I wonder why the movie has been criticised and has been rated below the mediocre mark. Being Mrs. Nene aka Madhuri's comeback film coupled with Yash Raj banner, yes...we all had our expectation meter very high...however, I felt Aja Nachle was an interesting light film. A strong story line with a dash of comedy, good acting, great outfits & good music.
The dancing Diva's beauty is breathtaking in the movie and her dance ofcourse takes you into the dancing gear mode. Madhuri dixit has captured the imagination of our generation in a way perhaps like no other goddesses of the silver screen of yester years would have managed to do.The dialogues were not too impressive...however i am still trying to get over Madhuri's Yankee english accent where she pronounces dancers as "dyaancerz".
The English song "Dance with me" was a little out of place as Madhuri struggled to do justice to Vaibhavi Merchant's western steps. But Konkana Sen takes the cake away with her nongraceful self in the movie...i ended up laughing my head off in those scenes where she comes for the auditions for "laila". Vinay Pathak and Ranbir were good "as usual" in their small roles. Jugal Hansraj did justice to whatever he was asked to do in the movie...not that he complains to work under the yrj banner.
The "laila majnu" act in the end was pretty impressive and hold you to the seat. To sum it up, the film is an entertainer if you dont ask the director too many "Whys and Whats" like "Why a village that looks like it could urgently do with some good roads, building infrastructures a better economy would want a shopping mall etc etc..."
A *** three star rating from me to Aja Nachle...Thumbs up for Madhuri's performance and I would wait to see you on screen again!
18 comments:
Amen to that :)
I loved the movie - it had few holes and made for good relaxed viewing
Good review
Though i haven't watched the movie... Your article has surely convinced me to watch it...
Thanks Partha!
I would surely recommend u to watch dis movi ranjini...cant miss a mdhur flick;-)
ok...to b honest i haven't actually watched the movie yet. However, from the sounds of it...it sure has been a movie that has failed to meet the humungous expectations that one would have from a yashraj - madhuri combo.
Now the question is, does madhuri still possess the charisma required to keep the indian jantaa...waiting,wanting and craving for more?
If the answer to above is ‘Yes” then, was it the script?
I guess it was the script that din't quite do justice to madhuri's talent.
guess that 'bout all dat i'd wanna say. signin off....
Ya Sumeet...thats somethin that I fail to understand. What has happened to Indian audiences these dayz...they like stange movies like Garam Masala ...which has stupid slapstick humour and terrible acting by John Abraham!!! but they will not enjoy movies like Aja Nachle which is a light entertaining movie..
How true.. The movie is so good...! I also liked it :)
thats true...but den...think 'bout tis...generally it has been noticed that movies that do well in BO are the one's that connect to the "masses".
I feel it is only now that indian movie goers are looking out for cinema that is more realististic, with characters they can identify with rather than watch a movie that revolves around a fairy tale script...if u understand wat i mean !
i happened to check on a few reviews on aaja nachle... n most of 'em talked bout how the movie turns into a fairy tale in the later hour...may b thts wat dint catch the fancy of the indian audience..
Am yet to see it, due to the lack of my friends enthusiasm for d flick.But if nothing materialises ill hit d theatre alone this week!
Ure right Ms.Sunehri Zulfe dat a madhuri flick is not to be missed for watever reasons...as for d movie am not going with any pre-concieved notions...so expecting a good watch!
My posts ave been solely based on the review below:
In short, Aaja Nachle fails in the two vital departments -- writing and music. The film doesn't make your heart go dhak-dhak, nor does it prompt you to break into a nach at the end of the show.
After nearly a decade, an unexpected phone call shakes Dia [Madhuri Dixit] out of her dance rehearsal in New York. Makarand [Darshan Zariwala], her guru, is dying and she must return to Shamli, a town in India. The town where she grew up, the town where she learnt to live and to dance. Also the town she left on an impulse, severing ties with her parents and her people.
It is a poignant and troubled return; not only has her guru passed away but the institution that he so lovingly nurtured is in decay and under threat of demolition. Ajanta theatre, the once vibrant hub of the community, the place where Dia's fondest memories are embedded, must now be brought down because the local political authorities feel it a waste of prime real estate.
With the help of Doctor [Raghuvir Yadav], the caretaker of Ajanta, Dia sets out on a mission to prevent the destruction and resurrect the spirit of Ajanta. In an atmosphere of mistrust, ridicule and active hostility, Dia picks up the gauntlet and agrees to achieve the near impossible task of putting together a theatrical production. She must also ensure that every member of the production is from Shamli town. She has only two months to prove her point or the bulldozers will be waiting.
Bearing a striking similarity to the Brazilian film XUXA REQUEBRA, Jaideep Sahni's screenplay is the biggest culprit here. The protagonist [Madhuri] knows that there would be hurdles galore on her way, as she embarks on a journey to realize her guru's dreams. But she hardly struggles to achieve the impossible. Even the corrupt politician [Akhilendra Mishra] or the shrewd businessman [Irrfan], who could've proved to be tough nuts to crack, give in so easily.
Besides, the goings-on get too unbelievable. The first question that crosses your mind is, how does Madhuri raise the funds to put up this spectacular event [the set design in the penultimate song is marvellous]? Okay, that's a cinematic liberty, but, seriously, there should've been at least some reference to where the money would flow in to fund this mammoth, lavish and extravagant event. What starts off as a 'real' film, drifts into a 'surreal' world as it moves ahead.
