Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha – Neeraj Pandey’s Lackluster Romance

Film - Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha

Director - Neeraj Pandey

Cast - Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Jimmy Sheirgill, Shantanu Maheshwari and Saiee Manjrekar

Rating – 2

Neeraj Pandey, a director renowned for his fast-paced thrillers, ventures into the realm of romance with Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha. Known for his previous successes, including the critically acclaimed biopic M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Pandey’s foray into romantic drama presents an ambitious departure from his typical genre. However, this film, which attempts to showcase a heartfelt love story, ultimately falls short, bogged down by clichés and melodrama.

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha follows Krishna and Vasudha, whose romance blooms in a chawl in 2001, only to be interrupted by Krishna's 25-year prison sentence. The narrative unfolds as Krishna is released from prison, exploring the past incident that led to his incarceration, the changes both characters have undergone over two decades, and their emotional reunion.

The film tries to infuse maturity into the portrayal of love by focusing on characters in their 50s. Yet, the outdated melodramatic approach undermines the potential for a more nuanced and engaging narrative. While there are moments that hint at a deeper exploration of true and selfless love, these are overshadowed by a script that relies heavily on verbal exposition rather than subtle, impactful storytelling.

Pandey’s attempt to present a fresh perspective on romance is marred by a lackluster execution. The film’s narrative is hampered by its reliance on conventional melodrama and repetitive plot devices. Unlike films such as 96, which use meaningful silences and nuanced expressions to convey emotion, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha suffers from a verbose script that fails to evoke genuine empathy for its characters.

The film opens with a disclaimer suggesting that some elements are based on real but extraordinary events. However, the authenticity of the story alone is insufficient to captivate the audience. The film’s storytelling feels flat and uninspired, with Pandey struggling to infuse newness into the central conflict. The pivotal event in Krishna and Vasudha's story, which is meant to be a turning point, lacks the emotional weight necessary to resonate with viewers.

Ajay Devgn, known for his restrained performances, fits the role of Krishna, a character hardened by years in prison. His typical style aligns with the character's stoic nature, though it doesn’t add much depth to the portrayal. Tabu, playing Vasudha, gives her all to a melodramatically written role, managing to bring some authenticity to her character despite the script’s shortcomings.

The young actors, Shantanu Maheshwari and Saiee Manjrekar, who portray the younger versions of Krishna and Vasudha, deliver the film’s standout performances. Their chemistry and intensity provide a glimpse of what the film could have been if the narrative had matched their emotional engagement. Jimmy Shergill, as Vasudha’s husband Abhijeet, plays an insecure yet understanding character, though his role feels like an unnecessary plot device meant to introduce conflict.

The music by MM Keeravani is a notable highlight, with melodies reminiscent of his previous work, such as Kaun Mera from Special 26. The soundtrack adds a layer of emotional depth that the film’s visuals and storytelling fail to match. Unfortunately, the production design and cinematography are unremarkable, lacking the finesse that might have elevated the film’s aesthetic appeal.

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha is a valiant attempt by Neeraj Pandey to branch out into romance, but it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. The film’s reliance on melodramatic conventions and its struggle to deliver a fresh take on a familiar story result in a lackluster viewing experience. While the performances, especially by the younger cast members and the music, offer some redeeming qualities, the film’s overall execution leaves much to be desired. In the end, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha is an outdated creation that fails to breathe new life into its clichéd narrative.