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Jaane Jaan movie review: Kareena Kapoor is both the strength and weakness of this film

Jaane jaan movie review: there’s a scene in which kareena kapoor khan shows just how a bona-fide star can light up the screen, in which her ‘real girl’ character segues neatly into her ‘reel girl’..

The discovery of a horrifically mutilated body in Kalimpong sets into motion a psychological thriller. The identity of the murderer is not hidden in Sujoy Ghosh’s ‘Jaane Jaan’, based on Japanese author Keigo Higashino’s globally-popular novel ‘The Devotion Of Suspect X’. The high point of the book was the cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a prime suspect: you go into the movie, a near-faithful adaptation but with some twists, hoping for the same level of smart engagement.

The three chief characters the film revolves around are single mother Maya ( Kareena Kapoor Khan) and her teenage daughter, her neighbour, the shy, retiring, brilliant maths reacher Naren (Jaideep Ahlawat), and the sharp-as-a-tack Mumbai detective Karan (Vijay Varma) who is working the case of the dead man. What led the victim to a seedy hotel in this hill town? What is his connection to Maya, who owns a modest cafe, and who doesn’t seem to have much of a life of her own? Will Karan ever get to the bottom of this mystery: the needle of suspicion points to Maya, but none of the evidence supports the case. Just what is going on?

Watch | The trailer of Jaane Jaan featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat

The setting is effective, as is the first act, when we are introduced to these disparate characters. With her unmade-up, unvarnished face, Kareena reinforces our belief that there’s a great deal to her that we haven’t discovered yet. But her presence in the film works both as plus and minus: her being the clearly bigger star, in fact the only star, skews the dynamics of the tale. The plot privileges her, as does the camera, and it becomes a case of a dressed-down star showing off her acting cred. In Kareena’s case, there really was no need for this: we’ve already seen how she lifts films — think ‘Chameli’, ‘Talaash’ and ‘Angrezi Medium’, among others. Here, both Ahlawat and Varma, and their characters, are in service to her persona. And this weakens the film, making it drab; at just over two hours, you feel both the contrivances and the stretch.

Higashino’s ‘Suspect X’ has already had a bunch of highly-successful Indian iterations in ‘Drishyam’ (Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi). What I was looking for in Ghosh’s ‘official’ adaptation was that feeling of tension that runs through texts that excavate human darkness: can anyone pick up a hard object and bash someone’s skull in? What does it take for an ordinary person to watch flesh burn?

There’s a scene in which Kareena Kapoor Khan shows just how a bona fide star can light up the screen, in which her Plain Jane character segues neatly into her glamorous Bollywood avatar. That glow, in that karaoke scene, when she croons the title song ‘aaa jaaane jaaan’, is blinding. But placing the spotlight on her (Khan in her first OTT movie!) makes the men dull. Both the spry Varma, who floats about trying to figure his next steps, and Ahlawat, who is absolutely terrific as a man who yearn s for the unattainable , are equals when in the same frame; in the company of Kapoor Khan, they are left to adore.

Jaane Jaan movie cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma, Saurabh Sachdeva Jaane Jaan movie director : Sujoy Ghosh Jaane Jaan movie rating: 2 stars

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A single mother and her daughter commit a crime and a neighbor helps them cover it up amid the police investigation. A single mother and her daughter commit a crime and a neighbor helps them cover it up amid the police investigation. A single mother and her daughter commit a crime and a neighbor helps them cover it up amid the police investigation.

• Sujoy Ghosh
• Keigo Higashino
• Kareena Kapoor
• Jaideep Ahlawat
• Vijay Varma
• 163 User reviews
• 26 Critic reviews
• 2 wins & 10 nominations

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• Karan Anand

• Ajit Mhatre
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• Trivia This adaptation of the Japanese novel "The Devotion of Suspect X" by Keigo Higashino has been planned for nearly a decade. Produced by Ekta Kapoor and directed by Sujoy Ghosh, it would have starred Saif Ali Khan (Kareena Kapoor's real-life husband), Aishwarya Rai (replaced by Jacqueline Fernandez, then by Kangana Ranaut), and Fawad Khan. It was shelved in 2014 as it was deemed too similar to the Malayalam film Drishyam (2013) and the in-production Hindi remake Drishyam (2015) . Production restarted in 2022 with Kareena Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Verma.
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• Sep 21, 2023
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• September 21, 2023 (India)
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• Kalimpong, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
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• Runtime 2 hours 19 minutes
• Dolby Digital

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Jaane Jaan Movie Review: Kareena Kapoor, Vijay Varma Jaideep Ahlawat's 'Mathematical' Moody Thriller Is A Winner

Updated Sep 23, 2023, 11:47 IST

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Jaane jaan review : storyline, jaane jaan: performances, jaane jaan review: direction, jaane jaan review: music, jaane jaan review: verdict.

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Jaane jaan movie review: करीना कपूर ने निकाली 'जान', टीचर बने फिल्म की 'जाने जां'- पढ़ें मूवी रिव्यू, jaane jaan review: करीना कपूर खान, जयदीप अहलावत और विजय वर्मा की जाने जां नेटफ्लिक्स पर रिलीज हो गई है. जानें कैसी है सुजॉय घोष की फिल्म, पढ़ें रिव्यू..

Jaane Jaan Review: जानें कैसी है करीना, जयदीप और विजय की 'जाने जां'

• Jaane Jaan Movie Review in Hindi: जानें कैसी है जानें जां फिल्म
• करीना कपूर ने ओटीटी पर किया है डेब्यू
• सुजॉय घोष ने डायरक्ट की है मूवी

Jaane Jaan Review:  करीना कपूर खान ने 'जाने जां' के जरिये ओटीटी की दुनिया में कदम रखा है. फिल्म के लिए उन्होंने चुना सजॉय घोष जैसे डायरेक्टर को. जिनकी फिल्म कहानी साबित कर चुकी है कि वह रहस्य और रोमांच की दुनिया को गढ़ना बखूबी जानते हैं. यही नहीं सुजॉय घोष ने कलाकार के तौर पर चुना जयदीप अहलावत और विजय वर्मा को. इस तरह वह करीना, जयदीप और विजय की तिकड़ी को इस सस्पेंस थ्रिलर में लेकर आए. कहानी अच्छी चुनी थी. कलाकार भी जोर के ढूंढे थे. लेकिन वही जो अकसर बॉलीवुड करता है, फिल्म का ट्रीटमेंट फिल्म को पटरी से उतार देता है. दूसरा फिल्म का एक बड़ा स्टार भी एक्टिंग के मोर्चे पर चूकता नजर आता है. यह बता दें कि करीना, जयदीप और विजय की फिल्म कीगो हिगाशिनो के द डिवोशन ऑफ सस्पेक्ट एक्स नाम के उपन्यास पर आधारित है. 

