Love Aaj Kal (2009)

An old-fashioned romantic tells his personal love story to a modern man who has just broken up with his girlfriend. Has love really ever changed?

Director:

Imtiaz Ali

Writer:

Imtiaz Ali

Stars:

Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Rishi Kapoor

13 wins & 37 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Saif Ali Khan	...	Jai Vardhan Singh / Veer Singh
Deepika Padukone	...	Meera Pandit
Rishi Kapoor	...	Veer Singh
Rahul Khanna	...	Vikram Joshi
Florence Brudenell-Bruce	...	Jo
Giselli Monteiro	...	Harleen Kaur
Raj Zutshi	...	Harleen's Father
Nirupama Verma
Gunjas Singh
Chandan Anand
Dhirendra Divedi
Sanjay Gandhi
Rajinder Sharma Nanu	...	Laale
Vir Das	...	Shonty
Kavi Shastri	...	Jaat

Storyline

London-based Jai Vardhan Singh and Meera Pandit meet, fall in love, and she introduces him to her family. Shortly thereafter, they decide to part as she wants to re-locate to India to restore heritage buildings, while he re-locates to America. Restauranteur Veer Singh attempts to convince Jai to pursue her, as he had pursued Harleen Kaur back in 1965 India, but Jai moves on and falls in love with Caucasian Jo, while Meera is all set to get marry her employer, Vikram Joshi.

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Plot Keywords:

love | old versus new | psychiatrist | visual metaphor | symbolism | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

India

Language:

Hindi

Release Date:

31 July 2009 (India)

Also Known As:

Love Nowadays

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,241,762, 2 August 2009, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$2,425,386, 30 August 2009

Company Credits

Production Co:

Illuminati Films,Eros International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

128 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Deepika Padukone was offered the lead role during her modeling days before she took up Om Shanti Om (2007); however, at the time, she wasn't sure about a career in acting. Imtiaz Ali promised her that if she ever considers a career in acting, he will have this role ready for her. Subsequently, she joined acting and Imtiaz Ali signed her.

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Goofs

When Jai and Meera meet up deciding to break up, they hold hands and Jai talks about the irritating traffic. In the next shot, Meera's hands are on her lap.

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Connections

Referenced in I Hate Luv Storys (2010)

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Soundtracks

Mere Har Jio Sab Ko Tere Vas
(uncredited)
Performed by Bhai Sarabjit Singh Patna Sahib Wale

User Reviews

Back to Bollywood basics, captured in todays reality

The long wait for Bollywood to shake off the shackles of mindless masti is officially over. Long have fans waited in earnest for a movie that would captivate their minds and take them on a journey of love in a way only bollywood knows how. Love Aaj Kal is more than a refreshing foray into long unvisited areas, its a return to the classic principles of a modest and true love.

Many films have struggled to portray such stories amidst the backdrop of a modern society and understandably so. Much has changed since the day 'raj' introduced himself to 'simran' on a moving train carriage (DDLJ). But Love Aaj Kal does this to near perfection. The realities of a modern day relationship are brought to intense scrutiny under the principles of old age chivalry and modesty. The result is an enthralling plot where the reconciliation of both unfolds in a most untypical manner. Believe me when I tell you that this story is not typical, nor are the many directions it takes.

Locations such as England, the US and India are effectively utilised without resorting to a plethora of scenic shots in an attempt to add to the films credibility. The flashbacks themselves are tastefully created, giving the audience a breath of fresh air whilst carrying the story to its much appreciated climax. The story, the dialogue and the camera work combine brilliantly and give the film a sense of professionalism and artistic sense, both of which appear to be lacking in most of the movies being churned out by the industry.

The acting is brilliant. Saif manages to find a middle ground between the charismatic 'nickhil' (salam namaste) and the intensity of 'Ishwar' (Om Kara), thus demanding empathy and guaranteeing laughs. Deepika proves her credentials as an actress in this film, her beauty already a forgone conclusion. Rishi Kapoor is an ever-reliable foil to the young protagonist (Saif) and guides the movie well. Lastly, the actress playing 'Harleen' also deserves recognition. Much pressure must have been placed on the young girl who had to shoulder the responsibility of a story parallelling that of stars such as Saif and Deepika. But this she handled with aplomb. She was more than believable as 'Harleen' and perfect for the plot's intentions of a modest romance. A slight qualm of mine is the western actress chosen to play 'Jo', whose acting was the usual unconvincing performance that is becoming commonplace in Indian movies with westerners (Lagaan the exception). A better character and actress could no doubt have been sought.

I recommend this film to all who wish to see what emotions a bollywood love story is capable of invoking. The 90's brought with it the melodious love of DDLJ, yet it is in 2009 that bollywood brings a practical love story equally capable of capturing our imaginations.