Jaane Jaan

On the whole, JAANE JAAN is a gripping film and works due to the execution, unexpected twists and turns and terrific performances of Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma.

Jaane Jaan' sees a fresh side of Vijay the actor, who, of course, has more than a few tricks up his sleeve, as he portrays the cocky but charming Karan with ease. Jaideep is quietly unassuming as the humble and awkward teacher, with a passion for Mathematics. Kareena is well-cast as the good-looking, graceful Sonia who can be both strong and vulnerable. And when this gifted bunch share screen space with each other, 'Jaane Jaan' sings like Kareena's Maya at the karaoke bar -- with confidence and charisma. The cinematography by Avik Mukhopadhyay is near perfect. The color palette of the film is such that the final product ends up looking suspenseful and lovely in equal parts, highlighting the beauty and mystery of Kalimpong, lending it its own character. The background score by Shor Police and music by Sachin-Jigar complement what is happening on screen.

Purely as a thriller, Jaane Jaan is wanting and unsurprising. There's a general abruptness and incoherence in how evidence is tucked away and matters are resolved. A teenager groaning about life and death matters in the same tone as wanting a new dress for prom is an instance of clumsiness in an otherwise superbly casted drama. Truth be told, Jaane Jaan's artistic prowess shines best in the fascinating encounters between its leading troika. At first, Jaideep Ahlawat's drastic physical transformation deflects us from his person. But his tremendous skills show in how easily he settles in the role alternating between creepy and dignified. More than the script, it's the faint smile that follows after he's spoken some of the smartest lines in Jaane Jaan that tell us about his fondness and frustration for Maths.