Ok Jaanu

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quick review:

How many more times do we have to see lovers who are too cool for love/marriage? I say, enough already.

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Director: Shaad Ali
Running time: 135 minutes
Genres: Romance
More Movie Info

Is this love? To marry or not to marry? I am sure a lot of couples go through these questions - more so now than a couple of decades ago. A lot of the hesitation seems to come from experience, introspection and knowing what they want, some of it seems to come from “we are too cool for love/marriage” self-assuredness. All well. All valid. The question is, how many such stories can I watch and enjoy, though? I had pretty much reached my limit even before OK Jaanu.

Then you realise that you just don't feel all the passion that the lead couple is putting up for show.

Of course, I watch one after another, the romantic in me even looks forward to almost all of them. This is in the hope for that one moment of “spark”, that one fresh insight on relationships, that one instance of being together which connects me to the characters. OK Jaanu has none of these.

Interestingly individually some of the departments worked very well. Some scenes, especially those shot in the Mumbai trains went well with the pace of the relationship and its confusion. The background music and absence thereof also provided just the right amount of calmness between the mad, supposedly intense love between the lead couple.

Again, individually Shraddha Kapoor (Tara) and Aditya Roy Kapoor (Adi) emote what they are supposed to. A sleepwalk role for Naseeruddin Shah (Paplu), of course. Kitu Gidwani and Leela Samson (Paplu's wife, Baby) are rather wooden under the garb of being stern and having Alzheimer's respectively. Even so, the three main performances keep you going for a bit.

Then you realise that you just don't feel all the passion that the lead couple is putting up for show. It is certainly not for want of trying. But it is a bit too in-the-face for you to believe it. And it seems endless. There is only so much baseless sweetness I can handle.

The only thing that worked for me is the juxtaposition of Adi-Tara's relationship against that between Paplu and Baby. While I am thankful that there wasn't an overt comparison, this contrast wasn't explored either. The steady, unbreakable bond between Paplu and Baby is very similar to that between Adi and Tara and yet it is different. Are age and experience what set these relationships apart? Or is it just the 'M' word?

To begin with OK Jaanu has very little to hold your interest. What with a name that seems to be an excuse for the couple to call each other by the purportedly cute nickname, “Jaanu”? As the movie moves along, you realise the filmmakers aren't really interested in getting you interested. They are just smitten by their own coolness of having brought up “live-in” relationships to Indian cinema. eyeroll

They are just smitten by their own coolness of having brought up “live-in” relationships to Indian cinema.

So, if you get peeved off by that kind of love-doveyness, this one isn't for you. If you find it cute...naah, even then it's not for you.

- meeta, a part of the audience

33 reviewers(?) - 6 yays 11 so-so 16 nays

Warning: clicking on "full review" will take you to an external website that could contain spoilers.

Thumbs up, by Subhash K Jha, Bolly Spice : ...Ok Jaanu is far superior to the original Mani Ratnam film. Visually rich and textured to accommodate words and emotions in beautiful places in the heart, this is a tender and seductive return to form for a director who had lost his way, like Charutala in Ok Jaanu. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Rashma Shetty Bali, Bollywood Life : ...Well, OK Jaanu will be a treat to Shraddha and Aditya fans. If you are a sucker for romantic films or then easy movies then you wouldn’t mind spending your two hours and fifteen minutes in the theatre for this one. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Sweta Kaushal, Hindustan Times : ...Mani Ratnam delivered a commercially and critically successful film with O Kadhal Kanmani in 2015. With Ok Jaanu, which hits the theatres on Friday, Shaad Ali remakes the movie – borrowing Ratnam’s screenplay but treating it to the silky, royal touch of Gulzar’s dialogues. ... full review

Thumbs up, by ANISH MOHANTY, Kia Gia : ...Those who have not seen ‘O Kadhal Kanmani’, might love ‘OK Jaanu’. For those who have, this film should serve up as a pleasant, second time watch. ... full review

Thumbs up, by Ahana Bhattacharya, koimoi : ...OK Jaanu is an extremely entertaining film. Adi and Tara’s chemistry will make you feel young and want to fall in love once again! This film is a must watch for all romantic souls! ... full review

Thumbs up, by Nihit Bhave, Times of India : ...If you haven’t seen the original though, you’re sure to walk out of the theatre with a warm-fuzzy feeling. ... full review

