Raanjhanaa

Plot synopsis:
Kundan Shankar (Dhanush) is the only son of a Tamil Hindu parents settled in Varanasi. Since his childhood, Kundan has had a strong and obsessive one-sided love for Zoya Haider (Sonam Kapoor), a Muslim girl residing in the same neighborhood. He always attempts to be around her but gets slapped several times in the process. Zoya finally changes her mind because of Kundan's consistency of affection. Her family is orthodox, preventing the lovers from being together. After Zoya moves to Aligarh for further studies, Kundan harmonizes with Zoya's family, assisting them with chores. Zoya gets into Jawaharlal Nehru University and discovers a long-lost strength as she confronts and then falls for student leader Akram Zaidi (Abhay Deol).
After eight years, Zoya returns to Varanasi, barely recognizing Kundan when she meets him again. Kundan again attempts to ask Zoya for her love but she is reluctant, revealing that she is in love with Akram. She urges Kundan to convince her family about her marriage with Akram. Kundan eventually agrees and gets their wedding arranged, promising Zoya that he will also marry someone else and forget her. He proposes to his childhood friend Bindiya (Swara Bhaskar), who has had a crush on him since childhood.
On the day of Zoya's marriage, Kundan finds out that Akram is a Sikh, whose actual name is Jasjeet Singh Shergill. This enrages him, as Zoya had used their religious differences to convince him that their match was not possible. He crashes the wedding ceremony and reveals the truth to Zoya's parents. Kundan is later informed that Zoya tried to commit suicide, and Jasjeet was mercilessly beaten by Zoya's relatives. At the hospital, Jasjeet tells Kundan that Zoya convinced him to portray himself as Muslim to marry her, a plan he should not have agreed to. While with Jasjeet, Kundan forgets about his own marriage ceremony with Bindiya, taking place that day, and is too late when he returns. Hurt and angry, Kundan's family disowns him. Jasjeet's parents take him back to his village. Kundan tries to redeem himself by taking Zoya to Jasjeet's village. There, he is devastated to find that Jasjeet has succumbed to his injuries, finally understanding that his one-sided love has resulted in an innocent man's death.
Kundan becomes a homeless vagrant and begins visiting various religious places and volunteering in their activities so that he can atone for his sins. During one such visit, a man advises him to do the right thing rather than run away from his sins. Motivated, Kundan locates Zoya to her university, where she is spearheading the political party "All India Citizen Party" (AICP), that had been created by Jasjeet. Kundan joins the nearby canteen and serves the party, while trying to get Zoya's attention. Over time, he becomes popular with the party due to his simple nature. They're also impressed when Kundan helps them in negotiating some tough situations by using his simplistic witty tricks. However, Zoya holds a grudge that the person who is responsible for Jasjeet's death is now taking his place. She tries to instigate party members against Kundan but Jasjeet's sister Rashmi (Shilpi Marwaha) tells Kundan to continue, as he is the best choice for fulfilling Jasjeet's vision.
Kundan, however, only wants Zoya to forgive him. The Chief Minister tells Zoya that she must get revenge on Kundan. To get back Jasjeet's position, she tells Zoya to let Kundan get injured as he delivers his campaign speech. Zoya apparently seems to get brainwashed by this plan and as the Chief Minister desired, Kundan is hurt badly and sent to ICU, thus fulfilling Zoya's revenge.
At a press meet, the Chief Minister denies having any hand in the blast that hurt Kundan. However, Zoya steps forward and reveals that the plan was plotted by her and the Chief Minister and that she is prepared to go to prison for this. Zoya then finds out that Kundan was aware of the plot and still let himself be injured. Shocked, she rushes to the hospital to be with him.
In a final voiceover, a dying Kundan wonders about letting go. He says he might have the desire to live again if Zoya called out to him, but then again, everything has become so tiring, he would rather let go and rest (euphemism for dying). He says that he can be born again and again in the same Varanasi, fall in love with a girl like Zoya again, and become a Raanjhanaa (Beloved one) in her love. Then he slowly dies.

