Review: Jag Jeondeyan De Mele

After many decades, comes a film that helps to re-define Punjabi Cinema.

*Harbhajan Mann, Tulip Joshi

I just spent three hours in a packed theatre, where I was taken on an unforgettable journey through the lush, green fields of Punjab, to the beautiful and mountainous landscapes of British Columbia. But Jag Jeondeyan De Mele isn't about the fields or the mountains; the villages or the vast cities. Jag Jeondeyan De Mele is about undeniable, unforgettable, and undying love. 

 

This story is not about location, product placements (which were quite a few), or costumes (which were great by the way). Rather this story is about emotions, music, and all the things that bind us together as human beings. It's a story about people, resting on the shoulders of some very capable actors.

First and foremost, Tulip Joshi. Everyone take a minute to applaud her performance...okay take another minute, I know she deserves it... done? Need another minute...Go ahead.

One word for Tulip Joshi: Fascinating. 

Another word for Tulip Joshi: Immaculate. 

A third word for Tulip Joshi: Mesmerizing.

For those that have already seen the film, you would agree that this film is led by the female character. Every other character reacts to the female lead. She has the power to make a boy forget his bearings and fall unconditionally in love her; she has the power to become the first and last thought of a grown man who dreams of only one thing: to be with her; she has the power to ignite a fierce flame between two families; she has the power to leave a man heartbroken; and then the power to fulfil his wish once more. 

Had Tulip Joshi not been cast as the female lead, this film would not have been as powerful. This is a 'character' film. When watching the screen, you are oblivious to the surroundings, to the location - you only focus on the characters. The fact that the audience is swept away with each performance is because these characters grip us. And Joshi has done a phenomenal job in bringing her character(s) alive. She has risen as a true artist in this capacity. When she leaves the screen, you look forward to the moment when she will reappear. When you see her again, you realize that you missed her, and that is how you measure the depth of an actress.

But of course, in a film that strives to tell the tale of an epic love story, a female lead goes only as far as her co-star can take her, and with this I turn my attention to the male lead. He is someone who is not a stranger to the Punjabi/Indian community and someone I have had the pleasure of knowing for quite some time -- Mr. Harbhajan Mann.

Those of us, who have been following the 'rise of Punjabi Cinema' in the past few years are well aware of the unprecedented efforts of Harbhajan Mann. He has done what only few could dream of doing and what thousands wished would happen. He brought back a medium that will help to keep Punjabi culture alive and kicking. But this isn't the time to reminisce about past films. In Jag Jeondeyan De Mele, Mann takes on a role that he has not done previously. In one sense, I guess you could say he has taken an unchartered path as an actor - but one which we hope to see many times over in the future. 

His character is simply "cute". I'm not refering to looks here (even though he looks as handsome as ever), I'm talking about the way he approaches life, the way he deals with the cards that fate has dealt him and how he learns to believe again; learns to love; to appreciate; to be happy. At some points in the movie you just want to walk up to his character and place a reassuring hand on his shoulder and say "Everything will be okay". You laugh with him, you cry with him, you appreciate his sincerity, his innocence. You feel his happiness, you feel his grief, you feel his love. 

Mann has demonstrated that he is progressing at a warp speed in talent and passion for his career as an actor. Not only has he portrayed the main lead, but he also serves as Producer to this film. A job that has been well done.

The director, Baljit Singh Deo, has done a terrific job with his performers. Bringing great legends that we've grown up with and with comedians such as Ghuggi who never let you get sidetracked, not even for a second. The careful close-ups, the lighting, the hi-tech camera work have produced a punjabi film of a quality that has not been witnessed before. The best part is that there is a fresh ensemble cast that gives us hope that a Punjabi Film Fraternity does exist and can survive for future generations. The two children showed incredible talent. Newcomer, Gulzar Inder Singh Chahal shows great promise and is easy on the eyes. We'll definitely be looking forward to future projects from this one.

The Music is another feat that will inspire a whole new filmmaking experience for Punjabi Cinema. The lyrics of Babu Singh Mann are beyond words nor capable of accurate description. He is at his best here. From the title track, sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, to heart-wrenching numbers like "Tur Gaye Ne Jani", to songs like "Mele Mitran De" where Gursewak Mann has done tremendously well alongside Harbhajan Mann -- each and every song hits a nerve with the movie-goer. Harbhajan Mann's voice is one that touches the heart of every music lover. You hear his voice over any instrument. Emotion spills through his voice. Listening to it, is an experience in and of itself. What more can an avid music-lover ask for?

The background score is incredibly moving. From the thunderous sound of two large doors swinging open to reveal Tulip Joshi's character in a pivotal scene, to the sound of ripples being made in the water as the actress gently brushes her hand through it, each sound, each movement, each tune is celestial.

As with every film, few areas could have been "tweaked" to provide an even more profound experience. Maybe a few more seconds on the dejected face of Joshi's character as she is terrified about the impact of her "forbidden love". But these things can be said about almost any film. We have to remember that they are working hard to tell a tale in a very restricted time slot. I mean 3 hours is a long time. Even with the length, I looked around the packed theatre and realized I wasn't alone -- everyone wished the movie would continue. They all laughed, cried and fell in love with the characters.

Jag Jeondeyan De Mele comes out as historic and enjoyable, with touching moments that will inspire you to believe in love once again. 

And thank God that a Punjabi movie has set some standards for a true "Punjabi Love". Boys and Girls we have some hope yet ;)

-Review by: Nav Gill.