Bollywood’s Jaane Jaan: A Mixed Bag of Thrills and Flaws

Sujoy Ghosh’s latest film, “Jaane Jaan,” based on Keigo Higashino’s “The Devotion of Suspect X,” offers a blend of captivating moments and shortcomings. The narrative, set against the backdrop of Kalimpong and revolving around a murder, unfolds with a mixed impact, presenting both positive and negative aspects.

One of the film’s standout features is its intriguing premise, akin to other thrillers like “Drishyam.” The story’s foundation holds promise, although its execution encounters stumbling blocks.

A notable concern within “Jaane Jaan” is its treatment of the female characters, with a recurring issue of objectification and a troubling male gaze. This aspect can be discomforting and detracts from the overall viewing experience.

The film’s character development leaves much to be desired, with undernourished personas and inadequately crafted dialogues. The buildup is nearly nonexistent, and the payoff may leave some viewers underwhelmed.

However, “Jaane Jaan” does manage to deliver a compelling twist centered around the perfect alibi. This moment of revelation stands out amidst the film’s other shortcomings.

The presence of accomplished actors like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma adds depth to the film, and their performances are noteworthy. Ghosh’s direction, combined with Avik Mukhopadhyay’s cinematography, offers moments of engagement, primarily due to the cast’s effortless portrayal of their characters.

Nonetheless, the film’s lengthy runtime could benefit from more efficient editing. “Jaane Jaan” ultimately falls short of realizing its full potential, leaving viewers with a mixed bag of thrills and flaws to ponder.

Re-reported from the article originally published in Best of Netflix