Ok Jaanu

OK Jaanu is a 2017 Bollywood film, featuring the talented Aditya Roy Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead roles. Directed by Shaad Ali and produced by Mani Ratnam and Karan Johar, the film is a remake of Mani Ratnam's 2015 Tamil film "O Kadhal Kanmani", that traces the riveting journey of a contemporary live-in relationship in the dazzling city of Mumbai.

Aditya Roy Kapoor plays Adi, an ardently passionate video game developer, while Shraddha Kapoor brings to life Tara, an architect with dreams of studying in Paris. Their paths cross when Tara helps Adi find his lost phone in a local railway station, setting off a whirlwind of events that are marked by varying shades of modern-day love, commitment, and dreams.

The duo, free-spirited, ambitious, meet fortuitously and soon decide to live together without the binding chains of marriage, prioritising their career dreams. Meanwhile, they are also residing with Gopi Srivastava, a retired High Court judge, painted poignantly by veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah.

What ensues is a youthful exploration of the idea of love and live-in relationships, so often frowned upon in traditional Indian society, while also balancing a stirring parallel narrative of an older couple's enduring love story. This gives the movie a contrasting perspective on love, relationships, and commitment – one timeless and the other resisting the bounds of time.

The film's depiction of progressive relationships and love proffers an undaunted spirit that dares to question societal norms and conventions. Adi and Tara are not rebels; they are simply young, dreamy, and fearless individuals who are unafraid to tread the road less travelled. They desire love on their own terms, undeterred by societal norms or familial pressure.

Both Aditya and Shraddha display a palpable sense of chemistry that lifts the movie to a different level. Together they spell sizzling passion and yet embossed a certain innocence that's refreshing. Their charismatic presence coupled with their easy-on-eye performance makes this movie a delight watched by people across all age groups.

Naseeruddin Shah, in his relatively small role, leaves a substantial impact. His portrayal of the unconditional, steadfast, and enduring love of an older generation offers a warm reflection against the quicksilver, commitment-wary love of the younger one.

Adding charm to the movie are A.R. Rahman’s masterly composed songs. The music ranges from foot-tapping, high-energy numbers that show the levity of their youthful romance, to soulful, poignant pieces that display the depth and complexity of their attachment. The background score also does a brilliant job of keeping the audience engaged, adding flirtatious lightheartedness or emotional intensity as needed.

The city of Mumbai plays an integral role in the film, encompassing the lively characters, it adds an extra layer of charm to their relationship with its array of iconic locations and fast-paced urban life. Cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran creates vivid, lush visuals, capturing the essence of the city that never sleeps in soft morning light, dazzling mid-day sun, and neon-lit nights, enhancing the romantic narrative woven around it.

The script written by Gulzar is reflective of the modern generation's independent spirit and fear of compromised dreams, set against the heartwarming context of timeless, enduring love. The film offers some deep insights into relationships, and challenges the societal norms objectively, without seeming preachy.

Overall, Ok Jaanu is a gracefully beautiful film that explores love, relationships, dreams, and of course, the invariable partings - all from an unabashedly modern perspective. Its realistic performances, soul-stirring music, and beautiful cinematography together offer a substantial treat for the audience, making it a film worth your time and experience.