यह भी पढ़ें

जानें जां मूवी रिव्यू

जाने जां की स्टोरी

फिल्म की कहानी करीना कपूर की है. जो कलिमपोंग में जिदंगी जी रही हैं और एक रेस्तरां चलाती हैं. एक दिन उनकी जिंदगी में उनका पति लौटकर आता है और करीना की जिंदगी में उथल-पुथल शुरू हो जाती है. लेकिन कुछ ऐसा होता है कि उसका मिस्टीरियस पड़ोसी जयदीप अहलावत को उसकी मदद करनी पड़ती है. फिर मामले की पड़ताल करने आता है पुलिस अफसर विजय वर्मा. इस तरह कलिमपोंग, एक रेस्तरां, हमेशा गहराए बादल और उनींदा सा माहौल. जिस तरह का माहौल सस्पेंस थ्रिलर के लिए होना चाहिए, वैसा ही माहौल इस फिल्म में देखने को मिलता है. लेकिन जिस तरह की मिस्ट्री डायरेक्टर को गढ़नी चाहिए था. जिस तरह का पेस उन्हें पकड़ना चाहिए था या फिर करीना कपूर से जिस तरह की एक्टिंग की उम्मीद थी वह मिसिंग नजर आता है. कुल मिलाकर फिल्म का अंत भी काफी इम्प्रेसिव नहीं है. फिर इसे देखते हुए आपको कहीं ना कहीं दृश्यम की याद भी आ सकती है. 

जाने जां में डायरेक्शन

सुजॉय घोष ने कहानी जैसी फिल्म बनाई है. ऐसी फिल्म जिसने दर्शकों को सिनेमाघरों तक खींचने का काम किया और फिल्म ब्लॉकबस्टर साबित हुई. लेकिन पिछले कुछ समय सुजॉय घोष डायरेक्शन का अपना तीखापन ला नहीं पा रहे हैं. इसकी मिसाल लस्ट स्टोरीज की उनकी कहानी में भी दिखी थी, और जाने जां में भी कुछ यही गड़बड़ नजर आती है. कुल मिलाकर एक अच्छी कहानी को वह परदे पर उस तरह से लेकर नहीं आ पाते हैं जो यादगार बन सके. 

जाने जां में एक्टिंग

सुजॉय घोष की जाने जां में एक्टिंग की बात करें तो जयदीप अहलावत बाजी मार ले गए हैं. बेशक जाने जां फिल्म को थ्रिलर फिल्मों की फेहरिस्त में बहुत ऊपर जगह नहीं मिलेगी लेकिन जयदीप अहलावत को टीजर के किरदार के लिए याद रखा जाएगा. उन्होंने जिस क्लासिक अंदाज में इस किरदार को निभाया है, वह उनकी एक्टिंग को एक अलग ही लेवल पर ले जाता है. इसके बाद नंबर आता है विजय वर्मा का. उन्होंने पुलिस अफसर का किरदार भी अच्छे से किया है. जितना उन्हें किरदार मिला है उसे शिद्दत से निभाया है. लेकिन फिल्म को करीना कपूर के नाम से प्रमोट किया गया है. करीना ने अच्छी कोशिश की है, लेकिन जिस तरह की इंटेंसिटी माया के किरदार के लिए चाहिए थी, वह इस कैरेक्टर में पिरोने में करीना कपूर नाकाम रही हैं. यही फिल्म की सबसे बड़ी कमी भी कही जा सकती है. 

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Home » Movies » Bollywood Movie Reviews

Jaane Jaan Movie Review: Give Jaideep Ahlawat Every Acting Award Out There (& Indian Remake Of Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker), Kareena Kapoor Khan Surrenders To The Brilliance Of Sujoy Ghosh

This is an intriguing affair to the last second, with a performance to be remembered forever in jaideep ahlawat's naren.

Star Cast: Jaideep Ahlawat, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vijay Varma, Saurabh Sachdeva, Karma Takapa, Naisha Khanna

Director: Sujoy Ghosh

What’s Good: We’re getting the best out of the best in Jaideep Ahlawat’s Naren & Kareena Kapoor Khan; signing this film is a sign that she’s ready to surprise everyone in her second innings

What’s Bad: It’ll be compared to Drishyam, but the truth is its source material (the original novel from which this is adapted) was written way before Jeethu Joseph conceptualised Drishyam 2

Loo Break: Despite being an OTT release, I’d suggest you not leave your couch/bed/seat even for a minute; you’ll enjoy this more if you watch it in one go

Watch or Not?: Watch it even if you’re not a fan of mystery thrillers; this could be your gateway drug!

Available On: Netflix

Runtime: 2 Hours 19 Minutes

A genius mathematician-cum-teacher, Naren Vyas (Jaideep Ahlawat), in West Bengal’s bewitching-but-underrated town Kalimpong, is leading an isolated life, taking a decade to solve an unsolvable problem. Having hots for his single-mother neighbour in Maya D’Souza (Kareena Kapoor Khan), he lends a helping hand to her to cover a murder she has executed with her daughter Tara (Naisha Khanna). Who is killed? Well, I’ll try to be as spoiler-free as I can, still keeping my points.

An Inspector from Mumbai, Karan Anand (Vijay Verma), handles this murder investigation and keeps Maya as his prime suspect for having all the reasons to kill the deceased. She keeps getting saved due to the mastermind Math teacher’s ability to step ahead of the police’s legwork. The story revolves around how Karan tries to unravel the shrewd web of confusion designed by Naren and what he finds (or not) to solve this complicated murder mystery (or not).

Jaane Jaan Movie Review: Script Analysis

The film never shies away from claiming that it is based on the Japanese worldwide-celebrated Mystery Novel The Devotion Of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino; from displaying under the main title to mentioning ‘Suspect X’ in the conversations, it proudly accepts the fact that it’s an adaptation. Before this one, in India, a Tamil film titled Kolaigaran (starring Vijay Antony) also adapted a similar story. Sujoy Ghosh very smartly mixes some elements from both the book and the movie, adding his slick touches to give it the distinctive look it desires.

Yes, it’ll remind you very much of Drishyam, but being adapted from a novel released in 2005, it has the classic ‘Ghosh Stamp’ imprinted all over it and it kind of changes how I used to look at Jeethu Joseph’s masterpiece. Ghosh’s non-linear treatment gifts you with an impeccable scene like Naren & Karan conversing about the case with the clips of them performing Jujutsu playing as a flashback in between their chess-like-moves dialogues.

The master cinematographer Avik Mukhopadhyay (Pink, October, Sardar Udham) brings the gloomy, dreary Kalimpong to life with its fog being reminiscent of the blurriness the film’s narrative portrays. Jaideep’s make-up artist deserves a raise for nailing Naren’s immaculate demeanour in the perfect way. Ghosh turns this Japanese epic into a ‘Raja, Rani, Chor, Sipahi’ game, with Raja & Chor being so contrastingly similar that you’ll start questioning your belief in the second half.

Jaane Jaan Movie Review: Star Performance

If Jaideep Ahlawat doesn’t get significant acting accolades in the upcoming awards season, the tad bit of remaining faith in these shows will die a silent death. WHAT A PERFORMANCE! FLAWLESS. Yes, I know how he always manages to surprise, but this is something else. This is special. Can Sriram Raghavan make a film loosely based on Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, casting Ahlawat in the lead? I’ll empty all the 954 bucks remaining in my hollow bank account. Jaideep: You’re a gem & it’s time you get your due. *bowing down in respect for you*.

Kareena Kapoor Khan’s choice of this project is in itself an indication of how she has her vision crystal clear in choosing some meaningful subjects in her second innings. The subtlety she brings to Maya is precisely how a seasoned actor like her would perform. She keeps the oomph around her character alive and still be dead, shocked at what’s going on.

In such a short span of his career, Vijay Varma has already heard all the positive things a performer craves, and the way he still keeps surprising with each of his performances screams the greatness of the performer in him. To stand tall to two solid performances in Jaideep & Kareena, Vijay does everything right, making him stand out of all the stalwarts. Saurabh Sachdeva is WOW! A few minutes after his performance, he exhales menace like a villain who can creep you out like anything.

