Aditya N
Aditya N
Eleven years ago, Aanand L. Rai’s Raanjhanaa made its grand entrance into the world of cinema. This romantic drama not only marked the Bollywood debut of Dhanush but also showcased his portrayal of Kundan, an ardent lover, opposite Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s character, Zoya. The film pleasantly surprised everyone by becoming a sleeper hit at the box office. Now, as it reaches a significant milestone, you can stream it on JioCinema and ZEE5. Himanshu Sharma skillfully crafted the screenplay, while Abhay Deol, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and Swara Bhasker delivered commendable performances in supporting roles. Irshad Kamil penned the heartfelt lyrics, and the soulful score and music were composed by the legendary A. R. Rahman.
In the movie, Kundan, the son of a Hindu Pandit, discovers that his childhood sweetheart, Zoya, intends to marry Akram, who is from the city. Nevertheless, Kundan remains steadfast in his determination to win her love. Dhanush portrayed the role of Kundan, the son of a pundit, who quickly develops feelings for a girl. Initially dismissed as a mere infatuation due to their young age, Zoya (Sonam Kapoor) continues to be the object of his affection even as time passes. He accompanies her to class, holds her hand, and endures numerous rejections. Eventually, she gives in to his persistent pursuit. The narrative takes a turn when Zoya joins JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University), showcasing the political and idealistic atmosphere of the institution. As she encounters and eventually falls for student leader Akram (Abhay Deol), she rediscovers a strength she had long forgotten. Upon her return to her hometown after eight years, Zoya finds both familiar and unexpected changes.
When it comes to character development, Dhanush’s portrayal of Kundan is a journey from a carefree youth to a mature adult, deeply rooted in his hometown of Banaras and his feelings for Zoya. Zoya, on the other hand, is a complex character, at times childlike and unpredictable, yet also capable of being cold and rational. Her journey is one of self-discovery and rediscovering her strength. Akram, a self-assured college student with socialist beliefs and political ambitions, adds another layer of depth to the narrative.