So-So, Bollywood Hungama : ...On the whole, OK JAANU is a decent love story which works only in parts mainly because of the chemistry between Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor. At the box-office, the film will mainly appeal to the youth, as it makes for a decent date movie.... full review

So-So, by Rahul Deo Bharadwaj, Desi Martini : ...Go ahead and watch OK Jaanu but you will be fine with it if you keep your expectations under a tight leash. I did not , am disappointed. ... full review

So-So, by Dhruvika Solanki , Desi Martini : ...Ok Jaanu is probably just another ‘coming of age’ romance, but the catchy music, Adi and Tara’s chemistry and the portrayal of the life of the old couple keeps it alive. It tries to look unconventional, but ends up having a clichéd ending. ... full review

So-So, by Samedha Arora, Desi Martini : ...My last words, OK Jaanu is a pleasant watch if you’re looking for a time killer with your S.O during the weekend, well I went to watch this movie with my Mother (I still have to make up for that). ... full review

So-So, by Tushar Joshi, DNA : ...Ok Jaanu is strictly OK. Watch it if you waited this long to watch Aditya and Shraddha reignite their chemistry on the big screen. Fans of the original however, might have a different point of view. ... full review

So-So, by Vishal Verma, Glamsham.com : ...Shaad Ali though successful in making a feel good and harmless rom-com losses mark on not being original and mostly rehashing his mentor's work in OK JAANU for the thinking audience.... full review

So-So, by Joginder Tuteja, Movie Talkies : ...Ok, so with 2017 starting off with its first mainstream Hindi release in the form of OK Jaanu, you do wonder if 'achche din' after Dangal would continue. Guess what, it could find footfalls in urban India Ok, so the Biggest All Time Blockbuster,Dangal, has succeeded so well since it has managed a pan-India appeal across different segments of society and age groups. As for OK Jaanu, it works mainly with youth.... full review

So-So, by Kunal Guha, Mumbai Mirror : ...OK, if you're still firm about watching this one, do yourself a favour and catch the Tamil version. The track Kaara Attakkaaraa in that one has a M.I.A feel and is very hummable, even if you can't mouth Tamil. ... full review

So-So, by Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV : ...Verdict: OK Jaanu is watchable because it does occasionally touch both the heart and the ear. But it is never able to shrug off the fluff that clings to its body. ... full review

So-So, by Manisha Lakhe, Now Running.com : ...The film, as all Dharma productions are is beautifully art directed, but we could have less of it. Don't know anyone who props dinner plates on the wall in a row like they do here. But will the younger audiences notice? They probably do not think beyond riding on motorbikes and buses and trains and taking selfies for Facebook hashtag 'Feeling Bliss With Jaanu'. Maybe they're 'okay' with an 'okay' movie. Some of us who grew up looking up to Casablanca and Roman Holiday (or for that matter DDLJ and KKHH) for romance, could give this one a miss. ... full review

So-So, by Sukanya Verma, Rediff : ...Ok Jaanu raises but doesn’t resolve questions about juggling professional and personal life, the dilemmas it poses for a woman. But it does address the changing face of modern-day relationships and the alternate arrangements it’s looking at in a wishful way. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Baradwaj Rangan, Blogical Conclusion, The New Sunday Express : ... I feel for Shaad Ali. Ever since his best film, the criminally underrated Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, bombed, he’s been at sea. Remaking his mentor’s works may be a way to keep himself visible, but someone should tell him an echo is not a voice.... full review

Thumbs down, by ARNAB BANERJEE, Deccan Chronicle : ...What the original did very well was to voice the unpredictability of life and the modern day perspective on taking life as it comes. Here, interactions would have benefited overall engagement, had the romance of the elderly (Shah and Samson) been a little more underlined. The young couple unlearning, and then learning about romance from the two thespians would have added the much-needed zing. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Shreya Narang, Desi Martini : ... There are some scenes where the duo looks made for each other and reminds the audience of the stunning performance they gave in Aashiqui 2. Young teenagers might find the movie attractive, given their newly developing fantasy love world but otherwise OK Jaanu would not do Okay in box office.... full review

Thumbs down, by Prerna Singh, Desi Martini : ...This can be missed. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Anna MM Vertticad, FirstPost : ... Ok Jaanu is a surface skimmer.... full review

