In the sixteen years since he made his directorial debut with A Wednesday (2008), Neeraj Pandey has become a household name for thrillers, courtesy of his successful ventures like Special 26 (2013) and Baby (2015) on the silver screen, as well as the widely appreciated spy series Special Ops on OTT platforms. While his 2016 film MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, a biographical sports drama on former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, was a notable diversion from his usual genre, Pandey’s latest project, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha (AMKDT), ventures even further off his well-trodden path, delving into the realms of romance and drama.
The narrative of AMKDT revolves around star-crossed lovers Krishna and Vasudha, depicted across two different timelines. The film commences in 2001, showcasing the youthful, starry-eyed couple—Krishna, played by Shantanu Maheshwari, and Vasudha, portrayed by Saiee Manjrekar—dreaming about their future amidst the backdrop of the under-construction Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The plot then fast-forwards to the present-day Arthur Road jail, where an older Krishna, now played by Ajay Devgn, is a feared and respected inmate serving a 25-year sentence for double murder. Despite his good conduct granting him a release date, Krishna attempts to delay his release, all in vain.
With no family waiting for him outside the prison walls, Krishna plans to leave the country immediately upon release. However, he decides to take a nostalgic detour to his old home to reminisce over past memories. It is here that Vasudha, now married to Abhijeet (Jimmy Sheirgill) for twelve years, arrives to meet him, prompting a series of flashbacks that reveal how a single night altered the trajectory of their lives.
At first glance, AMKDT promises an intriguing tale of love rekindled after two decades. However, the screenplay, penned by Pandey, unfolds in a manner that feels overly drawn-out and laborious. The frequent use of flashbacks becomes cumbersome after a while, and although the twist in the second half does manage to capture the audience’s interest, the eventual revelation feels anticlimactic.
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Ajay Devgn and Tabu, who play the older Krishna and Vasudha respectively, deliver stellar performances. Their portrayal of complex emotions through mere glances and silences, particularly in their first interaction post-Krishna’s release, set against MM Keeravani’s poignant score, is particularly noteworthy. Despite the film’s underwhelming script, their compelling presence on screen cannot be understated. Unfortunately, Jimmy Sheirgill’s character, Abhijeet, is underutilized, leaving him with little room to leave a lasting impression.
Shantanu Maheshwari as the young Krishna gives an effective performance, though he doesn’t quite fit the image of someone who would confront a notorious criminal in prison. On the other hand, Saiee Manjrekar, who plays the young Vasudha, makes a significant impact, a marked improvement from her debut role in the lackluster Dabangg 3 (2019). Jay Upadhyay, portraying Krishna’s friend Jignesh, brings moments of levity to the film, particularly with a scene where a song from Devgn’s 1993 film Diljale plays.
While Oscar-winner MM Keeravani’s soundtrack, with lyrics by Manoj Muntashir, fails to leave a memorable impression, the film’s cinematography stands out. Sudheer Palsane captures Mumbai’s vibrant landscapes and moods with striking visual flair. However, the film’s appeal dwindles as it struggles to maintain engagement over its two-hour and twenty-five-minute runtime, often leaving the audience with the sense that it “never ends,” much like its final frame suggests.
In conclusion, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, despite its promising premise of rekindled romance and the reliable prowess of its leads, falters due to its lackluster and meandering screenplay. While it does pique interest momentarily, the overall journey feels tiresome and drawn out, ultimately failing to deliver a satisfying cinematic experience.
*YUCK ****SUPER
**WHATEVER *****AWESOME
***GOOD
