What stands out the most is Shahrukh Khan and Anushka Sharma's chemistry.
For many months the Bollywood romance, Jab Harry Met Sejal (JHMS), has gone through several changes.
First ‘The Ring’ and then ‘Rahnuma’, it was eventually re-titled to JHMS.
Even with all of these revisions, there has been immense anticipation for this Imtiaz Ali romance. Primarily, because it reunites the Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Jab Tak Hai Jaan couple – Shahrukh Khan and Anushka Sharma – after a hiatus 0f 5 years.
The film narrates the story of Sejal (Anushka Sharma) who loses her engagement ring while travelling across Europe.
She asks her tour guide Harry (Shahrukh Khan) to help her search for it across Europe. During their crazy, hectic and heartwarming journey, their relationship strengthens as they learn more about each other.
It sounds like a rosy and profound love story. So how impactful is Jab Harry Met Sejal? DESIblitz reviews.
Director Imtiaz Ali is a genius when it comes to filmmaking technicalities. In many of his previous works, his camera-angles and directorial vision always work well.
There are a range of notable camera shots. One, in particular, is a scene where both Harry and Sejal are sitting in a bar and watching a singer. The camera focuses on Sejal and Harry from the side, emphasising their sentimental expressions.
As both look in the same direction and are tearful, we see that they have not really acknowledged their love for each other. In other words, what they are seeking, is actually seeking them!
As with many of Imtiaz’s projects, the cinematography in JHMS is delightful to watch. Kudos to K.U. Mohanan for an eye-catching and crisp execution.
A Brilliant Musical Soundtrack
It has been over 8 years since Pritam composed for an Imtiaz Ali venture since Love Aaj Kal, and this is another stellar soundtrack.
Not only are tracks like ‘Radha’ and ‘Butterfly’ enjoyable, but other songs like ‘Hawayein’, ‘Parinda’ and ‘Yaadon Mein’ are soul-stirring and instantly loveable. Furthermore, the Nooran Sisters‘ vocals in ‘Jee Ve Sohneya’ are haunting.
And thank goodness that the highly-publicised and catchy song ‘Phurr‘ is also included in the film.
As well as the main soundtrack, one must also appreciate Hitesh Sonik’s background score. His music enhances the mood of the narrative and is captivating.
Shahrukh and Anushka’s On-screen Chemistry
What stands out the most is Shahrukh Khan and Anushka Sharma’s chemistry. The relationship between them gradually develops and during this journey, the audience feels involved with their romance.
During their exchange of dialogues, some mesmerising moments are also created.
On one hand, SRK is Harinder ‘Harry’ Singh Nehra – a Punjabi tour guide, who has no fixed home – almost like a wanderer with no destination. Then, there is Sejal Zhaveri (Anushka Sharma) a happy-go-lucky Gujarati lawyer.
Anushka Sharma is excellent as Sejal. Not only is her Gujarati accent on-point, but she delivers the performance with full energy. Her character is very well-developed and consistent throughout the film. Generally, Sharma enacts her part with gusto.
In many of Imtiaz Ali movies, the reason of a tormented soul is outlined very clearly. For instance, in Highway, it was well explained that Alia Bhatt suffered child abuse.
Shahrukh Khan, as we know, is the king of romance. His acting is also great. However, the character development (itself) lacks majorly considering that he is lonely and a womaniser. In short, he is a tormented soul.
As for his character, one sees glimpses of his sorrow and solitude – through snippets of flashbacks.
However, these flashbacks do not fully explain what is Harry’s real issue with life.
We want to be taken on Harry’s emotional journey, but sadly we are not and this is disappointing.
A Flawed Storyline
Another flaw is the flimsy storyline. Past Imtiaz Ali films have revolved around a simple story, which left a great impact.
The plot here is far-fetched and larger-than-life. This is not Ali’s usual storytelling style.
As the story jumps from city to city (Prague, Amsterdam, Vienna, Lisbon and Budapest), it gives the impression that film is merely promoting European tourism.
In comparison to the entertaining first-half, the second part drags and the film takes forever to reach its climax – which itself is underwhelming.
Overall, Jab Harry Met Sejal is not Imtiaz Ali’s finest work.
In terms of performances, Shahrukh Khan and Anushka Sharma are excellent, but the major flaw here is the far-fetched storyline.
If only the character of Harry was more developed, this would improve the film drastically.
Final word? If you are seeking a relatable and realistic storyteller, then Jab Harry Met Sejal is unsuccessful in that aspect. To be honest, we expected much better from Imtiaz!
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