Eternal Temptations

Anjaani Anjaani ki kahani

Movie: Anjaana Anjaani

Director: Siddharth Anand

Actors: Priyanka Chopra, Ranbir Kapoor

So, my first pre-release assessment of a movie hasn't been that accurate. From the promos on air, and considering the fresh casting in the movie, I'd deduced that Anjaana Anjaani would become another addition to the quintessential love stories in Hindi cinema, just like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Sadly, I was disappointed on that front. Anjaana Anjaani for me is a mesmerising tale of cosmopolitan romance, urban humour, fashionable characters and good music that'll stay around for a while. What's missing - the intensity of romance, which I'd primarily say is a scripting lack. The story is straightforward and vividly portrayed. And Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor have truly given memorable performances, perhaps by far their best. Sadly again, this isn't reciprocated in the script.

AA is the story of Kiara (Priyanka Chopra) and Aakash (Ranbir Kapoor), two defeated souls who meet on a bridge while trying to commit suicide. Catch 1: Does every Indian looking soul in the US necessarily speak Hindi? Anyway, so the two are unable to commit suicide, and part ways to end up in separate accidents which bring them to the same hospital. They decide to commit suicide together and having failed yet again deduce that they are supposed to live life once again. So, they set a deadline for the approaching New Year's eve and decide to do everything they wanted to before that and their impending suicide. Predictably, they fall in love during this time. While Aakash recognises this love, Kiara doesn't. It's this part of the movie that has the two actors at their emotional best.

The humour is good, not the uncouth types actually, and a few scenes actually remind you of SRK and Kajol's chemistry. In a particular scene, when Kiara wipes Aakash's face, you are almost reminded of the rain scene between Anjali and Rahul from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. There are a few inconsequential characters and the only other known face in the movie is Zayed Khan, who has done a decent role.

While the trailer misleads you into believing that AA is the stuff that Hindi love stories are made of, there's still something missing. It's a good tale told nonetheless and a good watch for the weekend. If nothing else, watch it for the Ranbir and Priyanka’s acting skills and the great wardrobe the two are sporting. Oh, and not to miss the cadillac in the movie.