Jhankaar Beats

Before actually seeing this film, I had little to no expectations, but after viewing it remains one of my favorite films. The story is quite simple, its about these two RD Burman obsessed musicians who are trying to win the musical competition, and the funny circumstances they run into along the way. Excellently written & directed by first timer Sujoy Ghosh, with awesome music by Vishal & Shekar, and great performances from the entire cast. This film will have you laughing so hard. The film also contains its messages about life and friendships along the way. This film shows Bollywood's potential in making great films if it pays more attention to script and character development. Though the film does not carry any huge superstars (Except for Juhi Chawla), this film is a must see. A++

Freshman Director Sujoy Ghosh tells a ripping good tale of two bosom buddies who "work" at an advertising agency but in reality only live for one thing – to win the music competition Jhankaar Beats! Every year they get oh so close but always fall short. The more grounded Deep (Sanjya Suri)) is married to Shanti (Juhi Chawla), has a daughter and is about to become a father yet again. The more uncaring and Bindaas Rishi (Rahul Bose) is married to Nicki (Rinke Khanna), a successful lawyer, but the marriage is troubled and heading towards Splittsville. Both Deep and Rishi know that they need a guitarist to really have a chance at the competition and that is when a guitarist in the shape of Neel (Shayan Munshi) is thrown their way as the no-good son of the boss at the agency. Neel loves Preeti (Riya Sen) but is unable to say a coherent word in her presence. There is a condom campaign that needs to be put together and there is tough competition from the voluptuous andunscrupulous employee (Archana Puran Singh) of the rival agency. There are the extremely coochie-coo and "active" neighbors upstairs, the pigeon that loves Rishi's car, the Boss, and the fact that Basanti did not dance for Veeru but to save her own skin!

The film is a delicious concoction of music, outrageous hilarity and some thought provoking looks into the institution of marriage, and the interplay between hobbies, obsessions and occupations. The ensemble cast is highly competent and every single actor does a good job. Sanjay Suri does a decent job as the serious one, but is clearly one upped by Rahul Bose who stands out in the role of Rishi. The newcomer Shayan is competent, Rinke Khanna and Riya Sen work in their roles. Archana Puran Singh is hilarious as the sexpot in a role she manages to do spot on every time. Shashikala is the intrusive mother-in-law, good to see her back. But for me the show stealer is Juhi Chawla as the pregnant Shanti, a portrait of serenity, responsibility, love and fun. She is the high point of Jhankaar Beats. The film has some excellent moments with references to RD Burman, and Sholay and even to the current culture of meditation in an age where clubbing and pop music rule. It was just a bit long and could have been trimmed by about half an hour – but even in this long version it is a rare treat indeed. The music by Vishal Shekhar is excellent and my favorite numbers are Tu Aashiqui hai, and the evergreen Hame Tumse Pyaar Kitna in a very unique variation.

Jhankaar Beats, a film by a debut director Sujoy Ghosh is a witty, intelligent, charming and fun film about 3 couples- essentially representing 3 stages of any couple's life- Couple 1: Sanjay Suri and Juhi Chawla are this much in love couple who are expecting their second child. Couple 2: Rahul Bose (brilliant in his role of Rishi) and Rinke Khanna who play an estranged couple on the verge of divorce- much of their story is told in flashbacks. Couple 3: Shayan Munshi (a quite capable debut turn by him in the role of the bumbling, underconfident Indraneel- bordering on Saif's character of Sameer in Dil Chahta Hai with which this film draws a ready and obvious comparison almost instantaneously) and playing his love interest is a rather beautiful Riya Sen who plays the bimbette to near perfection and initially does not reciprocate Indraneel's affection for her. How he wins her over forms one of the most interesting subplots towards the middle of the movie The story is essentially of these 2 friends, Sanjay (lead vocalist) and Rahul (drummer), trying to win a rock contest named "Jhankaar Beats" having lost on previous 2 occasions. Later, in their pursuits, they're joined by Indraneel (guitarist)who also happens to be their boss' son. Apart from the contest, they have to manage their love lives, family lives, complaining neighbours, a demanding boss, an ad campaign for condoms and unscrupulous competition from corporate sharks and other rock bands. In the end, they manage to win the contest and their dream comes true. What works very well for the film is its economical storyline, fine characterisations, great music (especially Suno Na and Tu Hai Aasman Mein). The film is also an ode to RD Burman and is fraught with trivia about him and also, interesting albeit colloquial anecdotes about Sholay and condoms. Go figure!

Jhankaar Beats can be termed as a Bible any newcomer should follow to make a technically sound Bollywood film. I am sure the director Sujoy Ghosh has spent more time on pre-production (special mention - script) before embarking upon hitting the movie on the floors.

Obvious references that might crop are to Dil Chahta Hain which was a story of 3-friends. Here we have 3-couples perfectly characterized into different slots. Couple One: Sanjay Suri & Juhi Chawla representing the upper-middle class of society, expecting their second child. Couple Two: Rahul Bose & Rinkie Khanna representing the modern urban couple on the verge of divorce. Couple Three: Shayan Munshi & Riya Sen representing the teenagers in love, the hero's love and reluctance and the girl's acceptance.

Interlaced around these are the episodes of ad-agency where the three hero's work on a common assignment, conniving next-door ad-agency competitor, the nose-digger prospective client, spiritual next-door neighbor sex guru, the painful divorce process, nagging mother-in-law and finally Rahul Bose's car. The common passion for R D Burman's music and preparation for the competition forms the backbone of the effective storyline.

Noteworthy mentioning is loquacious Archana Puran Singh who this time whispers "mum's the word". And guess what? Her real-life hubby Paramjeet Singh does not get to share the same frame!

All the actors have done their parts extremely well. What stands absolute above all these, is unmistakably the script which is flawless. Perfect emotions blended with good songs and skillful editing makes this movie an entertaining fare.

Roll on Sujoy with your next venture. We are waiting.

This is actually the very first Bollywood I've ever seen ... and I really enjoyed myself. It's a must see also for people like me who have never seen a Bollywood film in their life.

Give it a try ... you won't be disappointed!