Thumbs down, by Johnson Thomas, Free Press Journal : ...To add to the misery there are no sparks of chemistry arising off the two young leads rumoured to have been lovers once. The haunting melody of ‘Ashiqui 2’ is not there either. Rahman has become quite repetitive in his compositions and Director Shaad Ali can do little to lift up the mundane here. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Manjari Saxena, Gulf News : ...As for the music by A.R. Rahman, the upbeat remix of the iconic Humma and Kaara Fankaara, and the lilting Saajan Aayo Re and Enna Sona are redeeming to some extent. But then not quite enough to make you sit through two hours and fifteen minutes. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Suhani Singh, india today : .... It sums up OK Jaanu as well. Ali brings little other than a few visual flourishes to the original. OK Jaanu is a carbon copy which lacks the emotional cadence and vigour of the original. ... full review

Thumbs down, Indicine : ...Conclusion: OK Jaanu doesn’t offer anything new. In fact it repeats a lot of negative traits from previous unsatisfying movies like frustrating character traits, going round in circles around the same plotline and underutilized supporting characters. It is not very entertaining and AR Rahman’s music makes it somewhat watchable. It would be wrong to say that OK Jaanu is a waste of potential because not a lot could have been done with the basic story. Shaad Ali disappoints once again as this time even a remake of his mentor’s film can’t save his movie. OK Jaanu eventually finds it difficult to be called even an OK film. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Uday Bhatia, Live Mint : ...OK Jaanu is more froth than coffee— sweet and diverting, but lacking the kick of emotion. Apart from Baadshah’s version of Humma Humma —a remake within a remake, and a crime against nature—the soundtrack, with A.R. Rahman reworking his OK Kanmani tunes, screeches and thrums beautifully. Kapoor gives what might be her best performance yet, the conflicting emotions on her face in the latter stages hinting at a complexity the film just doesn’t possess (Kapur prefers to submit one emotion at a time). All in all, a film that fits snugly into a category coined by critic Andrew Sarris: lightly likeable. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Mayank Shekhar, MiD DAY : ...Beyond these fine and obvious baits, the film itself seems so strictly okay. Going back to the title, and pardon the petty peeve (it's mostly thanks to Whatsapp), the word is okay, or OK, even O.K. will do — not 'Ok' Jaanu. OK? ... full review

Thumbs down, by Rajeev Masand, News18.com : ...I’m going with two out of five for Ok Jaanu – it’s a bit like flat soda. Palatable, but lacking any fizz. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Nandini Ramnath, Scroll.in : ... Ali has all the elements in place for a breezy ode to young love, but his mechanical approach and miscasting ensure that OK Jaanu is not exactly an okay remake.... full review

Thumbs down, Sify Movies : ...Overall, OK Jaanu is a strictly ok film, devoid of anything new or interesting. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Namrata Joshi, The Hindu : ...A few things do change; Hindustani classical music concert replaces the kutcheri. The new gaming visuals in opening credits feel fresh. But not every change is necessarily for the better. The insertion of the remixed Humma Humma, for instance. The couple of things that work here are Kitu Gidwani’s (who plays Tara’s mom) gorgeous saris and the presence of Naseeruddin Shah. He charms, holds your attention just by being himself, by effortlessly inhabiting the frames. Wish there was some more of him. ... full review

Thumbs down, by Raghav Jaitly, Zee News : ...'Ok Jaanu' is an official remake of Mani Ratnam's 'O Kadhal Kanmani'. It turned out to be exceptional in Tamil. So, if you are expecting the same out of 'Ok Jaanu' then maybe you should opt for 'Dangal' again for entertainment. 'Ok Jaanu' will be able to satisfy only a small sections of youngsters. ... full review

71 tweeters(?) - 34 yays 5 so-so 32 nays

YashRaj14434909: Sradhha your film ok jaanu is super Dooper hit

VibhouteeSharma: Go watch OK JAANU !! Supercute movie !! #okjaanu #movie #bollywoood #KaranJohar #dharmaproduction https://t.co/ZEg1Pq9rB7

Varsheneee: Ok Jaanu 10/10 must watch but not with parents

trishyishy: Ok Jaanu was sucha cutesy movie. Light and easy with a perfect dose of sexy.

singharjun9: The best Thing about Ok Jaanu is Its A very Relatable to the type of relationship are happening these days ! Must watch :)

ShraddhakLovely: #OkJaanu ok jaanu movie is really romantic movie I am watch it and like it and enjoy it .. @ShraddhaKapoor I love it ...movie

Shanayaax: I NEED TO WRITE UP MY REVIEW FOR OK JAANU BUT WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW MUCH I LOVE IT @Shraddhakapoor @karanjohar

SaltyAnshu: Ok janu...is the best moveee.... I like it ....very much ....love u maam...

