Cast: Sai Pallavi, Junaid Khan and Kunal Kapoor (special appearance) Music by: Ram Sampath Directed by: Sunil Pandey "Ek Din"...
Cast:
Music by: Ram Sampath
Directed by: Sunil Pandey
"Ek Din", (an official remake of the Thai
film One Day) produced by Aamir Khan and directed by Sunil Pandey, attempts to
carve a unique path in Hindi cinema by presenting a protagonist who isn't just
an average Joe but perhaps even a few rungs lower on the social ladder. This
unconventional approach to heroism makes the film a polarising experience that
may resonate with some viewers while leaving others uninterested.
The film follows Dinesh, played by Junaid Khan, an
introverted IT employee in a Noida-based company who describes himself as
"invisible" because nobody notices him. He quietly harbours feelings
for his colleague Meera (Sai Pallavi), who remains oblivious to his existence
until circumstances force them together. This deliberate casting of an
unremarkable, socially awkward protagonist as the romantic lead is a bold
departure from Bollywood's typically charismatic heroes.
Junaid Khan's performance is central to this
unconventional approach. The screenplay strategically structures his character
as "intentionally low-energy and socially inept" yet possessing a
noble soul, which allows his stiffness and limited range to read as character
choice rather than a performance flaw. However, this restraint comes at a cost.
While some may appreciate his subtlety, others might find it lacking the
emotional range expected from a leading man. The chemistry between Khan and Pallavi
works only in parts, the awkwardness of Junaid’s onscreen character more often
than not in sync with his performance.
In stark contrast to Junaid's understated
portrayal, Sai Pallavi lights up the screen whenever she appears. Making her
official Hindi cinema debut, Pallavi brings emotional honesty to Meera,
especially in silent moments. Her natural charm manages to make some of the
intimate moments between the lead pair engaging, and her vulnerability works.
Her Tamil twang whilst speaking in Hindi is also a bit like that of Junaid’s
character in the film. Resonates with some and an irritant to others.
The film's premise—revolving around transient
global amnesia where Meera loses recent memories for approximately 24
hours—offers intriguing possibilities. The first half is generally engaging,
setting up a story that promises both intrigue and emotional depth. However,
the execution falters in the second half, particularly with a climax that feels
a tad long-winded and forced. This dilutes the emotional impact of the film
significantly.
Director Sunil Pandey handles the emotional
translation of the remake reasonably well, though the direction feels
unimaginative at times. The beautiful Japanese locales add visual appeal, but
occasionally the film borders on becoming a Japanese travelogue with a love
story sprinkled in.
Ultimately, "Ek Din" represents a gamble
in its unconventional approach to romance and heroism. For audiences willing to
embrace a protagonist who falls short of traditional Bollywood standards, the
film offers a refreshing perspective on love and invisibility. However, those
seeking more conventional chemistry and star power may find the experience
underwhelming.
Junaid Khan may yet carve a niche for himself if
audiences remain patient with his restrained style. But it's Sai Pallavi's
luminous presence that truly elevates the film, making "Ek Din" worth
watching for her performance alone, even when the surrounding material doesn't
quite live up to its promising premise.
By Pratik Majumdar (author: Love Coffee Murder and
1975 The Year That Transformed Bollywood)
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