Sujoy Ghosh’s latest venture into the world of adaptations, “Jaane Jaan,” presents audiences with a strong female character that marks Kareena Kapoor Khan’s debut in the realm of online streaming. Khan’s portrayal of Maya D’Souza is a departure from her iconic “Poo” in “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” harkening back to her previous daring roles in films like “Chameli” and “Talaash.” However, the question lingers: Can her performance overshadow the talents of Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma?
Based on the bestselling Japanese novel “The Devotion of Suspect X” by Keigo Higashino, “Jaane Jaan” is another testament to Sujoy Ghosh’s storytelling prowess. With a cast featuring the critically acclaimed Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma, the film promises an engaging 2-hour and 15-minute experience.
The narrative unfolds as Naren Vyas (Jaideep Ahlawat) awakens from a haunting nightmare in his apartment. The initial charm of the film is provided by his neighbor, Maya D’Souza (Kareena Kapoor Khan), and her daughter Tara (Naisha Khanna), whose morning interactions paint a picturesque backdrop. Naren, a mathematics genius and schoolteacher, resides in the mystic town of Kalimpong, where Maya runs the café “Tiffin.” Unbeknownst to Maya, Naren harbors affection for her, and they share daily exchanges at her café.
The plot takes an unexpected twist with the arrival of Maya’s estranged husband, Ajit Mahtre (Saurabh Sachdeva), at the café, followed by his murder. Karan (Vijay Varma), a sharp-witted cop, enters Kalimpong in pursuit of Ajit’s trail. As he delves into the murder investigation, Maya emerges as the prime suspect.
Sujoy Ghosh masterfully crafts his characters in “Jaane Jaan,” akin to layers of nail polish, each coat revealing new depths. Kareena Kapoor Khan, despite occasional inconsistencies in her performance, shines in her no-makeup look and captivating kohl-rimmed eyes. Her rendition of the reprised “Jaane Jaan” is a standout moment. Vijay Varma, portraying the determined cop Karan, excels in his role, adding another strong cop character to his repertoire.
However, the true star of the show is Jaideep Ahlawat as the balding mathematics teacher, Naren. His character, seemingly calm on the surface, conceals an intricate inner world fueled by his first love.
“Jaane Jaan” is a mystery that unfurls at its own pace, offering a climax open to interpretation. While the plot may carry some predictability, it would be unjust to draw direct comparisons to Ghosh’s earlier masterpiece, “Kahaani.” This marks Ghosh’s second collaboration with Netflix after “Typewriter.” Although it might not completely fulfill expectations, it will undoubtedly leave you craving “Dragon Momos.”
In conclusion, “Jaane Jaan” offers an engaging mystery with strong performances, with Jaideep Ahlawat’s portrayal standing out. While it may not scale the heights of Ghosh’s previous work, it remains a compelling addition to the world of OTT entertainment.
