Seldom do heroes from south film industry make an impact in the tinsel town of Bollywood and when they do, it is never forgotten. The much talked about Romantic Drama, Raanjhanaa launched the adorable star of south, Dhanush, in Hindi. The entire buzz around someone so unconventional making an entrée into the North was put to a still silence with Dhanush’s spectacular performance as Kundan Shankar. The odd pairing of Dhanush – Sonam was conveniently sidelined with actor’s exceptional role that was delivered with confidence and élan.
The film revolves around Kundan Shankar, a simple son of a Tamil Priest in Varanasi, who leads a simple life and believes in God. Kundan is in pertinent love with Zoya Haider (Sonam kapoor), a Muslim daughter of a professor. His love for Zoya grows over a period of time that is well understood by the girl but couldn’t be reciprocated back. The two grow up together and Zoya in her later years in college, moves to Aligarh, where she falls in love with Akram Zaidi (Abhay Deol), a man with a mysterious background that will be revealed later in the film. Zoya slowly falls in love with Akram and shares about her feelings with Kundan, who is left heartbroken. The rest of the story is how Kundan goes ahead and tries to help his lady love get married to the man she loves and the struggles he faces. Will Kundan win her heart becomes that predictable ending which youngsters would soon guess.
Raanjhanaa is an out an out Dhanush’s film. You will see Dhanush dominate everywhere, with his adorable demeanor and winning acting. Sonam plays her part as cute Zoya while Abhay lives up the role as Akram. Swara has a minimal exposure, playing a girl in love with Dhanush. The music by A R Rahman is already a chart buster and the film showcases some fine writing with dialogues and funny punches. The initial doubts that many would have had about the South Star rendering as a lead steers to clear waters with his pure mettle as an actor. National Award winner is more than just ‘South’. His performance and style simply reminds us of Rajinikanth in Bollywood back in the 80’s.
Clearly stated, Raanjhanaa is a soulful delight to the hopeless lovers who understand the plight of being love sick.