Jaane Jaan Movie Review: Direction, Music

Sujoy Ghosh manages to hit a home run in the world of mysteries once again, keeping your brain hooked till the last minute of the film. Yes, the climax will initiate some debates around how it should have been, but I’ll jump at Ghosh ‘s side for keeping it different from the book & yet not making any mess out of the story. Jeethu Joseph’s treatment of a similar story was on the other end of this spectrum, but they should’ve acknowledged the original source somewhere, is what I feel.

Clinton Cerejo & Bianca Gomes’ band ‘Shor Police’ has composed the BGM, which heavily relies on sound design, keeping it as authentic as possible. The dull aura of the film is complemented well by the band’s subdued score, keeping things mysterious and respecting the genre.

Jaane Jaan Movie Review: The Last Word

All said and done, Jaane Jaan is not only one of the best thrillers we’ve seen in Indian cinema but raises some ambiguity against this: another one of the best thrillers Indian cinema has ever seen. Nevertheless, it’s an intriguing affair to the last second, with a performance to be remembered forever in Jaideep Ahlawat’s Naren.

Jaane Jaan Trailer

Jaane Jaan releases on 21st September, 2023.

Share with us your experience of watching Jaane Jaan.

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Jaane Jaan Review: Kareena Kapoor Conveys Wide Gamut Of Emotions In Mystery Thriller

Jaane jaan review: jaideep ahlawat makes light work of an extremely demanding character. vijay varma, who has to work the hardest because his policeman is bereft of the layers that the single mother and the math teacher have, lifts the character well above the ordinary..

Kareena Kapoor in Jaane Jaan . (courtesy: netflix_in )

Be it a retaliatory, spur-of-the-moment act or a pre-planned strike aimed at eliminating a threat, a murder is a murder. But when the principles of mathematics are employed to either disclose or obfuscate the truth, can a killer escape the noose? That is the question that writer-director Sujoy Ghosh's deftly crafted, superbly acted mystery thriller Jaane Jaan answers.

The Netflix film hinges on a single mother and her 13-year-old school-going daughter who are drawn into a calculated but risky cover-up attempt and a police investigation that hits a trail that nearly goes cold.

A taut script, spiffy dialogues (by Ghosh and Raj Vasant), first-rate performances and a keen sense of place serve to enhance the mystery that surrounds a lonesome math teacher who goes about his daily chores with mechanical detachment and a woman who moves in next door and becomes an object of silent, obsession for the reclusive man.

Based on the third novel of Keigo Higashino's Detective Galileo series, The Devotion of Suspect X , Jaane Jaan takes only a few minutes to deliver the watershed moment from which everything else in the plot flows.

The suspense stems from the chain of events that are set in motion by an unfortunate incident that tests the math teacher's genius and puts his neighbour's future under a cloud. Jaane Jaan is a genre-bending police procedural that dissects the minds of three characters rather than play out like a standard whodunit (in any case, we know who from the very outset).

Maya D'Souza (Kareena Kapoor in her OTT debut) has escaped an unhappy past and settled into a stable life that revolves around her daughter and a thriving cafe in Kalimpong. Naren Vyas (Jaideep Ahlawat) is in love with mathematics more than with anything else in the world.

Mumbai Police detective Karan Anand (Vijay Varma), sent to Kalimpong on a mission, is the only one who puts all his cards on the table. He is in search of a wanted man. With no emotional or psychological baggage weighing him down, he gets down to work with a local policeman, Sub-inspector Sundar Singh (Karma Takapa, who loses no opportunity to make his presence felt).

When Maya's past returns to hound her, the well-being of her daughter Tara (Naisha Khanna) becomes her priority. She finds an unlikely ally in Naren, who is awkwardly trying to find a life beyond math and his evening jujitsu sessions.

It transpires that Karan and Naren were classmates. As the two men probe each other's susceptibilities, the cop is under increasing pressure from his boss to find a corrupt policeman and hawala racket kingpin, Ajit Mhatre (Saurabh Sachdeva in a terrific cameo), who was last seen in Kalimpong.

The precise world building and the measured dialogues - a Hindi crime drama for once steers clear of cuss words - make the battle of wits between the two men consistently gripping and intriguing despite the fact that the audience is in the know of what is being sought to be swept under the carpet.

Love or, to be precise, infatuation that inches dangerously close to stalking, finds an exceedingly strange way of expressing itself in Naren's case, while a hint of lust colours Karan's exchanges with Maya, his prime suspect. Obsession, jealousy and anguish are all at play as the trio tread on ethically slippery ground.

The wall around the uncommunicative math teacher, an inscrutable enigma locked in an unbreakable shell, is like the mist that hangs over f Kalimpong. It hides a great deal even as it constantly shifts to reveal hitherto hidden nooks and vistas. Karan nearly gives up on the case, having hit his head against the wall a few times.

Maya has to hold her ground through it all in the face of the dichotomies that confront her. Her assistant Prema (Lin Laishram) claims that their cafe makes the best momos in town. But it isn't for the dumplings that Naren makes his way to the eatery every day.

The staid, painfully shy Naren has a receding hairline, looks older than he is and walks like a man who would rather let time pass him by. He plays chess with himself and sets question papers so tough that the school authorities request him to take it easy. But he has his reasons. Pull yourself higher, the world will not descend to your level, Naren tells a student.

Jaane Jaan explores the debilitating isolation of a man lost in his own world as well as the pitfalls in the way of a woman determined to put her troubled past behind her. Multiple dualities - protector-predator, victim-perpetrator, friend-foe and genius-oddball - are central to the twisted plot.

The title, which might suggest that this is a story with an undercurrent of romance, comes from one of the rare cabaret numbers that Lata Mangeshkar sang (Intaqam, 1969, filmed on Helen). The song plays in a karaoke bar and provides a fleeting glimpse of Maya's back story.

Jaane Jaan is laced with a slew of retro songs from other decades of Hindi film music. Some of them play so faintly that they are almost inaudible. Anirban Sengupta's sound design and the background score by Shor Police (Clinton Cerejo and Bianca Gomes) add appreciable allure to the film's soundscape.

The choice of songs may seem a tad arbitrary, but they together hark back to an era of perennially popular Hindi film music even as it points to - at least a handful of the numbers do - what the female protagonist of Jaane Jaan is running away from.

Editor Urvashi Saxena creates crisp and aptly complex patterns as she intercuts scenes into each other all through the film. Cinematographer Avik Mukhopadhyay locates the mystique of Kalimpong in everyday settings without resorting to any obtrusive means.

Kareena Kapoor's conveys a wide gamut of emotions in a performance marked by remarkable restraint. Jaideep Ahlawat makes light work of an extremely demanding character, capturing the man's interiority and body language to stunning effect.

Vijay Varma, who has to work the hardest because his policeman is bereft of the layers that the single mother and the math teacher have, lifts the character well above the ordinary by imparting to it the subtlest of behavioural nuances.

Promoted Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com

Jaane Jaan stays true to the text it is based on (but for minor tweaks here and there and a major departure from how the novel ends) - and to its genre - but it consciously and intelligently waters down the conventional crime drama tropes.

With the writer-director, the technicians, the music team and the actors at their very best, Jaane Jaan is an all-round triumph.

