Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha REVIEW: Ajay Devgn and Tabu starrer is a hardcore dated love story; turns out to be Neeraj Pandey’s weakest offering

Film:
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha movie

Director: Neeraj Pandey

Writer: Neeraj Pandey

Star cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Jimmy Shergill, Shantanu Maheshwari, Saiee Manjrekar,

Runtime: 145 mins (2 hours 25 mins)

Platform: In theatres

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha review

Story

After 22 years in prison, a man named Krishna finally gets bail for a crime he committed in his youth. He reminisces about the beautiful days with his lover Vasudha who is equally heartbroken after he went to jail. However, now, he is reunited with his lost love, and the truth behind his crimes is revealed.

What’s good about the movie

Screenplay: AMKDT is beautiful in slow-burn romance, and Neeraj Pandey demonstrates a keen understanding of how to maintain viewer engagement without succumbing to boredom. In the film’s first half, Pandey skillfully builds the intensity between the characters Krishna and Vasudha by keeping them apart, creating a palpable yearning to see them together. This meticulous build-up heightens the anticipation, making their eventual meeting all the more rewarding in the second half. The union of Krishna and Vasudha initiated fireworks onscreen and it was magical.

Cinematography: Certain scenes in the film are truly spellbinding, thanks to the exceptional work of DOP Sudheer Palsane. His cinematography elevates emotions to another level, particularly in the Dahi Handi and Holi scenes. Each frame is a visual spectacle, beautifully shot with techniques and angles that enhance the scene’s impact and overall value.

Ajay Devgn and Tabu’s chemistry: They were a hit pair in the 90s. The two have delivered several hits together but the one thing that left everyone spellbound was their chemistry. Even though there was no physical intimacy between them, their standing together created so much spark between the two. This is one of the highlights of the movie that makes you eager to see them together onscreen. Their chemistry seems so easygoing and natural that your heart is filled with love. Thanks, Neeraj Pandey, for casting them for a romantic movie.

Music: MM Keerm sir is a music maestro for all the right reasons. After a power-packed soundtrack and background score in the Baahubali series, RRR and others, Keerm is back again with a banging soundtrack for AMKDT that is goosebump-inducing. From their romantic song to the separation song, the music pumps up every emotion. Kudos to sir for giving beautiful masterpieces in this movie.

What’s not

Script: A tighter script is needed, especially when it gives a 90s vibe. Yes, it is an old-school romance but somewhere today’s generation might not relate. The film keeps juggling between past and present and you see a lot of scenes getting repeated. To show a particular scene from different perspectives, the scenes are repetitive and are not so pleasing at one point. Most of the scenes are shown in the

Performance

Ajay Devgn who essays the role of Krishna brings out a calmness in his character. His character is someone who has evolved as a person after a traumatic past. Despite having a storm inside him, he shows his calm demeanour on his face and Ajay pulls it off with finesse. Not just from Ajay’s eyes and body language, but his voice too has so much ‘dard’ that the character connects with you. He proves that he is not just an action hero, he needs a little stir to bring the romance to the surface.

Whereas in the action sequences, Ajay is natural as if there’s some inherent capability of doing action. In some parts, he even reminds you of Singham’s power. It’s fun to watch!

Tabu is phenomenal as Vasudha. She beautifully emotes vulnerability and innocence through her eyes, and it strikes a chord in your heart. Though Tabu has less screen time, even less than Saiee, she demands undivided attention. She looks beautiful, period.

Jimmy Shergill comes in the second half of the movie, marking a powerful presence. He essays the role of Vasudha’s husband Abhijeet and he does a great job with his cameo appearance.

Shantanu Maheshwari and Saiee Manjrekar are not just some side characters but play the younger self of Ajay and Tabu. After Gangubai Kathiawadi, we get to see a rough and tough Shantanu. There’s a character switch in the case of Shantanu from being a cheerful lover boy to an intense prisoner. However, Shantanu plays this part with maturity. It seems like he paused the cute lover boy image to bring out the intense character. It’s a good growth in him as an actor.

Saiee needs more polishing in terms of acting. Some of her expressions seem expressionless and the dialogue delivery comes flat. You are not invested in this character as much as required. Nevertheless, her character is quite interesting, she comes across as a naive and timid girl but there’s a feisty side to her. Well, you will get to see it in the movie.

Conclusion

Overall in the review, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha attempts to deliver a hardcore love story, but its narrative feels somewhat dated in today’s context. Nonetheless, Ajay Devgn and Tabu evoke the charm of old-school romance, which is bound to make your heart flutter. For fans of slow-burn romances, this film is a worthwhile pick. Additionally, it’s important to note that the film isn’t solely about Devgn and Tabu; Shantanu Maheshwari and Saiee Manjrekar also shine in their respective roles. However, the movie falls short of living up to its title, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, and instead, it might have been more aptly titled Hamari Adhuri Kahaani 2.

Watch the trailer of Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha after the review

Also read: Ulajh REVIEW: Janhvi Kapoor starrer fails to thrill with its predictable spy story