds like poetry on celluloid, delicately exploring human emotions with great sensitivity. It offers a broad view of human nature, portraying the imperfections of individuals and advocating for their acceptance as they are. Neeraj Pandey, typically known for his espionage and patriotic films (along with a sports biopic on M.S. Dhoni), ventures into a new genre with this work. Despite some flaws, the bold filmmaker has achieved notable success.
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha Trailer
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