Kareena Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma and Saurabh Sachdeva

Sujoy Ghosh

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Release Date : September 21, 2023

123telugu.com Rating : 2.75/5

Starring: Kareena Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma, Saurabh Sachdeva, Naisha Khanna

Director: Sujoy Ghosh

Producers: Jay Shewakramani, Akshai Puri, Hyunwoo Thomas Kim, Shobha Kapoor, Ekta R Kapoor

Music Directors: Sachin Jigar, Shor Police

Cinematographer: Avik Mukhopadhyay

Editor: Urvashi Saxena

Related Links : Trailer

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor’s new film Jaane Jaan was released directly on Netflix today. The film is the official adaptation of the Japanese novel “The Devotion of Suspect X,” written by Keigo Higashino. Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Verma played crucial roles. Directed by Sujoy Ghosh, the film is streaming in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages. Let’s see how it is.

Set in Kalimpong, the film is about a single mother, Maya D’souza, a.k.a. Soniya D’souza (Kareena Kapoor). She works in a cafe to take care of her daughter, Tara D’souza (Naisha Khanna). Maya doesn’t like her husband, Ajit Mhatre (Saurabh Sachdeva), and hence, she separates from him even before Tara is born. Maya’s neighbor, Naren Vyas (Jaideep Ahlwahat), a high school teacher, secretly loves her.

Out of the blue, Ajit Mhatre shows up in Kalimpong and visits Maya’s house. Maya thinks Ajit came for money, but the latter has other plans. Maya kills Ajit, and her daughter Tara assists with the crime. Naren helps Maya to cover up the murder. What made Maya kill her husband? Did Maya, Tara, and Naren get caught by the police? This is what Jaane Jaan is about.

Plus Points:

Jaideep Ahlawat of Paatal Lok fame displayed his sheer brilliance with Jaane Jaan. He, as a maths genius, gave a thumping and a nuanced performance. Jaideep’s subtle acting is the film’s biggest asset, and he walks away with the cake in this crime thriller.

Kareena Kapoor is no doubt a terrific performer, and she brought all her experience to the table. The way she emoted in key sequences is superb. The last 40 minutes of the film are dealt well, and there are gripping moments here.

The small town set-up is quite brilliant, and the art direction team succeeds in setting up the mood required for a crime film. Vijay Varma, as a police officer, gave a solid performance. Lately, the actor has been playing negative roles, and it was refreshing to see Vijay in a different character this time.

Minus Points:

Unfortunately, the film is the official adaptation of the Japanese novel “The Devotion of Suspect X,” which was the inspiration behind the Malayalam blockbuster Drishyam. One can’t help but find the similarities between Drishyam and Jaane Jaan. The way in which the alibies are created to cover up the murder has a striking resemblance with the Malayalam film.

Hence, the comparisons become inevitable, and one feels like watching Drishyam again in the first hour. The same Drishyam has been remade in several Indian languages, including Hindi. This works against the film, but thankfully, the stunning performances of the lead cast and the final portions make the difference.

The first half is very slow, and the editing team could have done a much better job. The movie also ends on an abrupt note without providing answers to the few questions. The character of Ajit Mhatre should have been shown in a more detailed manner.

Technical Aspects:

The background score composed by Shor Police is impressive. The camera work by Avik Mukhopadhyay is top-notch. The production values are good, and the dialogues are well-written. The editing is not up to the mark.

Coming to the director, Sujoy Ghosh, he did an okay job with Jaane Jaan. He extracted good performances from the lead cast, and the final moments were gripping. As Drishyam is a popular franchise in India, and the same Japanese novel is the inspiration behind it, comparisons are unavoidable. Hence, Sujoy Ghosh should have altered the screenplay a bit for the better good.

On the whole, Jaane Jaan is a passable crime thriller with some gripping moments in the last forty minutes. The movie is based on a Japanese novel which was the inspiration behind the Drishyam franchise. Hence, comparisons will come into the picture definitely. The makers should have come up with some novel ideas as Drishyam is watched by the majority of the audience. Kareena Kapoor, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma are spectacular in a familiar terrain. Along with their stunning performances, a few well-executed scenes make this film a passable fare.

123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

Click Here For Telugu Review

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• Home » Movies » Jaane Jaan Movie Review

Jaane Jaan review: ‘M’ is for Mathematics and Murder Mystery in this masterly movie

While Kareena Kapoor is natural, Jaideep Ahlawat leaves a mark on us with his role — a brilliant yet practical man with a logical mind.

Published:Sep 21, 2023

Kareena Kapoor Khan in 'Jaane Jaan'. (X)

Gives you thrills and chills!

Jaane Jaan (Hindi)

• Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma, and Saurabh Sachdeva
• Director: Sujoy Ghosh
• Producers: Ekta Kapoor and Jay Shewakramani
• Music: Sachin–Jigar
• Runtime:  2 hours 19 minutes
• OTT platform: Netflix
• Cast: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Emraan Hashmi, and Revathy
• Director: Maneesh Sharma
• Producer: Aditya Chopra
• Music: Pritam Chakraborty
• Runtime: 2 hours 35 minutes

If there are five birds on a tree, and you shoot one, how many will remain? Well, only a few would instantly answer “zero”. It is because not all apply their logical minds, and rather stress on the mathematical problem.

This is the core essence of Sujoy Ghosh’s Jaane Jaan , a murder mystery tale that was released on Netflix. The film marks the OTT debut of Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Now, let’s solve the “problem” with a little bit of logic as to why Jaane Jaan deserves appreciation for delivering a perfect solution for entertainment in the end:

Sujoy Ghosh’s ‘Jaane Jaan’. (X)

The premise of Jaane Jaan is set in a hill station — quiet and surreal with a minimum population.

The film opens with a middle-aged man trying to kill himself in his house, but soon someone knocks on his door.

We soon get to know that the man who was attempting suicide is Naren, a Mathematics teacher. The woman who knocked on his door was Maya, a single mother living with her only daughter right next to Naren’s house.

Naren is a Maths teacher at the high school in the town and Maya runs a small restaurant.

For a murder mystery, a murder is a must, and it soon occurs when Maya’s estranged husband — a police officer — comes in search of her after 13 long years.

Within a couple of scenes, he is murdered. What follows next is a perfect step-by-step logical entertainment solved by director Sujoy Ghosh.

Also, this one is based on the novel “ The Devotion of Suspect X ” by Keigo Higashino.

Also Read: ‘Kaala’ has a spiritual connection, says Nivetha Pethuraj

The x factor.

Vijay Varma and Kareena Kapoor Khan in ‘Jaane Jaan’. (X)

Those who love Mathematics or have ever solved a mathematical problem would be aware that it is usually about finding the value of “X”.

Some problems need just a few seconds, and some, years. But some remain unanswered for the brilliant mind to unravel the mystery behind it.

The film’s “X” factor is certainly the making of this murder mystery with a good sense of logical application.

On one hand, Maths helps the mystery, and on the other hand, Jaane Jaan comes attached with unanswered questions.

Sujoy delivers a mystery that relies on both Mathematics and creativity. For instance, truth always exists but we often fail to see it, even if it is right in front of us.

A brilliant show

Jaideep Ahlawat in ‘Jaane Jaan’. (Netflix India/ X)

When “A” equals “B” and “B” equals “C”, then A certainly equals C.

The performances of Kareena Kapoor Khan as Maya, Jaideep Ahlawat as Nareb, and Vijay Varma as Karan stand out in Jaane Jaan .

The trio is the main base of this cat-and-mouse game of finding “X” or who the real murderer is.

