Jab We Met (2007)

Since I started watching Bollywood/Kollywood films, I've discovered that I don't like nearly all of them. Sometimes it's the actors (I can't stand Rani Muhkerjee) or the plots that veer from frantic fun to drama in the second half (Om Shanti Om) and I've sadly returned quite a few to Netflix after hoping they'd work for me as reviews. This time, I determined I'd just watch this one and not get my hopes up at all. And happily, that seemed to be just the ticket as I ended up enjoying it a lot. Kareena Kapoor is perfect as breezy Geet who can talk a mile a minute and usually has a cheery smile on her face. Her motto in life is live it to the fullest and only regret what you haven't tried. She works on the Law of Attraction and thinks that what you want to happen to you will happen to you if you want it badly enough. She's also spontaneous and fun and gets Aditya to join in even when he initially might balk such as when she decides this is the perfect time to jump off a dock into a shallow river. After all, you never know if such a chance will come again. Geet is a character you the viewer just have to relax and go with. Shahid Kapoor makes Aditya a likable and sympathetic guy. I never once sat back and thought "Oh, cry me a river, poor little rich boy." He does get irritated at Geet at times but quickly realizes she's opened up a whole new side of his personality and made him a better person. During the first half of the film, it's like watching a parched plant soak up water and come to life again. It's also obvious that he's starting to care for her and only leaves her (at about the halfway mark) because he wants her to be happy with the man she's said she wants to marry. The film depends on some misunderstandings to keep the plot going as Geet hasn't told her family about the first man she wants to marry for fear they won't approve and the family must believe there is a relationship between the Geet and Aditya during the final third of the film in order to keep throwing those two together until they finally acknowledge the fact that they're perfect for each other. However, since similar things are so common in romance novels, this didn't bother me too much. The film is fairly fast paced and intensely colorful in that wonderful way of Indian films. There aren't that many musical numbers but I found myself liking the ones that are there. They're fun to watch, the lyrics are good and the beats had me bouncing along and trying a few dance steps much to the amusement of my kitties. Some Bollywood film dances are starting to look more like pole tryouts at the local strip club but with the (slight) exception of the final number, that's avoided here. "Jab We Met" has the flavor of Hollywood screwball comedies – watch for the wild taxi ride Aditya takes Geet on in order to try and get her back to her train – rounded out with a touch of "she makes him a better man" depth. The 155 minute length seems to zip by and for much of it, I had an almost permanent smile on my face. Looks like I still need some help refining what I like in Bollywood/Kollywood films but this one is a winner for me.~Emily

Honestly, this movie is great and one of my all time favorite Bollywood movies. It is simple and sweet and the performances delivered both by Shahid and Kareena Kapoor were terrific. Their chemistry is so real and beautiful. Jab We Met is a movie that can be re-watched and enjoyed every single time. I'm sure it will be a classic Indian film for a long time. The movie strikes the right balance between comedy, romance, and a bit of drama to make for an enjoyable watch. Also, Aditya Kashyap's (Shahid Kapoor) transformation from depressed, moody businessman to a cheerful and free man is really well done and believable. Overall, I would recommend to anyone.

There are only a handful of movies which get the distinction of being cut-above-the-rest. "Jab We Met" is an ordinary story which is given extra-ordinary treatment by Imtiaz Ali which makes the entire proceedings an interesting watch. Every scene shines in brilliance as if they were cherry-picked and delivered on the screen. Kareena Kapoor:: The bubbling and bursting with verbal diarrhoea "Geet" I am sure you and I have met somebody of the likes at least once. Tailor- made for Kareena Kapoor and she delivers with utmost perfection at ease. It reminds me the Jekyll & Hyde which was earlier attempted in "Chandni" and that role did wonders to Sridevi's career. No wonder Kareena catapulted to the big league subsequently.Shahid Kapoor:: Easily manages to don the hats of a heart-broken lover to enthusiastic and a suave technocrat brimming with fresh ideas. The supporting cast is good namely Dara Singh, Pavan Malhotra and Kiran Juneja. You can't help but pity for Tarun Malhotra (such is the characterisation of Anshuman). There is not a single dull moment in the movie. The screenplay sails like a breeze. Every time the movie is aired on telly, I can't resist to watch it. The music had a slow-start but later on went to become a must have in the collection. "Jab We Met" turned corners for three people namely Imtiaz Ali, Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor.

'Jab We Met' is a game attempt at yet another Bollywood romantic comedy. This mostly works thanks to the great music which is superbly choreographed, in particular the foot-tapping "Nagada". Kareena is rather in-your-face initially, something I found annoying. Thankfully she settles down as the film progresses and becomes endearing. Shahid Kapoor is alright, although slightly miscast as a super rich businessman. He has good chemistry with Kareena. The supporting cast are all decent. This is a pleasant watch specially for lovers of Bollywood romances.Overall 7/10