One of the most awaited films of the year "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" has hit the screens with good occupancy. The romantic film directed by Ayan Mukherji features ex-lovers Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles.
This is Ranbir and Deepika's first film together after their breakup in 2010. Produced by Karan Johar, the film also stars Aditya Roy Kapur of "Aashiqui 2" fame and Kalki Koechlin.
The love story has opened to a fantastic response at the box office. The paid previews on Thursday was also well received. Moreover, several film critics have given it the thumbs up.
Here's what B-town critics have said about the film:
Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama said: "The film narrates the story of four characters -- Bunny [Ranbir], Naina [Deepika], Aditi [Kalki] and Avi [Aditya] -- as they navigate through their youth... from their carefree laughter as they set off on a holiday together in their colleges days, until their bittersweet tears as they watch the first of their bunch get married.
"It's pretty evident that Ayan wants to offer that something extra beyond a love story. The conflict in this plot has nothing to do with parental pressures or social disagreements. The issue that the characters face is very real, extremely relevant and reflects the mindset of those living in a metropolis. But scratch the exterior -- beneath the fun quotient, the song and dance routine -- Ayan takes up some serious issues, albeit in a subtle way, that envelope the human emotions brilliantly.
"Although the narrative congregates vigor, melodrama and gloss dexterously, the only time it totters is when the pacing slows intermittently. Besides, the narrative is stretched towards the middle of the second half. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the trivial blemish, the writing manages to hit the high notes for most parts of the enterprise. Also, it never goes overboard with the drama. The strings tie up really well towards the resolution and the conclusion is sure to leave you buoyant, grinning from ear to ear.
"V. Manikandan's cinematography is pure art in motion. Every frame is simply spectacular, with the DoP capturing the varied colors and landscapes with brilliance.
"On the whole, YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI is a revitalizing take on romance and relationships. A wonderful cinematic experience, this one should strike a chord with not just the youth, but cineastes of all age-groups. Watch this celebration of love and get mesmerized!"
Sneha May Francis of Emirates 24/7 writes: "Despite the unimaginative storyline, Ayan still manages to make our hearts skip a beat.
"Friendship, much like romance, is getting quite jaded in Bollywood. Only the number of buddies, their social status, conflicts and desires seem to change, while the soul remains constant.
"To Ayan's credit, he does the unthinkable and makes the stereotypes work, rather convincingly, through stunning frames and killer tunes. Another negative is the fragmented tone of the storyline. There's the influence of other filmmakers that surface unintentionally. At one point, it's textured like a Karan Johar movie, at another it echoes Zoya Akhtar's sensibilities, and, yet another, it shows shades of Farah Akhtar.
"While 'YJHD' is formulaic, and nothing exceptional in terms of story, Ayan's narrative's got style and flair, and he textures it gorgeously. A quality we've witnessed earlier in his debut 'Wake up Sid'.
"While it's not appropriate to compare 'Wake up Sid' and 'YJHD', we can't help but spot the similarities in terms of every character's impeccably dressed homes (remember Kokona's stunning room), his hero's love for the camera (still/moving, much like Sid), and the parental conflicts."
Mohar Basu of Koimoi.com said: "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a delicious entertainer. Though the story is packed with its generous share of clichés, it still works endearingly! Deepika and Ranbir render on screen an irresistible chemistry. It is half way through the year and finally here is 2013′s first true to the word blockbuster film.
"The story that shifts between past and present is essentially the tale of a trek trip four friends take. Naina, a medical student and Bunny, a photographer along with their friends Avi and Aditi take a daunting expedition to Manali. While Naina comes to terms with her real self and falls in love, Bunny weaves in his mind a larger picture. Aspiring to embark on an endlessly journey to explore the world, the four friends come together next for Aditi's wedding. The story has changed with the characters having remained constant and the film captures how each has grown in their individual journey of life.
"Despite singing praises of the film, I have to agree the story is imaginatively challenged. The script travels through the lives of four individuals but it is essentially the story of Bunny.
"Ranbir Kapoor delivers an outstanding performance. Deepika Padukone gives a heart melting performance. Kalki Koechlin is impulsive and Aditya Roy Kapur is charming. When it comes to performances it is difficult to not point out that Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone share a delectable on screen chemistry. After Kajol and SRK, there is finally another pair who brings some magic in their screen compatibility.
"Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani despite its bearable flaw of working on clichés, is a remarkably well executed film. Ayan Mukherji makes his story both believable and honest! Entertaining from the word go, this film is a must watch."