Wrapped with enough mysteries, Sujoy Ghosh and his technical teammates present a simple yet effective tale.

The story keeps the audience hooked to the film rather than skip unnecessary scenes by 10 seconds or more on the OTT platform (Netflix) that is being aired.

Kareena Kapoor is natural, but Jaideep Ahlawat’s Naren — the brilliant yet practical man with a logical mind — leaves a mark on us.

Vijay Varma is on a dream roll with back-to-back beautiful performances.

Also Read:  Candid chat with Vickypedia of ‘Naanu Nandini’ video song fame

To find the value of ‘X’ in Maths, one needs to understand the problem and the logic behind it. Jaane Jaan provides both the problem and the solution, with much-needed thrills and chills.

(Views expressed here are personal.)

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Release date: 21 September, 2023 -->

Jaane jaan movie.

JAANE JAAN is the story of a single mother and a teacher who try to fool the police. Maya D'Souza (Kareena Kapoor Khan) lives in Kalimpong along with her daughter Tara (Naisha Khanna). Naren Vyas (Jaideep Ahlawat), a math teacher, is their neighbour. Naren is in love with her but ...  is too afraid to confess his feelings to her. He comes to her food joint daily to pick up a parcel of Egg Fried Rice. He tries his best to talk to her but gets tongue-tied. All is going well in their lives until one day, Inspector Ajit Mhatre (Saurabh Sachdeva), enters the life of Maya and tries to create havoc. One thing leads to another, and Maya becomes a prime suspect. This is when Naren comes to her rescue. However, the investigating officer, Karan Anand (Vijay Varma), coincidentally also Naren's old friend, realizes that something is fishy. He decides not to stop until he finds out the truth. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Photos (16)

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Kareena Kapoor Khan & Vijay Varma’s Momo Date | Jaane Jaan | Netflix India

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• ENGLISH HINDI MALAYALAM TAMIL TELUGU KANNADA BENGALI  

Jaane Jaan Hindi Movie

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Jaane Jaan review: Even spectacular Kareena Kapoor, Vijay Varma, Jaideep Ahlawat cannot save this disjointed thriller

Jaane jaan review: kareena kapoor, jaideep ahlawat and vijay varma star in sujoy ghosh's latest murder mystery set in kalimpong..

The benchmark that Sujoy Ghosh created for himself with the Vidya Balan-starrer Kahaani is tough to match. And it's evident in most of his subsequent projects where he donned the director's hat. With Jaane Jaan, the trailer raised high hopes, and things looked pretty exciting, but the film barely manages to live up to that hype or even come close to the intrigue quotient it set out to create. (Also read: Jaane Jaan producer says Kareena Kapoor worked like a ‘thorough professional’ as she shot film after birth of Jehangir )

Half way into Jaane Jaan, and I was convinced that even Ghosh knew this is not among his best works, but maybe he relied too much on the weight his actors — Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma — hold, and he let them carry the entire film on their shoulders without bothering much about where the story is headed.

And if there's anything that saves Jaane Jaan from sinking, it is the impeccable performances from this trio. Collectively, they offer a satisfying experience to moviegoers. If I had to just watch them perform without thinking about the what, why and how, Jaane Jaan would have been a perfect watch. But the film falters in more departments than one, and it's hard to ignore. While I have little complains from Ghosh's dedication as a director, Jaane Jaan definitely needed more pace, more depth and nuances for it to hit you hard, which it never does, barring maybe one scene about physical abuse.

An official adaptation of the 2005 Japanese novel The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino, the thriller has all the elements you'd expect to see in the said genre, but the treatment they get, and the unfolding of events looks just so disjointed. From the crime being committed, to the motive behind helping the culprit, it doesn't take a lot to solve the mystery, which ends up being a mere showcase of some spectacular performances.

The story traces Maya D'Souza (Kareena Kapoor Khan) who moved to Kalimpong in West Bengal years ago with her daughter Tara (Naisha Khanna) and runs a cafe. On one fateful night, while she is trying to cover up the murder of her estranged husband Ajit Mhatre (Saurabh Sachdeva), she encounters her gifted but awkward neighbour, Naren aka Teacher (Jaideep Ahlawat), who readily comes on board to help her for motives best known to him. Soon, a crime investigation begins and relentless cop Karan Anand (Vijay Anand) arrives on scene, who must reach the bottom of this case and uncover the truth. Even though he has just one suspect in Maya, all evidences are in her favour, so no arrest can be made. How does Karan unravel the mystery? Does Maya manage to steer away from the crime investigation? Why was Teacher helping Maya? All these questions find answers over the course of nearly two hours.

The story that Ghosh has co-written with Raj Vasant generates a decent amount of curiosity to begin with, and it builds nicely as it pans out, but soon, it goes downhill and loses focus. Despite so much unfolding on screen, including some gory details, somehow, you never feel that adrenaline rush a murder mystery or a thriller of this scale and with such a stellar cast, is expected to offer. Also, Jaane Jaan falls victim to way too many giveaways during the course of its screenplay. For instance, one of the flashback sequences early on in the script tells me one of the big reveals, which could have been saved for the climax. There are some very convenient coincidences that appear to only exist for the sake of it, and they never really drive the narrative.

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I really wished there was some deep, nuanced and well thought of story behind everyone's actions. Ghosh actually gives us a single line to tell us Kareena's back story, coupled with a few flashback sequences that leave you with more questions than giving answers. For Jaideep's character arc as well, there was so much more to include and make it way more interesting than how it was laid out. Vijay, in fact, gets the most step motherly treatment when it comes to having a depth to his character. Don't know if was deliberate, or just didn't fit in with the other two lead actors.

Nevertheless, the ace performers bring their A-game forward and manage to keep you hooked to the screen. Kareena steps out of her comfort zone to play this complex character that's immensely strong and extremely vulnerable at the same time. As a single mother, she adds a dimension to her character that strikes an emotional chord. In a scene where she's singing the classic title track, she adds a dash of sensuality without making it look off with the storyline.

Then there's Jaideep, who masters his scenes like no other. I really want to see if there's anything this man cannot pull off with so much ease and conviction. Playing a gifted math teacher, who usually spends time staking his neighbour or looking up ways to cure his early balding, there is a sense of eccentricity and mischief attached to his character, and each time he comes on screen, you start guessing his next move.

Lastly, Vijay is the eye-candy in the film, as Lin Laishram's character tells Maya, 'Woh dekh, handsome man'. As the cop, Vijay isn't your conventional man in uniform, and uses his charm and flirtatious tactics to dig out details from his suspects. Even in the most serious scenes, he would add his wit or a punch line that lands just perfectly. Despite such brilliantly effortless performances, Jaane Jaan remains an average thriller that keeps you waiting for the big reveal in the climax, alas it never comes, or whatever is there, is too little too late.

In fact, in the climax sequence, when the whole mystery solving is being narrated through a series of flashbacks, or when the pieces of the puzzle finally start coming together, you realise the puzzle never existed in the first place, and it was just a series of events unfolding to make some sense of what we watched for the last two hours.

Watch Jaane Jaan for some of the best acting chops on display, and to figure how Ghosh could have adapted this novel differently to make it more hard-hitting. The film is now streaming on Netflix.