Roshni_sidshra: Just watched OK jaanu! The whole film is a treat and quite cute! You'll fall in love again with this film! A must watch!

robertheking_: Ok jaanu was so cute !!! Omgggg

realtanmoy7: Ok Jaanu Review: You’re sure to walk out of the theatre with a warm-fuzzy feeling https://t.co/L46K1YaPfj

Oye_raza: Ok jaanu..such an awesome movie.!

nimairh: ok, Jaanu. 10/10!!!!

NamkeenJalebi: Ok Jaanu was a better depiction of our generation's love life.

Mahadev88689442: OK JAANU SUPER SE UPAR MOVI

LOTUSBARUA: 3*ok janu... — feeling awesome

jadva_soniya: Ok janu bast and nice movies and love you sardha

Inc_Avi: OK Janu is good one https://t.co/iDRWq9rWDT

ilahi_x: OH MY GOOODD OK JAANU WAS SOOOOOO GOOOD ❤️❤️

iamankita6: Watched #Ok_Jaanu it's a very sweet and cute love story..I love it..gd job everyone..

Hello_Kaivy: I really want my love story to be like Ok jaanu ❤️ Adishra #canthelpfallinginlove

girly_mariam: I can't accept ok Janu

emeraldreshma: I really loved Ok Jaanu and my cute Jaanus AdiShra!!!They were really awesome!! https://t.co/VED5DcIBcq

DmitryByrnes: Thank You Jaanu For a Wonderful Weekend With You!❤ #OkJaanu https://t.co/liIkV0cjEj https://t.co/czsP2ybjbg

deepikao2_: Ilove ok jaanu ohh god it's was amazing

deepakmulik10: Ok janu is a simple romantic love story ..shraddha kapoor steals the show with he mesmerising performance...

Bhuut_: "OK Jaanu" ke gaanay achay hain, but why on earth would u name your movie that.

BeingGeetaS: "OK Jaanu" must watch movie.

BaeKapoor: OK Jaanu is pretty good. Their chemistry is beyond amazing. Btw look at the way Tara is looking at Adi..

AnytimeVijay: #OkJaanu ok jaanu movie is really romantic movie I am watch it and like it and enjoy it .. @ShraddhaKapoor I love it ...movie

Akshayjadhav949: Ok Jaanu #awesome #favactress #ShraddhaKapoor #Loveforever ❤

adityapawar2: Ok jaanu great awesome movie good way to kick off the year!!

abhishe36399536: OK jaanu is the best movie for couple

abhisek_s: OK Jaanu is enjoyable for the most parts, despite lacking the chemistry between the leads like its original.

TheAnushkaDesa1: So I watched Ok Jaanu. ITS TWO HOURS OF THEM BEING CUTE BUT THERES NO STORY??!?!!?????? Also Ok Kanmani wins hands down

sabya44: Year 2017 starts with a great disappointment called ok jaanu...Only thing is good in it is its music..Good show A.R rehman

NakulnC789: #OkJaanu Just Like the original, chemistry between the leading pair, music & #NaseeruddinShah character makes Ok Jaanu a decent watch 3/5

mysticashi: Really happy that I watched OK Janu. Movie is (I don't know)* I wouldn't have watched it even on TV & missed the incredible background score

dearrathish: Ok Jaanu Movie - Just OK :(

VrutantMUFC: 'Ok Jaanu' and 'Haramkhor' released this week. Your Girlfriend will address you as 'Haramkhor' if you take her to watch 'Ok Jaanu'.

vishesh_tyagi: Moral of the movie #OkJaanu & #Befikre are same. Nothing new in Ok Jaanu.

VinayaJhangiani: The original version of Ok Jaanu was much better than the remake. Shraddha seemed fake and Aditya, though a cutie, was awkward throughout.

ShristiAveiro: Ok Janu is shit.

