Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha Movie Review: A Disappointing Attempt at Love and Nostalgia
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/2nd August 2024
In a cinematic landscape dominated by political thrillers, action-packed dramas, and patriotic epics, a love story set in the lives of people in their fifties is a refreshing change. “Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha,” directed by Neeraj Pandey, aimed to offer a poignant exploration of love and regret, but despite its potential, the film falls short, presenting more of a jumble than a cohesive narrative.
The film opens with a nostalgic sepia-toned scene from 2001, featuring young lovers Krishna and Vasudha sitting on the rocks with a view of the incomplete Bandra-Worli Sea Link. This visual metaphor for their unfinished love story sets the stage for the movie’s central theme. Vasudha, embodying youthful naivety, asks Krishna if anyone will come between them. His light-hearted response underscores the simplicity of their initial romance, making their eventual separation even more poignant.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Mumbai’s chawls, the film traces Krishna and Vasudha’s romance through festive occasions like Janmashtami, Diwali, and Holi. Their idyllic life takes a turn when Krishna reveals his need to relocate for work, first to Bangalore and then to Germany for two years. The story then leaps forward 23 years, introducing an older Krishna, who has been imprisoned for two murders. He is released early due to good behavior, and the narrative focuses on his life as he prepares to re-enter the world.
The film’s primary conflict arises when Krishna seeks to reconnect with Vasudha, who now runs a successful handloom business and is married to Abhijeet, portrayed by Jimmy Sheirgill. The crux of the story revolves around whether Vasudha will rekindle her relationship with Krishna or remain with her husband. Unfortunately, the film struggles to provide compelling answers to these questions.
One of the film’s major flaws is its underdeveloped characters, particularly Abhijeet. His intense curiosity about meeting Krishna, which drives much of the narrative, feels unconvincing. The supposed tension between being a secure partner and an insecure husband is superficially explored and leaves viewers perplexed. Similarly, Vasudha’s emotional journey lacks depth, failing to fully convey her feelings for either man.
The musical score, composed by the esteemed MM Kreem, does not enhance the film’s emotional impact as expected. The soundtrack, billed as a highlight of the film, fails to resonate or elevate the narrative. The film’s emotional sequences often feel reminiscent of outdated television dramas, which detracts from their intended impact.
Ajay Devgn and Tabu, the film’s leads, bring impressive performances to their roles. However, despite their best efforts, the screenplay’s shortcomings prevent their scenes from achieving the emotional resonance they deserve. The reunion scene in their old chawl, full of potential, ultimately falls flat due to uninspired writing.
The film’s conclusion, which attempts to provide closure, ends up feeling abrupt and unsatisfying. The lack of a post-credit scene leaves viewers with a sense of incompleteness. While the film’s final moments, where Krishna and Vasudha confront their past, are moving, they come too late to salvage the overall experience.
The younger versions of Krishna and Vasudha, played by Shantanu Maheshwari and Saiee M Manjrekar, offer a refreshing glimpse into the characters’ earlier lives. Their performances provide the film’s emotional core and are its most compelling aspect. Yet, even their strong performances cannot fully redeem the film’s uneven execution.
In conclusion, “Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha” struggles with a convoluted plot and underwhelming execution. Despite the star power of Ajay Devgn and Tabu and the heartfelt performances of the younger cast, the film ultimately fails to deliver a coherent and impactful love story. It’s a film that tries to explore the complexities of love and regret but ends up being a mixed bag of emotional highs and lows.
