Movie Reviews: Jab Tak Hai Jaan

Filmfare – 4 stars 
But JTHJ is so much more than its flawless visual appeal. AR Rahman’s music and background score adds a touch of magic to the proceedings. It complements the actors’ performances perfectly. Shah Rukh Khan makes a stunning entry, he owns the screen space and he weaves his charisma into a net that holds JTHJ together. Especially effective are his scenes as the reserved army officer. Katrina Kaif is just a thing of beauty. That she looks stunning is a given, but she manages to give one of her career’s finest performances as Meera. Her underplay is the perfect contrast to Anushka’s lively and bubbly act. Anushka lightens JTHJ with energy, while Katrina anchors it with firm emotions.

Ananya Bhattacharya – 4 Stars 
AR Rahman’s music in the film somewhere seems underused. The songs ‘Challa’, ‘Ishq Shava’ and ‘Saans Mein’ are a delight to the ears. The Master Musician’s ‘Heer’ is a beautiful song. The numbers are hummable, and nice ones; but just that. They aren’t exactly exceptional. We’ve had better specimens from Rahman in the past, and will sure have better ones in the future. You can thank the Kings of Romance once you’re done with the film… nahi bhoolenge hum, jab tak hai jaan!

Saibal Chatterjee – 3.5 Stars 
Shahrukh oozes charm and chutzpah and ensures the character remains in the realms of believability. Katrina plays the grounded Meera with assurance. In the moments when she is egged on by Samar to let her hair down – especially in the sequence with the underground dancers – the actress lets herself go and makes an impression. But it is to Anushka Sharma that Jab Tak Hai Jaan really belongs. Turning in an infectiously energetic performance, she breathes life into the somewhat flaccid second half.

Taran Adarsh – 4 Stars 
In view of the fact that a major portion of the story focuses on SRK and Katrina, one might assume that Anushka's role is more of a supporting one, but that's entirely fallacious. She's an integral part of this story and it must be said that she walks away with some of the best scenes and lines in the movie. Her performance is full of grit. On the whole, JAB TAK HAI JAAN resonates an oft-repeated fact: Love stories will come and go. But no one will make them like Yash Chopra. Just don't miss this heartwarming love story!

Sukanya Verma – 2.5 Stars 
While I personally preferred his rugged in uniform appearance and wounded recluse act better than the somewhat jaded lover boy strumming a guitar, he rises above the superficial in the most ordinary moments with his searching eyes that have clearly seen a lot and is coming to terms with a life gone by. Although a Yash Chopra heroine is always a much-anticipated treat, Katrina is let down by a feebly written role and unimaginative, routine styling. Anushka definitely scores better. Ultimately Jab Tak Hai Jaan is nothing more than lovely fluff that could have been shorter, snappier but is definitely worth watching once for the man whose name appears against the bright blue sky – Mr Yash Chopra.

Raja Sen – 3 Stars 
And yet it's not her film. Or even Yash Chopra's, really. Jab Tak Hai Jaan is all Shah Rukh, all the time. His character seems larger than the film, and Khan himself is in fine form even when the script deserves far less. There are times he seems out of place, certainly, but these are made up for by times where he grounds the narrative with one glare, with one scowl, with one kiss. The dude abides. As a swan-song for the master director, Jab Tak Hai Jaan might only be a middling effort. But then, sometimes, all we need is a Khan-song.

Joginder Tuteja – 3 Stars 
You expect nothing but an extraordinary outing when so many talented names come together for the film 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan'. However somewhere in the corner of the heart you are also a little apprehensive if abundance of talent and present of best in the best from the business turns out to be a little too overwhelming from the film's making perspective. Eventually though, 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' turns out to be a one time affair that can be seen but without any expectations of a would-be classic unfolding on screen.

Anupama Chopra – 3 Stars 
You also have to admire Shah Rukh's ability to play the romantic hero. We've seen him do it for two decades but he still makes it compelling. Jab Tak Hai Jaan is too tangled to transport you. At almost 180 minutes, it also requires enormous patience. But I recommend that you see it. Because only Yash Chopra could make heartache so attractive and ennobling that his characters wear it like a badge of honor.