Debutante director Anil Mehta knows the importance of frames/visuals since he's an accomplished cinematographer. But Mehta ought to know by now that it's the content that does the talking eventually. The writing is too commonplace to make any impact whatsoever. In an effort to strike a balance between believable and make-believe, Aaja Nachle falls like a pack of cards.
Salim-Sulaiman's music is another minus point. You expect the songs to linger in your memory even after the show has ended… that's what makes a musical tick, right? It's not the case here. Dialogues are wonderful at places, especially the ones delivered by Akshaye Khanna and Madhuri. Cinematography [Mohanan] is splendid.
Madhuri has always delivered qualitative performances and the fire continues to burn to this date. She's top notch, but how one wishes the script would've done justice to her talent. It doesn't offer her a pedestal to take that big leap. The loyal Madhuri fans would surely feel disillusioned and saddened.
Akshaye Khanna is tremendous. In fact, it's a treat to watch Madhuri and Akshaye together, after a hiatus. Kunal Kapoor is likable; he enacts his part with natural ease. Konkona is nice, but when compared to her previous work, it's definitely not in that league.
Irrfan, in a brief role, is okay. Divya Dutta too is relegated to the backseat. Ranvir Shorey is first-rate. Ditto for Raghuvir Yadav. Darshan Zariwala does a fine job. Yashpal Sharma is alright. Vinay Pathak and Sushmita Mukherjee are adequate. Akhilendra Mishra is as usual. Jugal Hansraj gets no scope. Vinod Nagpal and Uttara Baokar, as Madhuri's parents, have nothing much to do. Felix D'Alviella [as Steve -- Madhuri's lover] is passable.
On the whole, Aaja Nachle disappoints big time. At the box-office, the film has embarked on a poor start and coupled with weak merits will only emerge as one of the major disappointments of the year.
Okay...I cant find the fairy tale bit!!!
thts wat i was tlkin 'bout goldy locks...
The first question that crosses your mind is, how does Madhuri raise the funds to put up this spectacular event [the set design in the penultimate song is marvellous]? Okay, that's a cinematic liberty, but, seriously, there should've been at least some reference to where the money would flow in to fund this mammoth, lavish and extravagant event. What starts off as a 'real' film, drifts into a 'surreal' world as it moves ahead.
Secondly,
With the help of Doctor [Raghuvir Yadav], the caretaker of Ajanta, Dia sets out on a mission to prevent the destruction and resurrect the spirit of Ajanta. In an atmosphere of mistrust, ridicule and active hostility, Dia picks up the gauntlet and agrees to achieve the near impossible task of putting together a theatrical production. She must also ensure that every member of the production is from Shamli town. She has only two months to prove her point or the bulldozers will be waiting.
i don say tht the movie is bad...cos i haven't yet watched it...wat i'm tryin ta say is...these might b a few influencing factors tht proved the 'undoing' of the movie at the BO.
Oye Ruler...firstly...donot ride over some third persons review
secondly...i dont think you should even talk abt the movie if you have not seen it urself...
thirdly...if you have forgotten..i have clearly mentioned in my review..do not ask too many questions to the director and then you will enjoi the movie...
fourthly...people if you want to see real stories then goddamit "WHY WATCH A MOVI" ...experience it in your own life;-)
Kya bolta tu?
awrite goldylocks....ma answers ta ya questions:
1st - Right from my 1st statement i did make known tht i haven't watched the movie..so had u tol me to reserve my view point ta myself...i wud've most gladly done tht.But den, i did think my view points were welcome. Its only wen i tried differin to ur view points tht i ws tol "not to ride on a third person's review"
Just a small reminder - as i haven't seen the movie even you are a third person...thts referrin to the context.
2nd - I think the 1st answer, answers the second aswel
3rd - As teh sayin goes "Do unto others as u wud expect others to do unto you".So if u ave questions like "What has happened to Indian audiences these dayz...they like stange movies like Garam Masala ...which has stupid slapstick humour and terrible acting by John Abraham!!! but they will not enjoy movies like Aja Nachle which is a light entertaining movie" then u might aswel b ready to answer a few questions. Wot say?
4th - I din't ever say tht the audience looks for real stories....i said they try n luk for characters that they can associate themselves with...
Lastly, jus wanted to say .....i'm just tryin to evaluate a movie tht i haven't seen without being biased about it....i aint goin ta say tht its an amazing movie just cos it has the best star cast n has the backin of the biggest indian production house..
Hope all of yoll take tis post of mine in the right spirit....
Now Ruler...here you go...
If you haven't seen da movi...y make a fuss over it and now i guess u might as well go and watch Aja Nachle coz u have spent a lot of time reviewing the same and givin ur opinion "without watchn da movi"
You view points are absolutely welcome and I was only trying to make my view point reach out to the audience "Loud & Clear"
To ans ur third question abt answering questions to the masses..well u see I am on it answering ur questions in this open forum!!!
I think if u ask me...I associated myself wid the charachter Dia...If I would have been in such a situation (saving Shiamak Davar's academy) I would have done everything to save my academy. Wouldn't u?
I never asked you to say its da best movi...it is certainly not the best movi as it has some loopholes which I have mentioned in the review...
Your post is taken in the rigt spirit ruler dont u worry;-) ...keep pouring in ur views as I am d moderator and I always welcome freedom of speech/thougt!
Tell ya wot..now tht i've done such a lot of R&D on da movie. Shall watch da movie n give my final take on the flick...till den....PEACE OUT !
Wow thats an achievement for me...Peace!
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