Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha Movie Review

Director: Neeraj Pandey
Star Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Saiee Manjrekar, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Sheirgill, Jay Upadhyay
Language: Hindi
Review Rating: ⭐⭐⭐(3/5)

Plot Summary
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha centers around Krishna (Shantanu Maheshwari) and Vasudha (Saiee Manjrekar), two lovers living in a Mumbai chawl. While they are deeply in love, their ambitions take them on different paths. Krishna dreams of going to America, while Vasudha wishes to stay and support her family. Their fates change forever when Krishna is imprisoned for 25 years just before his departure to the US, telling Vasudha to move on with her life. Fast-forward 22 years, Krishna (Ajay Devgn) is released for good behavior and comes face-to-face with Vasudha (Tabu) and her husband Abhijit (Jimmy Sheirgill) just as he’s about to leave for Dubai.

The film beautifully blends past and present, exploring the complexities of love, time, and sacrifice.

Script Analysis
Neeraj Pandey weaves a touching and intricate love story that echoes the grandeur of classic romances. The screenplay moves back and forth between 2001 and 2023, building emotional tension between the characters. The film’s narrative is deeply layered with humor, emotional depth, and dramatic confrontations, particularly between Krishna and Abhijit.

While the film’s long runtime and nonlinear storytelling may alienate some viewers, its emotional core remains strong. The scenes where Krishna revisits his old chawl and meets the people from his past are among the most poignant moments. The heartfelt farewell between Krishna and his fellow inmates as he leaves jail is another standout moment. However, the inclusion of Mahesh Desai’s subplot feels extraneous and drags the story, adding little to the overall narrative.

Despite the film’s flaws, Pandey handles the film’s second half with finesse, weaving in twists that give the story depth and a satisfying emotional payoff.

Star Performance
Ajay Devgn is the heart of the movie, delivering a standout performance as the older, wiser Krishna. His portrayal captures the weight of a man hardened by prison and years of regret, with a stoic yet deeply emotional undercurrent. The contrast between Shantanu Maheshwari’s youthful Krishna and Devgn’s mature version adds to the complexity of the character.

Tabu, though she has limited screen time, excels in her role as Vasudha. Her ability to convey pain and longing through her expressions is masterful, making her scenes with Devgn especially poignant. Saiee Manjrekar, in her portrayal of the younger Vasudha, delivers a competent performance but lacks the emotional depth of Tabu.

Jimmy Sheirgill, in his brief but crucial role as Vasudha’s husband Abhijit, leaves an impact, and Jay Upadhyay as Krishna’s loyal friend Jignesh provides warmth and levity to the story.

Direction and Music
Neeraj Pandey takes a subtle approach to the film, focusing on emotional nuances rather than flashy cinematic tricks. His decision to use a non-linear narrative structure may be a gamble, but it ultimately pays off, giving the film a unique storytelling angle. The cinematography by Sudheer Palsane is gorgeous, especially in capturing the contrast between the warmth of the past and the more muted tones of the present. The VFX work is minimal but effective in enhancing the film’s atmosphere.

The music by M.M. Kreem is a highlight, with songs that perfectly align with the film’s themes of love, loss, and nostalgia. “Ae Dil Zara” and “Tu” are beautiful tracks that elevate the emotional tone of the film. “Kisi Roz,” although underutilized within the story, stands out as the musical gem of the film, combining evocative lyrics by Manoj Muntashir with Kreem’s soulful composition.

The Last Word
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha is a deeply emotional film that feels like poetry on screen. Despite its flaws, including a lengthy runtime and some unnecessary subplots, the movie succeeds in delivering a compelling love story. Neeraj Pandey, known for his work in action and patriotic dramas, shows versatility by exploring the tender and complicated emotions of human relationships. The performances by Ajay Devgn and Tabu further elevate the film, making it a heartfelt and memorable cinematic experience.

Verdict: A soulful love story with strong performances, beautiful music, and deep emotional resonance.

For more recommendations, read our Ulajh Movie Review here.