Starcast: Huma Qureshi, Mrunal Thakur, Vikram Singh Chauhan, Vijay Raaz Direction: Navjot Gulati & Vipasha Arvind Streaming on Zee5 The ...
Starcast: Huma Qureshi, Mrunal Thakur, Vikram Singh Chauhan, Vijay Raaz
Direction: Navjot Gulati & Vipasha Arvind
Streaming on Zee5
The question of choice and the right to say yes or no is a basic human right enshrined in our Constitution. Unfortunately this right has been used, abused, twisted and reworked down the years for the benefit of many who didn't even deserve a second chance. Not only that as long as a man is involved this right appears good to go. The moment a woman fights for her right, people start character assassinations and literally tear her to shreds in public.
Pooja Meri Jaan is one such film revolving round this perennial issue. Pooja (Mrunal Thakur) rejects the advances and proposal of a long time friend Aniket (Vikram Chauhan) who unable to take the rejection commits suicide. All hell breaks loose for Pooja who is vilified by his family, friends and society. Arrested for abetment of Aniket's suicide Pooja has to face the ignomy of a parade of her former boyfriends in court and being called everything from a slut to a gold digger
Sana (Huma Qureshi) a common friend and corporate lawyer though initially reluctant takes up Pooja's case as defense lawyer to take on prosecutor Jatin (Vijay Raaz) in court.
Does Pooja get acquitted or does she succumb to the patriarchal diktats of society forms the rest of the story.
Huma is spirited as the lawyer who does not hesitate to call a spade a spade while Mrunal as the victim who refuses to be victimized is spunky.
Huma Qureshi is good despite not having the screen time that Mrunal has.On the other hand, Mrunal Thakur does what her character needs to do and gives a sincere performance. She is not portrayed as the typical 'bholi bhali' girl in distress and doesn't have an all white character. Vikram Chauhan's Aniket is effective as the lover who refuses to take no for an answer and pays the price for his stubbornness with his life. Vijay Raaz's character is let down by poor writing as he is supposed to be ruthless which doesn't come across in the film. The late Rituraj Singh doesn't get any scope but Sunita Rajwar as the cop Sushila Chauhan and Shilpa Marwaha as Chandni Singhania (prisoner) leave a huge impact in their small but effective roles.
Director Navjot Gulati holds the film tautly and keeps the proceedings in check. However, certain things happen very conveniently and despite a strong climax (the monologue is extremely hard hitting) part of it seems not convincing with a quick revelation.
The film is relevant in today's times and is thought-provoking.
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