May. 25, 2012|India|163 Min.|n/A
Genre: Action;Bangla;Drama;Romance
Description: Jaaneman 2012 is a Bengali movie that tells the story of Deba, played by Sham, and Ria, portrayed by Koel. The two characters meet by chance at a bus terminal, both escaping difficult situations in their lives. Deba is running from a mafia boss named Sridhar, while Ria is fleeing an arranged marriage forced upon her by her father. After sharing their struggles, Deba takes it upon himself to protect Ria, and in time, Ria begins to develop feelings for him. The film follows their journey as they strive to overcome their challenges.
What sets Jaaneman apart is its unique setting—the entire story unfolds on the road, making it a road movie similar to Dui Prithibi. However, despite its promising premise, the film struggles to fully captivate its audience. The repetitive song-and-dance sequences, particularly a disco song set against the backdrop of Switzerland, feel out of place. Sham’s performance is hindered by his lack of physical fitness and dance skills, while Koel shines with her natural charm and glamour, showcasing the hard work she’s put into her craft. Her fashion sense further enhances her on-screen presence.
Ashish Vidyarthy, known for his work in Govind Nihalani’s *Drohkaal*, delivers a subdued performance that falls short of his potential. The film’s music, composed by Jeet Ganguly, includes a few memorable tracks like the title song and the romantic “I Love You” number. However, it doesn’t quite match the quality of his previous works. Director Raja Chanda’s attempt to balance romance and action leads to a loss of focus as the story progresses, weakening the film’s overall impact. Despite its flaws, Jaaneman remains an interesting take on the road movie genre in Bengali cinema.
Cast director: Raja Chanda
Cast actor: Soham Chakraborty, Koel Mallick
Original name: জানেমন