*Delightful Debut* *Despite the clichéd trappings of its story, Jaane Tu's success in the box office is well deserved, says **SMM AUSAJA *
Actor Aamir Khan has an illustrious lineage. His uncle Nasir Hussain made some of the breeziest musicals of 60s and 70s, after a blazing debut with *Tum Sa Nahin Dekha* (1957). His father Tahir Hussain also began as an assistant to Nasir in Tum Sa Nahin Dekha, and soon graduated to an 'executive producer' level in Nasir Hussain Films. He turned producer with Jeetendra-Asha Parekh starrer *Caravan* (1971), a musical success. He produced several films later, including *Anamika* (1973), *Zakhmee* (1975), *Dulha Bikta Hai* (1982), and the Aamir starrers Tum Mere Ho (1990) and *Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke* (1993). However, it was Nasir who launched Aamir in *Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak* in 1988, under his son Mansoor Khan's direction. In 2008, Aamir Khan has launched his nephew Imran Khan, (Nasir Husain's daughter Nuzhat's son) on the silver screen! *Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na* is the third film from Aamir's production house 'Aamir Khan Productions', the previous two being *Lagaan* and *Taare Zameen Par *– both acclaimed success stories. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na also marks the debut of writer Abbas Tyrewala in direction. He had scripted many prominent films in the past viz. *Asoka*(2001), *Munnabhai MBBS* (2003) and *Main Hoon Na* (2004). The Bandra-centric film is about a bunch of teenaged kids, their inter-personal relationships, and how they bond. But the focus is on Imran Khan and Genelia (the actress was launched with Ritesh Deshmukh in *Tujhe Meri Kasam *in 2003). They play inseparable buddies amidst a group of teens, where unlike the others they don't have a romantic partner. So it's decided that they should move away from each other and find the person they want to spend their life with. Genelia gets a possessive rich suitor who gets into a series of brawls before she realizes he is not meant for her, Imran gets a girlfriend with perpetually quarrelling parents, and an incident at her house makes Imran realize the futility of the relationship. It's only when Imran and Genelia are apart that they realize the importance of each other, and the fact that they are made for each other. Prateik Babbar plays Genelia's introvert brother in a debut that leaves a mark. Abbas impresses with the screenplay, dialogues and direction, but not the story. His story is full of clichéd trappings, something that's conventional and seen in numerous movies before, but the screenplay dialogues and treatment save the day. The film's first 20 minutes are boring, predictable and disappointing. Then it picks up and holds the interest all the way to its 'filmy' climax. The climax degenerates the film to a masala potboiler, an alternate end would have elevated the film several notches up. The direction is striking in its grip on the narrative, though the beginning and the end denies it a better adjective. The music by A R Rehman could have been better, only one song 'Pappu cant dance saala..' clicks. The cinematography by Manoj Lobo is pleasing, art-direction is adequate, and the background music compliments the narrative. Sohail and Arbaaz Khan do a delightful cameo as 'ethnically superior' Rajputs; Paresh Rawal is wasted in a small role. Naseeruddin Shah is adequate as a feudal lord in the frame, and Ratna Pathak Shah as Imran's mother does well. The bunch of kids who play the lead pair's pals do a good job, they act like seasoned artistes and the credit goes to Tyrewala in extracting good performances. But the soul of the film is elevated to an admirable level by the three leads – Prateek, Genelia and Imran. Smita Patil and Raj Babbar's son delivers an endearing performance, worthy of applause. He lives up to the expectations that people had from the child of two celebrated performers of the industry – Raj Babbar and Smita Patil. Genelia gives an honest performance, and her expressions enliven the moments of romance in the film. She has a bright future. Finally the film belongs to Imran. He manages to laugh and cry with the ease of a veteran, and if this film is any indication, he will shine on the horizon for years to come. A star is born. Aamir Khan deserves to be congratulated. http://www.tehelka.com/story_main40.asp?filename=Ws020808Delightful.asp -- regards, Vithur ARR -- The Sweet Cube always
