'Jaanu', the remake of Tamil blockbuster '96', has released today. Starring Sharwanand and Samantha Akkineni in the leads, the film has been awaited with much anticipation. Has the movie, directed by C Prem Kumar and produced by Dil Raju, recreated the magic of the original? Read our review.
Story
Ram (Sharwanand) is a wild life photographer, who travels around the world. He loves to 'freeze moments' and remains unmarried. A chance visit to his hometown in Vizag and the school where he studied, sends him down the nostalgia lane. He calls his friend (Vennela Kishore) and all his school friends in a whatsapp group plan a reunion in Vizag. After a long time, he meets his childhood sweetheart Jaanu (Samantha), who is now married, at the reunion. Fate has separated them when they were in school and the same destiny brings them together after a long time. Both of them try to fathom how they got separated and they find out some shocking facts.
Performances
Both Sharwanand and Samantha have performed extremely well. The film revolves around their characters and their performances make us root for the lead pair. Comparisons with Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha are inevitable but those who haven't watched the original definitely feel emotional watching Sharwa and Sam's performances. Sai Kiran and Gauri, who played young Sharwanand and young Samantha, have also performed very well. The other actors fit the bill.
Technical aspects
Govind Vasantha's songs are beautiful and they fit into the narrative well. They were beautifully captured. The cinematography is very good and the background music perfectly complements the visuals. The film is written beautifully and takes audiences on a nostalgic ride. The direction is excellent.
Plus Points
Emotions
Beautiful moments
Sharwa & Sam's superb performances
Music & Cinematography
Minus Points
Few sections of audiences may not like slow narration
Analysis
Love is the purest emotion and 'first love' is irreplaceable . Many filmmakers dealt it with in the past and were successful. 'Jaanu is also one such film. It is genuine love story and is executed well. It takes us on a trip down the memory lane and audiences experience a flood of emotions watching the movie as they remember their school days and 'first love'. The lead pair, Sharwanand and Samantha, get into the characters very well. They make us root for the lead pair. The genuineness in the story is the biggest plus. The slow narration may not appeal to some sections of the audiences. Audiences, who have watched the original, '96', may not enjoy the film as they are bound to compare both the films.
On the whole, 'Jaanu' is a beautiful, emotional love story. Watch it without making comparisons and you will definitely love this genuine love story.