Tags: romantic

Review:
Sonam looks sober and does her part with full conviction, Supporting cast especially Kundan's friend "Murari" is fun to watch.4> Dialogues has everything from catchphrases, roughness to desi gaaliyan of UP.Overall, it is a very good film after such a long time as we don't come across these days in bollywood :).
especially from a movie where d hero has so very unorthodox looks for a Bollywood actor but,wait ...u will forget that as d story moves on beautifully crafted on screen by the "tanu weds manu"(another interesting flick)director n acted upon by same guy..
PROEM: It was an intensely hued picture which showed a young boy standing with a fascinated glance in his eyes & a pretty girl portraying the semblance of cheerfulness amidst the vibrant colors of pink, green, yellow & red; thereby recreating the festival of Holi in a rectangular first look poster of 'Raanjhanaa' !!Colors always attract our eyes.Also I felt curious about the movie after knowing that it belongs to romantic genre.'Love' is probably the only word in a Dictionary which neither can be explained in a sentence nor has any perfect synonyms.Today while watching this love story, I could virtually visualize that thought of Rose Franken: "Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly.." !!
Let me illustrate this journey of 'Raanjhanaa' in the following paragraphs !!MOVIE: Shot in Benaras & Delhi, 'Raanjhanaa' narrates a tale of love through Kundan (Dhanush), Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) & Akram/Jasjeet (Abhay Deol)..Kundan (a Brahmin boy) & Zoya (a Muslim girl) were brought up in Benaras, where Kundan expressed his love for Zoya during his teenage days.After growing up, Zoya took admission in Jawaharlal Nehru University where she fell in love with an university student cum socialist Akram..What happens next forms the crux of the story.'LIKE's: 1) Cinematography by N.
Rai is appreciable !!2) MUSIC: A big applause to A.R.Rahman for such an wonderful soundtrack (well supported by Irshad Kamil's catchy lyrics) & appropriate background score..For example,a) When Kundan showed his anger on Zoya for the first time, there the synthesizer chords fluctuated in a bizarre way to create the effect of displeasure & it was done repeatedly with different chords to break the harmony, so that audience could better relate to the scene.b) In a gloomy conversation between Kundan & Zoya, where Kundan suddenly felt the ray of hope, he turned up his head towards Zoya..In that split second, Rahman used the rhythm of 'Tabla' in a tricky way to express Kundan's expectation which struck the heart of viewers too !!3) A SPECIAL MENTION TO :a) That scene where Zoya was about to leave Benaras by train with teary eyes & Kundan ran to meet her, multiple water patches were shown in the rail station, as if rain just happened, thereby subconsciously magnified the mood of separation since rains are often attributed to a heavy heart..b) MakeUp Artists for giving Sonam the minimal touch up, which amplified the innocence of a face rather than glamour..Beauty can either flashes the eyes of a beholder like a mid-day sun or soothes the same like a morning dewdrop..Since the latter better suits the character of Zoya, so the lipstick/blusher/eye-shadow even eyeliners were absolutely unnecessary here apart from the marriage scene, where a loud make up was needed & make up experts also did the right job there by painting the line of eye-liner a bit above the corner of eyes + stark red lipstick..'DISLIKE's: Very few are there, for example; 1) In the song 'Tum Tak', the lip movements of Dhanush were not synchronous with the voice of the playback singer..Looked like, the song was coming from a mike & the actor was just singing on his own..2) First half was too romantic & at times, the efforts of Kundan to please Zoya looked silly..In Second half, the focus were more on politics, thereby concentration of romance got diluted by leadership activities..3) Both Dhanush & Sonam looked misfit in the role of school going teenagers + Opening sequence was dull + Too much slapping on Kundan's face by Zoya ultimately invited humor rather than sympathy..That profound scene where Akram's mother was about to touch Kundan's cheek for greeting, I heard some boys laughing crazily behind my seat & saying, "Stop..Stop..No more slapping" !!MESSAGE: There is a lyrics from the musical 'Cinderella' which says: "Do I love you because you're beautiful, Or, are you beautiful because I love you ?" !!