• Kareena Kapoor
• Vijay Varma
• Sujoy Ghosh

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Jaane Jaan Movie Review: Jaideep x Kareena = X factor

Updated on: 23 September,2023 07:21 AM IST  |  Mumbai Mayank Shekhar | [email protected]

• Text  

Actor Jaideep Ahlawat plays this part. Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan is opposite him. This pairing itself is the best proof of how this is the golden age for actors—hence directors, who have such a wide choice to cast from

A still from the series

Jaane Jaan On: Netflix Dir: Sujoy Ghosh Cast: Jaideep Ahlawat, Kareena Kapoor Khan Rating: 3/5

Jaane Jaan is an official adaptation of Japanese Keigo Higashino’s book, The Devotion of Suspect X. Which is? Essentially, the daddy of Jeethu Joseph’s Malayalam Drishyam (2013), thereafter remade in Hindi, the rights of which have been further sold for a Korean version, completing a circle of sorts. 

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The point of the suspense being? A protagonist perfectly hiding a murder committed as accident, or in sheer self-defence. Would it be easier to confess the crime to the police and face trial, since the deceased was such a suspect character himself? Oh, no, what’s the fun in that. And who wants to face the vagaries of law, in any case. 

Much better to hide, and hope to move on. But that requires some intelligence, isn’t it? In this film, that ‘shaatir’/sharp brain belongs to an old maths teacher, with an unmatched attention to detail. Only, he’s helping his female neighbour get away. Are they together, or even friends? No. This is just out of unimaginable, unconditional love. 

Hence, as an audience, you follow the male lead, first. He spouts arithmetic equations to answer life’s questions. One of them being, if A = B, and B = C, then A = B = C. Which is odd, because if A = B = C, then they would not be different variables. All of them would simply be A, no?  But let’s not get too much into these things, including that childhood puzzle about five birds on a tree. If you shoot one down, how many are left? None, the others will fly away; obvio!

You’re drawn to this maths teacher, mainly because of his eyes and body-language so self-effacing and half-dead, that he appears half-blind and wholly vulnerable. Yet, he displays the look of someone so sorted, you know he will somehow protect you, if you’re under his care. You feel that most, when he half hugs his neighbour, the murderer. 

Actor Jaideep Ahlawat plays this part. Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan is opposite him. This pairing itself is the best proof of how this is the golden age for actors—hence directors, who have such a wide choice to cast from. 

Kapoor, in particular, has been extremely choosy, throughout her career, over who she’ll star with—Ayushmann Khurrana, for instance, was reportedly not good enough for her, during the casting process of Udta Punjab (2016). This makes Ahlawat a legit star of OTT, already. This is Kapoor’s digital debut.

It’s equally remarkable how she solidly underplays herself to suit the quieter medium. This character has an unknown past, chiefly as professional stripper/pole-dancer, although I haven’t met one such in my life in India so far. Vijay Varma , another hero of sorts, in his own right, is the devoted cop investigating the murder. And yet, don’t miss that dead-body, in the sense of the performer, who gets killed. That’s Saurabh Sachdeva, who we last saw, only the same week as this film, singularly killing it as the dignified don Haji in the series, Bambai Meri Jaan (Amazon Prime Video). He just so naturally gives out the druggie vibe, it’d be amazing if he’s a teetotaller vegan in actual life!

Can’t go wrong with actors so on the ball, can you? The script itself has been doing the rounds with several directors in Bombay for so long that, for some reason, even I had a copy of it lying around at home, once—gifted to me, to randomly read for fun. That Sujoy Ghosh was the filmmaker finally picked for this film is thanks to Kahaani (2012) and Badla (2019). Both movies equally in the mystery/thriller space, with a female protagonist. 

Ghosh does well to set Jaane Jaan in the serene hills of North Bengal, somewhat bearing the look and feel of Aranyak (Netflix), that was set in Himachal Pradesh, if I’m not mistaken, and was, similarly, the ’90s star Raveena Tandon’s OTT debut. 

So, between three alluring characters and a murder to hide, where do you go from here? Not too far, really. There isn’t much suspense, since you know the leads will get away with murder; what’s the point, otherwise. How? You stay for the punctuations, and the process.

This is the kind of high engagement, low risk, lower return genre, that you click on a streamer—knowing that, like a breezy sit-com, you will be suitably entertained. And you are. What was my unrelated takeaway from the pic, a call to action, as it were? Really wanna visit Gompu Bar & Restaurant in Kalimpong!

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Jaane Jaan Movie REVIEW; An Average Murder Thriller That Rides High On Performances

Read Full Jaane Jaan Movie Review –

Birthday girl Kareena Kapoor Khan ‘s OTT debut film, Jaane Jaan – streaming now on Netflix – is a moody murder-thriller that rides high on performances without any major twists and turns.

Director: Sujoy Ghosh

Cast: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma, Saurabh Sachdeva, Naisha Khanna

Duration: 2 Hours 19 Mins

Rating: 3/5

Set in Kalimpong, West Bengal, a single mother named Maya D’Souza (played by Kareena Kapoor Khan ) lives with her daughter Tara (played by Naisha Khanna) and runs a cafe. Years ago, she moved to the hill station to escape from her past. One fine day, she is caught in a crime investigation when her abusive ex-husband Ajit Mhatre (played by Saurabh Sachdeva ) gets killed.

Maya’s creepy and awkward neighbour Naren (played by Jaideep Ahlawat ), who also happens to be a renowned Maths teacher, comes on board to help her cover up the murder. While investigating the murder case, cop Karan Anand (played by Vijay Varma ) senses something fishy.

Watch Jaane Jaan on Netflix to know what happens next.

Jaane Jaan Movie Review; WHAT Do We Think?

The Sujoy Ghosh directorial is the official Hindi adaptation of the best-selling Japanese Novel ‘The Devotion of Suspect X’ by Keigo Higashino. The book has already been adapted into films multiple times in various languages.

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Sujoy Ghosh, who is known for thrillers like Kahaani, Badla , has delivered yet another murder thriller. However, this film is not one of his best works. This has all the the thriller elements but doesn’t have the nail-biting narrative or any major twists and turns. In fact, there are way too many giveaways during the first half of the movie.

Cinematographer Avik Mukhopadhyay has captured the moody and gloomy colour palette – grey and blue – of Kalimpong beautifully, adding depth to the storyline.

Speaking of the performances, the trio – Bebo, Jaideep and Vijay – bring their A-game forward and shoulder the movie. All three of them have excelled in their respective characters without overshadowing each other.

Jaideep steals the show as the socially awkward Math genius. Is there anything this man can’t pull off? From capturing the man’s expressions to his body language… Jaideep is on point.

With Jaane Jaan , Bebo has forayed into the OTT world. She is confident, she is vulnerable and owns every single scene she is a part of. Kareena played her character of a single mother flawlessly in a nuanced manner.

Vijay Varma is definitely the man of the moment. This time, he is playing a good character for change. He is charming as Karan. Despite being the eye-candy (there is a dialogue in the film, “Woh dekh, handsome man!” ), he has added more depth to his character with his subtle performance.

The title track, a revamped version of the Laxmikant Pyarelal classic, is played at a crucial time. The background score by Shor Police (Clinton Cerejo and Bianca Gomes) is decent.

With 139-minute run-time, the duration of this thriller could have been cut shorter.

HIT Or MISS?

Jaane Jaan is an one-time watch! It unfortunately fails to hold you attention throughout the film. However, give it a watch for the ace performers.

