Let’s get things right at the very outset: UMRAO JAAN is not a remake of old Umrao Jaan as being widely speculated.Its rather based on the Urdu author Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s novel .
With a thin plot on hand, JP Dutta tries to experiment with UMRAO JAAN.Nothing wrong with that, but UMRAO JAAN moves at a sluggish/lethargic pace throughout and even the screenplay isn’t half as captivating as it should have been.
In the first place, the romance between Abhi and Aishwarya lacks passion. After the tiff at the intermission point, when the two decide to go separate ways, you expect some movement in the story in the post-interval portions. But nothing happens!More than anything else, your heart doesn’t pine for the lovers to unite
The story has an unwanted flow of songs coming whether needed or not.JPD seems to have chosen the right story, but has gone wrong in the screenplay department.
The narrative doesn’t have those moments to excite you. It’s quite dull at times and the slow pace dilutes the impact further. Yes, there’s no denying that the film has been shot extremely well and technically speaking, it’s a notch above most Hindi films.
Music is quite appealing and the picturization of at least three tracks is fantastic -Salaam , Pehle Pehel and bekha . Cinematography is ace. The locations are simply breath-taking. Choreography is excellent.
UMRAO JAAN is embellished with great performances. Aishwaria proves yet again that she’s amongst the most dependable actress of Indian cinema today.Abhishek has a small but significant role and he does complete justice to it.
On the whole, UMRAO JAAN lacks in that vital department that’s the lifeline of every film - script and the fact that it’s not the type that would instantly catch the moviegoers’ attention, UMRAO JAAN does not stand a chance .But watch it for Aish!