Review: 'Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha' disappoints, dejects and leaves you dumbfounded

Neeraj Pandey's directorial venture, "Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha," features Ajay Devgn and Tabu, along with Shantanu Maheshwari and Saiee Manjrekar portraying their younger counterparts. This film embarks on an ambitious journey of love, separation, and the passage of time, set against the backdrop of Mumbai in 2001.

The story revolves around Krishna (Ajay Devgn/Shantanu Maheshwari), a migrant who falls deeply in love with Vasudha (Tabu/Saiee Manjrekar). Their love story takes a tragic turn one night, leading to Krishna's imprisonment for 23 years. Upon his release, Krishna hopes to reunite with Vasudha, although he is painfully aware she might have moved on. The film explores their reunion and the unresolved emotions and grievances that come to the surface. However, translating this intriguing narrative onto the screen proves to be a challenging task, and this is where the film falters.

The screenplay, written by Pandey himself, attempts to navigate through multiple timelines. Unfortunately, the execution lacks coherence. The constant back-and-forth between different time periods demands significant patience from the audience. Pandey's approach feels disjointed, leaving the narrative predictable and often tedious.

One of the film's major drawbacks is its predictability. The plot borrows elements from various films over the years, resulting in a concoction that leads to a climax one can foresee from the first half. The twists and turns, rather than keeping the audience on edge, feel familiar and uninspired.

The emotional core of the story fails to reach its potential due to the uneven pacing and lack of dramatic build-up. The film never quite achieves the emotional crescendo it aims for. Shantanu Maheshwari, as the young Krishna, brings a fresh energy to the film. His performance stands out, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the otherwise lackluster narrative. Maheshwari's portrayal carries the film, highlighting both his talent and the missed opportunities in the writing.

Ajay Devgn and Tabu, seasoned actors, deliver expected performances. Devgn's portrayal of Krishna, upon his release from prison, lacks the shock and awe one would expect after two decades of isolation. Tabu, despite her undeniable talent, doesn't get enough moments to shine. Saiee Manjrekar, playing young Vasudha, shows promise, hinting at a bright future in the industry.

The film's technical aspects also raise several questions. Inconsistencies in production design are glaring. For instance, the depiction of Mumbai in 2001, including landmarks like Marine Drive and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, contains historical inaccuracies that detract from the film's authenticity.

While M.M. Keeravani's background score is soothing in parts, it often feels overwhelming and intrusive. The music attempts to guide the audience's emotions, but instead, it becomes a distraction, overpowering the dialogue and the scene's natural impact. 

Cinematographer Sudhir Palsane's efforts to incorporate long shots and handheld camera work feel so out of context and actually make you feel dizzy, especially in scenes where there is a dialogue between Ajay Devgn and Jimmy Shergil. 

Despite its flaws, "Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha" has moments that stand out. The chemistry between the younger versions of Krishna and Vasudha, played by Maheshwari and Manjrekar, is heartwarming. Their innocent and earnest portrayal of young love forms the film's emotional core, providing a stark contrast to the more jaded, older characters.

The climax, where the older Krishna and Vasudha finally confront their past, offers a glimpse of the emotional depth the film aspires to achieve.  This sequence, though impactful, arrives too late to redeem the film.

The Verdict

Neeraj Pandey's attempt to transition from his comfort zone of thrillers to a romantic drama is commendable, but the execution leaves much to be desired. The film's disjointed narrative, predictable plot, and technical inconsistencies overshadow its potential. While it is refreshing to see a love story featuring mature characters, "Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha" ultimately falls short of being a compelling romantic drama.

Rating

**(2/5) stars