Movie Review: Janaan - Celebration of life it is!

Before I get into the details of the plot and how the team performed, let me just say that from the moment Janaan’s trailer was released, I was sure it was going to win hearts as well as accolades. And I was right. The film has made me feel extremely proud of how far we (Pakistan's Cinema) have come in such a short time and how strong we are today, and makes me extremely hopeful about the fate of Pakistani cinema and its up and coming talent. Now that I have pretty much given away where this review is going, let’s get done with the formalities, shall we?

So, Meena (Armeena Rana Khan) returns from Canada to Swat after 11 years to attend her cousin’s wedding. She stands for most of us (whether Pakistanis living in the country or as immigrants abroad) who, at times, find ourselves embarrassed of many of our cultural and even religious practices in front of people following different traditions and faith, but at the same time feel it our duty to defend our roots. Her friend teases her about all the horrible things that most probably await her as she packs to leave on a trip that would change her life, so, she decides to document her travel to prove her friends wrong. Her friends back in Canada seemingly represent the foreigners whose only source of knowing what Pakistan has to offer remains biased news channels. Through Meena's eyes, we are able to see the beauty, cultural richness and exemplary hospitality that even the expatriates and many Pakistanis remain oblivious to. In short, this trip takes the audience through a lot of funny and endearing moments that make up for a memorable cinematic experience.

But Janaan isn’t your usual over-the-top dramatic, unrealistic film that instead of showing things as they are, depicts wishful thinking for the sake of rebuilding an image. It shows the good side beautifully and the bad side with the necessary sensitivity, and manages to pull everything off with the support of convincing cast. There are absolutely no words to describe the acting performances, except to say that they are so perfect that by the end of the movie one feels like a part of the family itself. Starting off with Daniyal (Ali Rehman Khan) aka Islamabad ka shoda, he is the ultimate side kick, funny character, younger brother, flirt, grown up with a teenager-like behaviour, all in one. Having met with Ali personally, I would say he is far from being Daniyal-like in real life, but he insists that it is the opposite and claims that, in fact, he is EXACTLY like his on-screen character. There is no point in dwelling over this debate because, ultimately, Ali has given an extremely enjoyable and his best performance up til now in Janaan.

Almost just as immediately we are also introduced to Asfandyar (Bilal Ashraf), the perfect son and brother with a stone-like exterior but a heart of gold. Bilal does justice to his role and draws the audience, especially ladies, closer to his character. Asfandyar and Meena’s chemistry is evident from the very start, something that obviously helps the plot and other things along, and something that I, personally, found lacking between the lead pairs of a few previous movies. Hania Amir, who makes her debut as the cousin who is getting married, deserves special mention for playing her part with such natural ease and efficacy. All the family members for that matter have been superb in their portrayals. There are two more actors who make it inevitable for the audience to miss them; Mishi Khan plays everyone’s favourite aunt; full of life, supportive of everything, funny, emotional and always ready to party, whereas, Nayyar Ejaz brings his villainous best on to the screen. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that he is fast becoming everyone’s favourite new-age bad man. Osman Khalid Butt makes a special appearance in just one scene and, of course, manages to steal it. We also get to see the gorgeous Hareem Farooq for a mere five-seconds (I wish she had a proper scene).

The music, like the movie on the whole, is soft and suits the entire celebration-of-life-in-a-big-happy-family thing that's going on throughout. The title track (sung by Armaan Malik and composed by Salim-Sulaiman) takes the cake for being the best of the lot, though there is no competing with its reprise version (sung by Shreya Ghoshal). The mehendi sequence, that should have been the strongest in terms of music and dance, was actually quite uncomfortable to watch; Armeena’s lack of dancing skills and the confused track is a recipe for disaster. Moving on to the wardrobes and styling, let’s just say that the beautiful men in their waste coat, shalwar kameez with rolled up sleeves, and shawls against the backdrop of heavenly Swat landscapes, don’t leave the ladies with any chance to compete.

Even though the trailer hadn’t exactly given out much, there were still a few things that the audience (previously, myself included) knows are going to happen. But trust me when I say, the climax really got me and had me on the edge of my seat! Surprise, thrill, drama, relief – this is what a good movie is made of, one that always gives its audience more than they think they are in for (in a good way, of course). Kudos to Osman Khalid Butt, the boy wonder who successfully proves with this project that he can entertain us just as equally by being part of the team behind the camera. This is a great feat for the director as well in that he is able to churn out something that makes everyone proud! 

Verdict – Without a shred of doubt, Janaan stands out for a number of very good reasons; the team delivers what it promised (a clean, sweet and an utterly enjoyable family entertainer), it gives a refreshingly honest insight on the Pakhtoon way of life today, it brings breathtaking visuals of Swat to you that will wash away all other negative images and perceptions you might have, it collaborates with Indian artists resulting in a really cool soundtrack, and for becoming the first movie this year to kick some serious ass (finally! All other previous releases have come short of expectations, to say the least). It may comprise of debutantes and first time actors, producers etc, but team Janaan is far from being amateurs. Incredibly talented and sure of themselves, they have delivered their best and come together to give you a really special Eid gift, one that you should waste no time in enjoying with your family!

P.S - According to the intel I just received, Janaan has managed to earn around a whopping 106K (sterling Pounds) and counting in UK alone.

Acting: 4.5/5

Dialogues: 4/5

Direction: 4/5

Cinematography: 4.5/5

Musical score: 3.5/5

Plot: 4/5

Average:  4/5

For more info on the movie, here are the links to Janaan's social media pages 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanaanOfficial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanaanOfficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janaanofficial/