CAST: Nushrratt Bharuccha, Anud Singh Dhaka, Bijayendra Kala and Vijay Raaz

DIRECTED BY: Jai Basantu Singh

BLUF

What if condoms are marketed as alternative contraceptives and help avoid unwanted pregnancies besides protecting against STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) intead of sex marketing? These practices are questioned in Janhit Mein Jaari.

THE MEAT AND THE POTATOES

Janhit Me Jaari’s Manokamna Tripathi (played by Nushrratt Bharuccha) is at the heart of its narrative. It is her journey of taking up the job as a condom sales executive. Well,she takes up the job because it pays well but also saves her from the constant pressure of being pressured for marraige. She eventually does get married to Ranjan (played by Anud Singh Dhaka) and ends up leaving her job after her in-laws claim that her job brings shame upon them. However, after witnessing a personal loss that could have easily been avoidable with the use of a condom, she realises the importance of marketing and spreading awareness about a condom. Ranjan and Manokamna’s best friend (played by Paritosh Tripathi) support her through the journey.

IN THE KNOW

Raaj Shaandilyaa, who had earlier written and helmed Ayushmann Khurrana and Nushrratt Bharuccha starrer Dream Girl, has written Janhit Mein Jaari and brings his trademark humour to the script. His representation of a small town is very appealing. The dialogues are impactful, and designed for humor. But, like Dream Girl, the problem lies with how hurried some parts are. A lot feels under-explored.

For example, there is consistent character development for Nushrratt’s Manokamna aka Manu but Anud Singh Dhaka’s Ranjan feels very half-baked. The scenes where Manu has to convince her mother, and later Ranjan as to why she wants to continue working as a condom sales person get a resolution in the blink of an eye ! It kinda  escalates and diffuses so quickly that it takes the entire credibility of the plot with it.

Nushrratt makes good use of the opportunity as the protagonist and is spontaneous as Manu.

Anud Singh Dhaka, like Taj Mahal 1989, has an introduction scene on the bus. His character, Ranjan, will remind you of his character in Taj Mahal, but he does put all his effort into it.

Paritosh Tripathi’s comic timing is perfect, and he brings in much of the relief in Janhit Mein Jaari.  Vijay Raaz, Bijayendra Kala and Tinu Anand sail through the film effortlessly, which makes the film quite a watchable fare.