Director: Neeraj Panday
Rating: ***
"Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha" shares a faint echo of the 2023 English-Korean drama "Past Lives," as it follows the lives of two characters over 24 years. They go their separate ways, reunite under different circumstances, and one realizes they never stopped loving the other. Unlike the raw minimalism of "Past Lives," Bollywood's storytelling style is anything but minimalist.
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha Plot and Characters
The Hindi drama begins with convict Krishna (Ajay Devgn), who, despite serving a double murder sentence for 23 years, doesn't want to leave prison. The plot revolves around the reasons behind his actions, which are rather thinly developed.
In flashbacks to 2001, Shantanu Maheshwari portrays a younger Krishna in love with Vasudha (Saiee Manjrekar). Their chemistry is believable and essential since their older selves are played by seasoned actors Ajay Devgn and Tabu, marking their umpteenth collaboration. A single night changes everything for Krishna and Vasudha. Questions arise: Why didn't Vasudha wait for Krishna? Why does Krishna refuse to leave jail? What eventually brings them together?
Exploring Love Across Ages
"Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha" blends conventional and unconventional elements. The narrative explores the impetuousness of young love and the pragmatic nature of mature love. However, the film's pacing is excruciatingly slow in the first half, filled with numerous flashbacks that stretch the storyline thin. The first hour feels like an extended episode of a daily soap opera.
As the story unfolds, the truth about the fateful night is revealed just before the intermission, allowing the audience to catch their breath. The second half offers a dramatic twist reminiscent of Anees Bazmee's 2007 comedy "Welcome," showing the same events from three different perspectives. This narrative choice, however, drags the film further into soap opera territory.
Highlights and Performances
The film is peppered with witty one-liners and clever references that provide relief. One notable moment is when Ajay's friend turns on the car radio, playing "Jeeta Tha Jiske Liye" from Ajay's film "Dilwale," eliciting cheers from the audience. The film shines during its lighter moments but is weighed down by unnecessary songs like "Ae Dil Zara Ke."
Ajay Devgn's performance requires minimal effort as he adopts his typical brooding persona. Tabu handles her role well, but for experienced actors like them, the film is a cakewalk. Jimmy Sheirgill, often typecast as the character who never gets the girl, once again finds himself on the losing end. Shantanu Maheshwari brings charm to his role, while Saiee Manjrekar seizes her meaty part, marking a significant improvement from her debut in "Dabangg."
Music and Final Thoughts
The film's music, composed by Oscar-winner MM Keeravani, is forgettable. Some editing could have improved the overall experience, but director Neeraj Panday, who also contributed to the writing, appears to have overextended the narrative. The film's closing shot, stating `Sometimes, it never ends,` resonates with the prolonged feeling one might have while watching.
Conclusion
Overall, "Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha" is a mixed bag of compelling performances and a stretched narrative. It provides a glimpse into different facets of love but requires patience to endure its lengthy storytelling.
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