SHRIRAM003: Not ok, jaanu...

saurabhkalra5: Ok Jaanu... Really Really Bad!!!

roadrash2229: Dont u dare to watch Ok janu... Feeling like to commit suicide

richpal_mehriya: Guy: Movie dekhni hai? Girl: OK Jaanu. Guy: XXX? Girl: Haraamkhor! What a difficult weekend it is for movies...

prxyamohan: expected too much from ok jaanu

pavanvoice: Ok Jaanu ....the original was headache ...this was torture ... #Bollywood #Movie #Remake #Review

Naidu_Pramod: Review: OK Jaanu A film made for idiots by idiots. Nothing happens in this film... just two grown up ppl behaving like 15 yr olds. Zero ⭐

mohitag76465414: Watched a movie last night... Dont know wat its name was ok janu or ok jhantu!

Meem_Hye: Movies like Ok Janu are old wine in new bottle.

ManaliB0103: Ok Jaanu is by far Shraddha Kapoor's & Aditya Roy Kapoor's worst movie till date

mainbhiengineer: Review: 'Ok Jaanu' is as bad as 'I love you but as a friend'.

lureyznk: Can't believe I watched Ok Janu

KushJain03: Instead of Ok Jaanu, recieving "hmm" from her sounds more romantic & Even that "hmm" has a story. #NotOkJaanu

kunalnss30: Wanted some good sleep. Watched OK Jaanu, I'm feeling refreshed now! (In short: Movie bghta bghta chann zopp lagli)

kambliamol: Not So "Ok Jaanu"......

Jainam63840076: Worst movie of my life "ok jaanu" Plz @ShraddhaKapoor And @AdityaRoyKapoor make ur choice better.........

InUthdotcom: Breaking stereotypes and more, why #Aditya- @Shraddha's #OKJaanu is a nice coming of age romance. @DharmaMovies… https://t.co/eNTLccdty8

Icy_Dragonati: My friend's review for ok Jaanu... It wasnt even Ok yaar... Wasted money on weekend ticket :(

iconohclast: Well, that Kapur and Kapoor have zero chemistry was evident. #OkJaanu had to be meh-er than meh.… https://t.co/gGTJoCyeUJ

iashwanibhagat: OK Jaanu isn't a love story it's just a love without story

Gaurav_se57: Great to see xXx performing much better than Ok jaanu.

DesireMaze: Not ok, jaanu.

chetanlfc: In 90s Rahman sir Alone has managed to pull D crowd..OK Jaanu flopped thanks !!They would have been labelled as superstars !!

ChemistryPlaza1: Film review: Lack of chemistry between stars means OK Jaanu is a waste of time - The National https://t.co/q0MKBa8Hir

boxwala_: went for ok janu! fell asleep half way thru!

astrorator: Sick of millennial love stories like OK Jaanu.

Areejness: Ok Janu (1.5/10)

ardb_1234: Watched Ok Jaanu and the only thing intriguing was Mr. @arrahman 's music !!

5 readers - 1 yays 3 so-so 1 nays

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Sagar Patel : 60

So-So, by Anup

So-So, by Asif Srabon : Best Movie Of 201

So-So, by Sonia

Nay! Thumbs Down, by Fan

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: None
  • Language: Clean
  • Nudity & Sexual content: A couple of lip-to-lips, a supposedly sensuous song, a couple of short steamy scenes
  • Concept: To marry or to not marry
  • General Look and Feel: Restless and vibrant contrasted every once in a while with settled and lulled. Overall, the film had a good texture.

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
Story:
Lead Actors:
Character Artists:
Dialogues:
Screenplay:
Music Director:
Lyrics:

Ok Jaanu - Cast, crew, links

Director:
Cinematography:
Music Director:
Lyrics:
Costume Designer:
Running time:
135 minutes
Reviewer:
Language:
Country:
Genres:

Comments (6)

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Anup

Meetu has reach her limit for watching this kind of tried and tested formula movies. but anybody who havnt reached their limits , its a feel good time pass nit even trying to breaking any grounds. ..

not bad actually, one time watch or just for time pass.

Fan

Horrible third rated film. Even if you have nothing better to do, I would suggest to the viewers to stay idle but not watch this film.

@Fan how come you watched it, in the first place?

Fan

@Meeta: :-) he he he
I am asking myself the same question???

I guess I had nothing better to do and I didn't want to repeat watch any film. And so I zoomed on this one.

@Fan oh well, some things you learn the hard way, like listening to wogma rating. ✌

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