Movie Review

In 2001, Gautham Menon directed Rehna Hai Tere Dil Me (RHTDM) starring Madhavan, Dia Mirza. The movie was not very successful. After 11 years Menon has returned back to Hindi cinema with Ek Deewana Tha, the remake of his superhit Tamil film. The movie was earlier remade in Telugu also, which again was a commercial hit. However, when it comes to Bollywood, one cannot say for sure, that a hat-trick is on the cards.  The movie has not been properly adapted for Hindi cinema and looks more inspired by South Indian cinema.  Why a remake then, why not a dubbed version?  The movie also reminds you of another classic Ek Duje Ke Liye (1981).

Sachin (Prateik Babbar) is a mechanical engineer who is more interested in making movies. And luck favours him and he is shown assisting none other than Ramesh Sippy (Sholay fame).  He falls in love with Jessie (Amy Jackson). Love at first sight.  But there are few problems.  She is a Christian, daughter of his landlord and born in a family where movie watching is no less than a sin.  The girl is a year elder to him. Needless to mention, both her father and brother, hate Sachin.  From smaller roles in movies like Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Dhobhi Ghat, Aarakshan etc., this means a big break for Prateik. But it looks a little too early for him to carry a film all by himself.  He has shown good screen presence.  He has done justice to his role by acting crazy and spontaneous.

Amy Jackson, former Miss Liverpool, is yet another addition in the ever-growing list of firang actresses.  Reportedly her skin tone has been manipulated digitally. Throughout the movie, she is modeling Sarees, catwalking her way on the streets of Mumbai.  And most other times she appears lost, confused or speechless.  But somehow, it suits her character in the movie.

The movie is slow, simplistic but absolutely romantic and funny at places. The movie is long for the script (2hrs, 45min) but a true romantic would never be in a hurry to finish the script but would appreciate the art of living moments. Love stories are all about the journey and not the destination.  It is same old story, but the movie is not too predictable. There are surprises and twists.

This movie is not for those who are looking for entertainment, entertainment and only entertainment. And that is the reason the movie might not even do to well commercially.  Ek Deewana Tha is definitely for those who ever fell in love, irrespective of the outcome.