Verdict: *** 1/2

When you take a look at Hindi Romantic films, you get some iconic “Romance” films mainly by Late Yash Chopra, Karan Johar, Aditya Chopra.They are great films, but somehow these films never get out of a good looking “Hero” and “Heroine” having an affair and ending with or without each others company.Exotic locations and lavish song sequences are integral part of a love story.
But put the good looking Hero aside, and imagine a lovestory of an average looking guy next door. Instead of Switzerland, London or New York, he wanders in the Banaras’ streets on his Bajaj Scooter. Raanjhanaa is all about you and me. A total devotee of love who behaves like any normal guy would behave if put in such a situation.
We are introduced to lead pair in their childhood Kundan Shankar (Dhanush) dressed as Shiva and Zoya Haider (Sonam Kapoor) performing namaaz. And this sets up the converntional cross-religion lovestory we are familiar with. Though Kundan loves Zoya as only love, Zoya sees him as just friend. Kundan thinking someday she will change her mind only to know she is in love with Akram (or Jasjeet) -cameo by Abhay Deol- a flamboyant youth leader in JNU campus.
Director Anand L. Rai sets up Kundan’s love in first half of the film and changes the plot completely to a politcal revenge drama in seconf half. Wrist Cuts which are considered as epitomy of love are used quite a few times. Scenes are written with an element to engage the audience even in serious situations. What takes Raanjhanaa to a totally different level is its music. Apt use of songs and background score never lets to take your attention anywhere else (cheers to A. R. Rahman). What hurts in this well written films is its second half set in JNU and climax. It could have been much much better.
Coming to the Acting part, Dhanush is the whole and sole of this film. Sonam Kapoor played her part well so does Abhay Deol. Perfomances by Bindiya (Swara Bhaskar) and Murari ( Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub) are also to be remembered.
This film is made in soil and never loses its contact with it. But just to extend the plot line, Raanjhanaa loses its heart. Go for it, you would not be disappointed.