Life does not give us multiple chances..In this densely populated sphere of Earth, there is always a scarcity of those persons who can sacrifice his/her deepest desires to bring sunshine in the face of their loved ones..Don't let go that kind heart, if by chance you find him/her..With the mellifluous touch of Shehnai, 'Raanjhanaa' sublimely delivered this tacit message in a pictorial way, making the film worth a watch !!Absolutely Recommended !!.
After the flavour blend in the Kanpur for Tanu Weds Manu, Rai extends his ambitious to introduce the majestic of Varanasi city in this movie with a great blend of love story and moreover, since the film revolves around locals, it doesn't make sense to capture the visuals like some wide-eyed tourist.
Of course the main character is aided by a wonderful support cast from his friend Murari who gets the best one-liners, his childhood girlfriend, Abhay deol who plays his role with ease and surprisingly Sonam Kapoor who has dared to do something different & succeeded.But the movies greatest strength is Dhanush who can make you cheer for him even when he's slashing his wrist, or riding is love into the river when he realizes she in love with somebody else.On the flip side his role as a political leader seems over stretched after the racy 1st half and some of the actions of the lead female towards the end are not understandable.All in all if you want to watch desi realistic love story with raw human emotions and unpolished drama here's your chance.
Trust me, This is the 1st time I am writing a review about any movie, I never bothered to write a review but after watching this movie I simply couldn't resist myself to appreciate the work done in this movie.I have to say, no matter how good the story is or the music is if the lead role did not perform his or her acting well then its not going to be a hit.This movie has almost everything..
Dhanush's friend Murari plays the role of a typical guy from UP and never fails to amaze the audience with his humor and wit even at the serious scenes.The Writer has given sufficient time for the development of each of the characters plot and the actors have executed them well with a good performance.
So watch it for the excellent performances by the actors, for the best dialogues that u'll ever hear in a Hindi movie and for the refreshing and original story that is hardly portrayed by bollywood.
A very very good Hindi movie in a long time based on love and sacrifice, There is beautiful story followed by some brilliant acting.First go with the story it looks like a simple love story at the starting but had one or two unexpected twist which make this movie completely different from other Indian Movies.Now comes to acting, it is the first Hindi movie for Dhanush and he really did a great job it never appears that it is his first Hindi movie other characters also did good job, Sonam Kapoor was a pleasant surprise Ayyub Khan as Murari did equally good work.Overall this movie has fun, Love, anger and the unspeakable sacrifice.
Boy follows the girl relentlessly, almost stalks her, gets hysterical to the extent that he slits his wrist when his feelings are not reciprocated.Spurned and slapped for numerous times, he doesn't give up on his pursuit of love.With a lot of instilled poignancy, director Aanand L Rai brings out the complexity of love in all its colors in the vibrant town of Banaras.South heart-throb Dhanush plays Kundan,a Tam-Bram settled in Banaras who falls in love at first sight with Zoya(Sonam Kapoor),a Muslim girl from an orthodox family.She is his childhood fantasy, but love seems hopeless in the background of the communal divide and when her parents get to know of this Hindu obsessed lover,she is sent to another town to pursue further studies.Kundan is excited to see her return after 8 years, but his happiness is short-lived when he learns that she is deeply smitten by Akram(Abhay Deol in a pleasing special appearance), his senior with towering principles and political ideologies.How the love triangle ebbs and flows forms the crux of Raanjhana.