Also Read: Parineeti Chopra & Raghav Chadha Wedding LATEST Updates; Menu, Outfits & More

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20 Best Bollywood Movies on Netflix

S ince its inception in the early-20th Century, Bollywood has gradually evolved into one of the world’s largest film industries. The 1990s marked a surge in the global reach of Bollywood films, with movies such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) and Lagaan (2000) receiving widespread acclaim. In this present era, Bollywood sustains its universal appeal by delivering entertaining movies, all made accessible through popular streaming platforms like Prime Video, Max, and especially Netflix .

There are hundreds of Bollywood movies on Netflix, ranging from horror to drama and, of course, comedy to romance, all of which cater to different tastes. While this list may not capture everyone’s favorite Bollywood movies on the platform, it inherently serves as a solid starting point for enthusiasts and for Bollywood beginners alike to explore both timeless classic and recent releases of exceptional quality. Here are 20 of the finest Bollywood movies on Netflix that you definitely shouldn’t miss.

Qala (2022)

Qala is a 2022 Netflix original psychological drama about the fraught relationship between a mother and daughter. Written and directed by Anvita Dutt, the story follows the titular Qala (Tripti Dimri), who's a singer rising up the ranks in the music industry. However, she suffers from crippling self-doubt, spurred by the pressures of the industry and, more than anything, her domineering mother, Urmila (Swastika Mukherjee).

What Makes It Great

Qala is easily one of the most visually striking films on this list, which is saying something considering Bollywood's reputation for spectacle. And yet, there's an interesting contrast to how poignant and painful it is to watch Qala push through her inner demons in order to fulfill her dreams. Dimri and Mukherjee turn in fantastic performances, and the film as a whole is lifted by its phenomenal soundtrack.

Mimi (2021)

Directed by Laxman Utekar, this Bollywood comedy features Kriti Sanon in the titular role, as a young aspiring actress who reluctantly becomes a surrogate mother for an American couple. The plot takes a twist when they decide against proceeding with the pregnancy, leaving Mimi in a challenging situation.

Mimi goes beyond mere humor to serve social commentary about issues of surrogacy, adding emotional depth for ultimate resonance. For its engaging storyline, relevant themes, superb dialogues, and strong performances, the film has received positive reviews, with many commending Sanon for her compelling performance. Aside from its noteworthy performances and deep messages, it also delivers melodious and soulful music to enhance the overall viewing experience.

Asoka (2001)

Celebrated as a legendary 2000s Bollywood movie , Asoka draws inspiration from the history of Emperor Asoka, the heir to the throne of the Maurya Empire. The plot traces the journey of this ambitious young prince, from a fierce conqueror to a peaceful monarch, and chronicles his love story with Princess Kalinga.

Asoka stands as a perfect example of a Bollywood movie that offers more than song and dance. Boasting elaborate costumes, captivating visuals, powerful performances, and a romantic story steeped in historical richness, the film encompasses all the elements of an engaging historical spectacle. Director Santosh Sivan's vivid vision plays a pivotal role in crafting a well-layered and visually stunning movie. Through its cinematography, the movie breathes life into 3rd-Century India, capturing its beauty and essence. The impeccable performances of the actors contribute significantly to the film’s legendary status.

OMG 2 (2023)

Similarly to other film industries, Bollywood is evolving to address contemporary issues. In OMG 2 , issues of sex education and societal hypocrisy are explored through the story of Kanti, a civilian who takes his son’s school to court after his son is expelled for engaging in self-gratifying sexual activity that went viral.

On the surface, OMG 2 may seem like any other light-hearted Netflix court drama, but, underneath, it’s all about highlighting the importance of sex education and the roles parents and social institutions must play in facilitating it. Thanks to the exceptional performances of Pankaj Tripathi, Akshay Kumar, and the rest of the cast, the movie manages to get its message across while keeping things entertaining. With a mix of emotional, thoughtful, and humorous scenes, anchored by powerful dialogue, this film will leave many in awe, in tears, and, of course, in fits of laughter.

Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue (2023)

With Akshay Kumar in the lead role as Jaswant Sing Gill, Mission Raniganj: The Great Bharat Rescue presents a captivating portrayal of the 1989 Raniganj coal mine disaster. Filled with suspense and emotional resonance, this film chronicles Jaswan's heroic mission of rescuing 65 trapped miners.

This Bollywood movie's greatness lies in its inspirational tale about the indomitable spirit of humanity, with stellar performances by Kumar, Parineeti Chopra, and Ravi Kishan enhancing its entertainment value. The film maintains a tense atmosphere and intriguing plot throughout as characters race against time to save lives. The blend of action, history, tension, and drama ensures an engaging viewing experience, making it a must-watch on Netflix, particularly for lovers of thriller stories based on true events.

Related: Best Bollywood Movies to Watch in the Summer

Barfi (2012)

Set in the 1970s picturesque town of Darjeeling, this heartwarming story revolves around Barfi, a carefree and spirited young man, who leads a joyful life despite being deaf and mute. His life takes an interesting turn when he forms a close bond with the beautiful Shruti, even though she’s engaged.

Barfi distinguishes itself from other Bollywood titles on Netflix with its heartwarming narrative about friendship, love, and acceptance. It will undoubtedly resonate with any Netflix user who appreciates such soul-stirring themes. The film has received accolades for its touching story, engaging characters, and its skillful fusion of drama, humor, and romance. Even after a decade since its release, many continue to hail Barfi as a masterpiece in Indian cinema.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is a classic Bollywood movie about love, second chances, friendship, and the profound bond between parent and child. This romantic drama has achieved immense popularity and is considered a quintessential film for any cinephile. Even the songs on the official soundtrack have become massive hits.

Director Karan Johar employs vibrant colors, masterful storytelling, and a strong focus on emotions to create a movie that has captured the emotions of audiences across generations and remains a beloved film in cinema. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerj, the movie’s love triangle and electrifying chemistry between characters add to the film’s intensity and impact.

Jodhaa Akbar (2008)

Jodhaa Akbar is a historical epic that revolves around the love story between Akbar, the Mughal Emperor, and Jodha Bai, a Rajput princess. Hithrik Roshan takes on the role of Akbhar, while Aishwarya Rai portrays the Rajput princess. Against the backdrop of political intrigues, religious clashes, and cultural differences, their love evolves into a formidable one.

With elaborate costumes, lavish set designs, powerful performances, and well-choreographed battle scenes, director Ashutosh Gowariker crafts a vivid portrayal of the 16th-Century Mugal era. At the heart of the story is the beautiful relationship between the royal couple, with Rai and Roshan delivering outstanding performances, supported by a talented ensemble cast.

Don 2 (2011)

Farhan Aktar’s action thriller, Don 2 , serves as a contemporary remake of the 1978 movie of the same name and the sequel to the 2006 film, Don . Picking off where the first film left off, Don 2 follows as the titular character now rules the Asian drug cartel, relentlessly trying to expand his empire while the police officer, Roma, is still hot on his trail.

Don 2 is considered one of the most successful Bollywood action movies ever made. Renowned for its sleek action sequences, global locales, and well-crafted screenplay, the film showcases Shah Rukh Khan in a compelling portrayal of the intriguing antihero, Don. His performance adds a layer of excitement and depth to the storyline, while Priyanka Chopra also performs superbly.

The White Tiger (2021)

Adapted from Aravind Adiga’s bestselling novel of the same name, this Netflix original movie tells the story of Balram Halwai (Adarsh Gourav), a poor driver from a rural village in India, who rises to become a successful entrepreneur. Through Balram’s journey, the film explores the themes of social inequality, corruption, and the ruthless pursuit of success in contemporary India.

