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Afterthoughts
Wow. Like I said, quite a show for $4. This was far more violent and intense than I expected from the trailer. Above all though, the treatment of the kids in this show was incredible. When it was over, I knew I'd seen something that never ever would have been made here in the States. I went into enough detail in the body of the recap on this topic, so I won't go much further here. Just had to reiterate that I was stunned more than once by this.
I really liked the evolution of the Ram Jaane character. From being a flamboyant rogue all of his life to finally realizing what he's become and done was an interesting development. I was happy to see him do the right thing while he still had the chance.
Shah Rukh Khan is a prolific actor in Bollywood. I'm a little surprised at how long it took me to get to one of his films for the site. I've got many more on the way though. He is a very charismatic and entertaining personality, and seems to really enjoy his work. He really gets into the dancing, and the performance he puts in while begging for his life is very intense. He did a good job here.
Juhi Chawla is a beautiful lady, and has a good rapport with SRK. I've seen them together in other shows, and there's a good chemistry going on there. She's a good dancer as well. I enjoyed her in this film.
Vivek Mushran was a new face for me, and I've not seen him in anything since. I'm doubting that is due to his talent, since he does a very good job in this show as a compassionate and dedicated caregiver. I liked him a lot in this movie.
Puneet Issar was pure evil as Inspector Chewte. You are very ready for him to get what's coming to him when it happens. Plus, since it was the result of a trick by Ram Jaane, that makes it even more satisfying.
Overall, there was a lot going on here. Social reform issues, organized crime, and one hell of a tragic life for one poor orphan. The whole romantic plot between the three leads was pretty realistic, and very believable. I think it was this element that made Murli seem truly altruistic. Passing up on the love of a lifetime to help someone in need has got to be one of the top ten toughest things to do.
Negatives:
Child abuse, and lots of it. Even if it is just a movie that has a visceral impact that I was not prepared for.
Yet again, the police are shown to be utterly without regard for human life and well-being. I do have one movie with a honest cop on the site, but that's clearly in the minority.
The whole bit with the cutout during the first big action piece was lame. Really, really lame. In fact, lots of the action in the first half was kind of cheesy. A gun taped to a dancing girl's head? I mean really!
The "Pehla Love Song" just didn't want to end.
Positives:
Gripping story. You're hooked into it immediately, and it doesn't let up.
Good songs! With the exception of the "Pehla Love Song" I enjoyed all of the others.
Good acting all around. Even the kids were good and not annoying. You believe in all the characters, and are concerned for them. Well done.
A good ending. Yes, it's sad. But really that was the best possible way it could have ended.
For this film I will repeat my use of an ear as the unit of measurement. For making many appearances and always drawing my eye, Chewte's Hairy Ear is our winner.
Ram Jaane (1995)
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