The initial reels arrest you with the invigorated proceedings, thanks to Himanshu Sharma's top-notch writing.With an eye for every detail, it encapsulates the Bollywood-bred youth,the stalking syndrome,the rich and playful hues of Holi and the vistas of the semi-urban Banaras.Kundan's chaddi-buddy Murari ( Mohd Zeeshad Ayub in terrific form) and foul- mouthed Bindiya(Swara Bhaskar exuding impeccable confidence), who pines for our hero unconditionally form the essential peripheral ingredients when Aanand exploits the verve of the place.The second half is intense with the focus shifting to the vivid youth politics in the JNU milieu.Kindan and Zoya share a peculiar chemistry and thats where the realism peeps out with its ugly head.What follows is a tale of betrayal, redemption and ultimately a shocking climax.AR Rahman's background score and music form the spine of the unconventional romantic saga.Raanjhana has a smooth cinematic texture and dialogues have a raw appeal.Raanjana is embellished with gutsy performances.Dhanush is immensely talented.Despite his wobbly Hindi accent, he delivers a nuanced act.His diction reminded me of Rajanikanth during his hay days.The earnestness with which his Kundan follows Zoya, makes you believe in his sheer love for her.Sonam Kapoor sheds her fashionista image this time and gets into the skin of the character.She displays the myriad traits, from giggly to grey , with raging intensity.Much of the film's supporting cast has been taken from the Asmita Theather group and they bore an imposing look!Sujatha Kumar(last seen in English Vinglish as Sridevi's sister) makes an impact with her cameo as the Delhi CM.It was ,however,disheartening to see a talented actor like Vipin Sharma(Ishaan's Dad in Taare Zameen Par)without any dialogues.Raanjhana is arguably the best love story of this year, its not a hunky- dory piece,makes you feel squirmish as it sticks to some deep-rooted realities and regales us with its inherent Indian touches.Do make your time for this!.
The film takes a turn when Zoya returns to her hometown after eight long years only to find some things changed, and others surprisingly the same"Character development: This movie is stands on the shoulder of two leads Sonam as Zoya and Dhanush as Kundan.
Yesterday I watched this movie on it's TV premiere and i was spellbound, for a single second I could not find any actor Kundan (Dhanush), Zoya (Sonam, Bindiya (Swara Bhaskar) and Murari (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub) they looked like typical Banarasi and they took this movie to another level.
First of all salute to Dhanush for a classic and awesome acting and performance, I always thought that a hero could be like Dhanush a simple boy of street and I am happy cause they chose him, with Sonam Kapoor a celestial bride they pair a perfect couple like a average guy of city and most angel face girl of town.Like the turn out of story, its different, I grow up watching the Bollywood movies romance and love usually it ends up with the couple union , but I felt so sad after watching this that the girl betrayed him for her dead love and he accept death for his love, my nomination for Dhanush for best actor and Raanjhanaa for best film.I didn't know the director and but I believe that he made a Masterpiece hope I could find a love like this, of course I don't wanna die.and in the end for legendary music composer Mr. A.R Rahman, the soul of the music, his made music rocks the movie and loving and heart breaking moments.It is a must watch movie for every loving soul living on this planet.
But the biggest positive aspect that the film delivers, are its characters.Each of them are so very real,with so many shades and flaws that you can relate.The relentless hero cursing his love being rejected,the scheming heroine spitting on the hero-Raanjhaana does have a coming of age effect working for it.It has a genuine story though the screenplay, primarily in the 2nd half fails.With a very vibrant,fast and effective 1st half ,the film suddenly looses its steam in the 2nd, trying to push itself in uncomfortable zone (read politics).With more than a few far-fetched sequences,unnecessary comic reliefs & punch lines and a stiff Sonam lingering around, Raanjhanaa loses its holds,falters.Rehman too does not help with his tunes, though the background music is pretty good.But then you often move helter skelter while trying some new road,only promising to improve in the next venture.Anand Rai does exactly so and gives a far better love-story than the cliché,bore to the core YJHD..
