Purani Jeans Review

The title signifies long-term friendships that, like old jeans, becomes better with age. About five friends from Kasauli who go their different ways following a tragedy and then get back together as fated chance brings about a realignment, this films treads the bromantic path. Following the entry of Nayantara(Izabelle Leite), a hackneyed romantic triangle develops,  involving Sam(Aditya Seal) and Sidharth (Tanuj Virwani). The two guys are besties since childhood and have always been there for each other. But a drunken night and calamitous estrangements puts an end to it. Thirteen years later Sidharth who has studied in MIT and works in the USA, returns to Kasauli  to deal with painful memories and conveniently ends up getting the remaining four together for a happily ever after ending.

The story of course borrows liberally from many of the more famous coming-of-age buddy bromances( Dil chahta hai, Zindagi na milegi Dobara, Rock On,  Yaariyan)  and makes the traditional(Sangam, Dostana, Arzoo) romantic twists and turns albeit in a fresh setting. The nostalgia trip following Sidharth's return to India also encapsulates the rekindling of romance and the realization of some home truths.  Back stories that manufacture conflict and non-linear narration allow for ample depth. The script though, appears a little too happy to take the traditional route for such tales. Also the characters are a little too wishy-washy to be endearing. The hackneyed helming by Tanushri Chattrji Bassu doesn't allow for any fresh engagements. The cinematography by Sunil Patel and Christo Bakalov makes the most of the verdant landscape that the hill-country location allows for. The editing though is a little too choppy for comfort.

Aditya Seal as Sam is completely convincing and he also has the clean cut good looks to make it to the solo romantic lead like most Bollywood A listers do. Tanuj Virwani puts on an endearing act that does ample justice to the age jump his character embodies. Isabelle Leite(from `Sixteen') has the oomph of a siren but here she cloaks it commendably . Even so she is able to convince us about her desirability to the two guys in love with her. Unfortunately her dialogue delivery (probably dubbed) does not come across as convincing. Sarika does a good job as Sam's troubled, alcoholic mother and Rati is pleasant as Sidharth's widowed mother who looks on Sam as her other son. Ram Sampath's music is ear pleasing.

All in all, this is a decent enough outing but it's not something that will stay with you for long.

Rating: **1/2