Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se Movie Review : A Revolutionary Concept

Posted by admin on Dec 5th, 2010 | 1 comment

Film-makers have always been fascinated at adapting famous and not-so famous books into movies. While some like 3 Idiots, Devdas and Parineeta do roaring business, there are others like Paheli, Raincoat and Mistress of Spices that do not really set the cash registers ringing. One film-maker who loves taking references from books is Mr.Ashutosh Gowariker. He adapted the book ‘Do And Die: The Chittagong Uprising 1930-34’ by Manini Chatterjee, to make Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey. And does it work? Yes, it does and how! ‘Amazing’ is one word to sum up this film, which is on par with some of the best in Bollywood.

Story of Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey:

Explore the little known incident of the Chittagong Uprising of the 1930s. In those days of the undivided Bengal lay the sleepy, peaceful town of Chittagong. A revolutionary plan is being hatched by Surjya Sen(Abhishek Bachchan) and his team to at least, throw the British rule from their province and set a revolutionary example to the country. The spark to the movement is provided by some under 18 boys, who are stopped from playing football in a ground by the British recruited personnel.

And so, it happens on April 18: an army of 64 people, comprising 56 innocent but brave boys, 5 revolutionaries, 2 valiant women and an idealist leader (Surjya Sen) execute a series of attacks in different public places that have the British presence. The true story has been captured in a thrilling manner in the film.

What works for Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se:

This movie is perhaps the best example of splendid art direction and cinematography. Nitin Desai has been able to recreate the milieu and Kiran Deohans and Seetha Sandhiri’s work at cinematography helps liven up the era.
Director Ashutosh Gowariker had a task on his hand to not only capture the mood and essence of the 30s but also make it relevant to the present generation. One cannot see with confidence how many cinematic liberties he may have taken, but what comes on the screen, is truly inspiring and entertaining.
The screenplay by Raoul V. Randolf and Ashutosh Gowariker has manifested in the form of total justice to the way the book has been written.
Full marks to the authenticity; every nuance, body language, every tile and banner has a pragmatic bearing.

Performances:

Abhishek as Surjya Sen has got the character bang on. He comes with a restrained performance that is typical of a school teacher who runs a revolutionary movement on the sly. There is a seeming tranquil on the surface with the blood of a revolutionary boiling in his veins. Such kind of character has not been shown so brilliantly before. Deepika Padukone’s reed thin figure may remind you that she is a model but her costume and her getup does the rescue act. She shows good poise and stands out in the film.

Sikander Kher is in top form, he excels in the death scene. Vishakha Singh may give a lot of actresses, a run for their money, she is brilliant. Every other actor in the frame(most of them first-timers), including the chil actors make an impression.

Conclusion:

Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey definitely makes you reach for the web and find out more about the Chittagong uprising. In these times of fast bucks and quick box office businesses, this one is a rare movie that may not be market-friendly but is definitely a soul searching experience.

Rating:**** (Very Good)

One Response to “Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se Movie Review : A Revolutionary Concept”

Shonit says:

January 20, 2011 at 6:19 am

I saw this movie in an Indian theater. I visited the theater in India after 8-9 years. They are freaking AWESOME!

While the cinematography was off the hook, the editing sucked. Specially the scene where Abhishek is teaching and then he walks out to greet his friend. I’ll have to watch the movie again to say for sure whats wrong with that cut – but the editing overall was annoying.

Back to the awesome Indian theaters… everyone if they have nothing better to do should go watch movies at a theater for the heck of it.

This movie was slow – and I fell a sleep. I am a movie addict and this never happens. The Indian theaters are AWESOME!!!!!