This is one such movie which tries to cash in on your emotions without anything substantial to offer.But in every aspect it is better than mausam a story which just tried to glide through without any emotional moments.I don't think any actor could have made it believable so he deserves appreciation.Sonam was outstanding in the second half which was lot more unpredictable with lot many twists and therefore interesting to watch.But it downplays a serious issue like suicide with the hero slashing his wrists time and again n his friend joking about it.This is not a good message from the film.There was another with president of the party throwing things around while protesting in the office for sonam.This is not the right way i feel to project things even i as a former student from JNU know that we hardly resort to such things protests and reasoning your point of view are more than enough.The movie none the less was refreshing, well made and light hearted romantic to the core and deserves high ratings..
There was a time in 1959 when Satyajit Ray showed us Banaras in the second installment of The Apu Trilogy,Aparajito.That Banaras was black and white and he had only shown us the temples.Back then he won our hearts despite these limitations.But here in 2013 Anand L Rai showed Banaras which is so colorful,apparently it makes you feel that Holi isn't far away.He showed the streets of Banaras so efficiently and enthusiastically which became the first highlight of the movie.Raanjhanaa is a cracker of a movie as it moves until the curse of second half comes into being.If so many movies have been the victim of this curse,why don't the theatre owners dumps the concept of giving intervals then?.These movies names should have been XYZ-good and XYZ-bad for each half.The same concept should also go fro Director's name for the two halves respectively.Raanjhanaa works in most of the parts acting,music and dialogs.The national award winning actor yet again proves that good looks and 8 packs don't make you a good actor,your hard work and talent does.Dhanush's so-simple-yet-elegant performance is pitch perfect for the character Kundan.The simplicity in his accent and his expressions in certain scenes adds a new dimension to the movie.He keeps the movie going but the character of Zoya(Sonam Kapoor) may not get digested by many of the audiences.Sometimes Zoya shows simple,want-to-love,knows her boundaries type of characteristics and sometimes Zoya is trying to be over smart,want everyone's attention on her.As you have read you certainly get to know that these characteristics cannot belong to the same character.People will get confused about what actually Zoya wants.Nevertheless Sonam has done a good job whatever she was given to do.Abhay Deol is good in his extended cameo and Zeeshan Ayyub is wonderful in his presence and exemplary with his one-liners.The dialogs by Himanshu Sharma is another highlight of the movie.There was a time when everyone said after A R Rahman's Jab tak Hai Jaan,which to me wasn't that bad, that the music maestro has lost his touch.Here A R Rahman adds emotions to the movies characters and creates the world of love very efficiently.If it weren't for his music Raanjhanaa wouldn't have been half of what it is.Javed Ali is so classical in Tum Tak ,Shreya Ghoshal providing soul to Banarasiya, Raanjhanaa(title track) is very lovable and Tu Mun Shudi is really appealing.Overall the music is really soothing.
Kudos to the maestro for his hard work.If some more work had been done on the second half's script or adding some element to those politics portions in the script Raanjhanaa would have been a great movie.It just makes you feel dull whereas in the first half it is so much fun.Watch it for Dhanush,A R Rahman's Music,Dialogues and lastly Banaras..
The second half focuses more on the politics but yet the story is well narrated and handled superbly, though Zoya's character does seem mystified at times but yet the story is well handled and the climax is brilliant.Direction is good, Music by A.R.Rahman is amazing Dhanush doesn't have any qualities of a star but of an actor, he infuses life into Kundan that he becomes the character, Barring his Hindi which isn't perfect as he is south Indian yet he does a great job Sonam Kapoor who was never known for her acting talent surprises and does a perfect job, her diction too is off many times but she is simply superb Amongst rest Abhay Deol in a cameo is superb Swara Bhaskar is good, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub last seen in Jannat 2 is amazing, rest are all good.
AR rehman saves the movie by his music for a one time watch ....Danush, Sonam Kapoor Raanjhanaa is a love story directed by Anand L.