The White Tiger 's success lies in its one-of-a-kind and potent storytelling, bolstered by outstanding performances from a skilled cast. Addressing universal themes and pressing social issues, it earned widespread acclaim on Netflix, emerging as one of the top movies on the platform in over 60 countries. Gourav’s performance was widely praised, earning him recognitions at many award ceremonies, and director Ramin Bahrani was also commended for bringing such a compelling story to a broad audience.

Jaane Jaan (2023)

This suspense thriller is undeniably one of the best Indian movies on Netflix in 2023 . The plot follows as a single mother and her daughter commit a crime, and their genius neighbor steps in to cover it up as the police investigation into the murder intensifies.

Jaane Jaan unfolds in a tense and suspenseful atmosphere, pulling audiences into the creepy and dark world of the characters and keeping them on the edge of their seats. Kareena Kapoor yet again showcases her acting prowess, reaffirming her status as one of the best Bollywood actresses to grace the screen. Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Verma equally deliver powerful performances, with Ahlawat being the brightest of them all.

Related: 10 Supenseful Bollywood Action Movies

Kahbi Khush Kabhie Gham (2001)

Known for its star-studded cast, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham revolves around the Raichand family, with Rohan trying to reunite his fractured family and restore the happiness and love that once defined their bond. Over 22 years after its release, this quintessential family drama continues to hold its place as one of the finest and most popular films of the Bollywood industry.

When it comes to stories about the enduring power of love and familial relationships, Bollywood excels in crafting narratives that linger. Kahbi Khush Kahbie Gham is a prime example. Even if the heartwarming story, funny and emotional scenes, and touching performances fade from memory, the soul-stirring, memorable songs are there to remind many of the timeless beauty of this movie produced by Yash Johar and directed by Karan Johar.

Mrs Chatterjee Vs. Norway (2023)

Inspired by a real-life story, Mrs. Chatterjee Vs. Norway chronicles the relentlessness of Debika to win back the custody of her children after they are taken away by Norwegian children's welfare services, which deems her unfit to care for her kids. A riveting emotional journey, this 2023 Netflix films captured audiences from start to finish.

Rani Mukerji, a revered Bollywood actress, delivers a career-best performance here. Mrs Chatterjee Vs. Norway is a compelling and emotionally charged film about the perseverance of a mother and her unwavering love for her children. The director does a great job shedding light on stories that are often overlooked by bringing to the forefront the challenges faced by immigrant mothers and other crucial issues surrounding policies and the legal system.

Haider (2014)

Haider stands tall amongst the top Bollywood films on Netflix, offering a treat for those who appreciate crime dramas and masterful international adaptations of William Shakespeare ’s works. Against the backdrop of the Kashmir conflict during the mid-1990s, this story revolves around a young man who returns home to discover that his father is missing. His quest to find his father leads him into a web of political intrigue and tragedy.

Haider is undeniably a finely crafted adaptation that cleverly weaves Hamlet ’s story into a human tragedy within the Kashmir conflict, creating an unforgettable and impactful movie. Its gripping and intense drama, set in a volatile and conflicted setting of Kashmir, holds viewers captive until the end. The film has garnered praise for great performances by Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, and others, along with its atmospheric cinematography and strong screenplay.

Directed by Rajkumar Hirani and starring Aamir Khan in the lead role, PK is a satirical comedy that follows the story of an alien called PK, who lands on earth and embarks on a quest to understand human beliefs in hopes of finding answers surrounding God’s existence.

PK cleverly employs humor to deliver strong messages about blind faith, superstition, and religious practices, resulting in a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Khan’s outstanding portrayal of PK, characterized by childlike innocence and profound curiosity, has a way of making viewers empathize with his perspective. Emotion, drama, and comedy, PK has everything to make for a brilliant and entertaining watch. Thus, it’s no surprise it is often hailed as a definitive Bollywood classic.

Guru (2007)

In Guru , Abhishek Bachchan plays an ambitious young man who hails from a modest family and works tirelessly to establish his own business in India. Aishwarya Rai plays his doting wife, who steadfastly stands by him through the hurdles and financial setbacks he encounters. Loosely based on a real-life success story, this movie will resonate with anyone who enjoys watching biographical dramas on Netflix.

Guru is a typical rags-to-riches storyline , made exceptional by great directing, a great screenplay, striking cinematography, and impeccable characterization. The central themes of determination, resilience, and the power of the human spirit make Guru such an inspirational film. It’s just the perfect choice for anyone looking for motivation in their lives.

Like Stars on Earth (2007)

Also known as Taare Zameen Par , Like Stars on Earth is a heartwarming and inspirational tale that emphasizes the transformative power of a caring teacher-student relationship. It follows Ishaan, a creative young boy misunderstood by his parents and teachers, who perceive him as lazy and disobedient. However, with the help of an unconventional art teacher, his talents are unlocked gradually.

Like Stars on Earth is an emotionally powerful film that distinguishes itself from other Bollywood movies with a poignant story that sheds light on dyslexia. It ranks among the highest-rated Bollywood movies, both on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb, alongside movies like Three Idiots and Slumdog Millionaire . It partly owes its success to the outstanding performances of Aamir Khan and Darsheel Safary. Their nuanced portrayals elevate the movie, making it not just a brilliant cinematic piece, but a captivating roller coaster of emotions.

Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansaali and produced by Bhansaali Saab, this biographical crime drama stars Alia Bahatt in the titular role as Kathiawadi, a young girl sold into sex slavery, tracing her eventual rise into one of the most powerful figures in a world where she was once a pawn.

In Gangubai Kathiawadi , director Sanjay Leela Bhansali weaves a powerful and poignant narrative elevated by the magnificent performance of Bhatt as the titular character. As viewers witness Kathiawadi’s evolution into a powerful woman, it becomes impossible not to root for her. The cinematography and music enhance the film’s beauty and essence, solidifying its status as one of the best Indian films on Netflix.

Bulbbul (2020)

With its story set in 1881, in a fictional village of Bengal where men are mysteriously killed, Bulbbul plunges viewers into a tale of horror, mystery, and so much more than the mind can imagine. The story is told through the titular Bulbbul’s perspective, delving into her journey from childhood to adulthood and the traumatic events that have shaped her along the way.

What Makes it Great

Bulbbul weaves a dark and atmospheric tale, using horror as a tool to highlight the oppression faced by women, as well as their resilient spirit in the face of it. The Bollywood films earned acclaim for its fresh approach to the horror genre. The film will be loved by anyone who appreciates horror tales rooted in folklore and enriched by cultural and societal context.

Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zahn, and Saif Ali Khan in lead roles, Kal Ho Naa Ho tells the story of Aman, a terminally ill man, who spreads joy and happiness despite his grim circumstances. The plot brings tears to the eyes as Aman befriends his neighbors, introducing the transformative effect of his infectious kindness to their lives and the pain of losing him.

This Bollywood film isn’t just a romantic drama, it is an exciting yet heartbreaking movie that profoundly affects anyone watching. Timeless yet sentimental, it stands as one of those movies that can be watched anytime without losing its charm. With a combination of powerful performances, memorable music, an emotional storyline, and Nikhil Advani’s expert direction, Kal Ho Naa Ho is an unforgettable Indian movie that shouldn't be missed by Netflix subscribers. The inclusion of an iconic soundtrack further enhances its lasting appeal.