Janaan (2016) User Reviews

Colorful and joyful celebration

[fbutt-98821 · 7/10 · 11 September 2016]

My expectations of this movie were based on the TVs advert and I must say that based on this it did not disappoint. Could the story line and acting have been better-yes but if you want to have a pleasant few hours with friends and family it is fine.

Janaan is a colorful and joyful celebration of what we love about our Pakistani culture. The scenery is beautiful and it always lovely to see a film using local locations and showing the beautiful side of Pakistan. And I guess that is one of the reasons why I am forgiving of the films foibles and weaknesses, because it reminds me of a Pakistan I love. The dialogue is amusing and I did enjoy the role of 'Daniyal'. All in all a movie version of comfort food.

Everything

[magmedia-07621 · 8/10 · 22 September 2018]

Fantastic movie, amazing story, cast, music, comedy.

Good time spent watching the film: Janaan

[khurramarif · 7/10 · 16 September 2016]

First time saw use of colors in a film that delighted the overall experience of the film on big screen. The story was family drama, with good comedy. Portrayal of a rural area with modern wedding sets the story quite obvious but entertaining, the Pakhtun true culture of showing interest in education for children that was forgotten somehow was beautifully showed in the entire film. The film was kept light mood even with some social issues that were highlighted in the background of the film. The cast did a fair job, The highlights of the film, Little bit of Pushto, family drama, nice romance and little action overall a good film to watch in theaters.

Awesome and worth to watch!

[mumtazsarwat · 10/10 · 14 September 2016]

well the movie is as amazing just as the cast.Everyone did justice with this movie especially Ali Rehman khan as Daniyal. Its a long movie but due to twist we cannot feel that the movie is of 2 hours and 17 min.Its totally a clean movie so u can watch with family :).No item songs thankfully.They represent women so gracefully.The subject of movie is quite sensitive and they showed it with grace as one can easily understand what they are trying to say.Screen presence of every artist is so good.If you support other cinema kindly support and encourage them as its a revival of Pakistani cinema and we should encourage it.I will give 10/10 :)

not a bad watch

[irfansalim85 · 6/10 · 17 September 2017]

In the movie there was a scene where the main character of the movie end up getting a tooth taken out and on local anesthesia she starts acting all drunk. It didn't make any sense as that never happens, it is mostly what happens after you take nitrous / ga. Which would not be possible in a rural area in Pakistan. The movie producers I guess wanted to put a drunk scene in the movie.

The movie overall wasn't a bad watch, but story had a lot of flaws and things which didn't make any sense at all. They could have made it a lot better, but still if you have nothing else to watch, then it won't disappoint you as much.

Absolutely wonderful..A MUST WATCH

[moviebuff2491 · 10/10 · 11 September 2016]

Janaan was an absolutely beautiful movie. For the first time in possibly forever, Pakhtuns were shown as humans. The story definitely took me by surprise with all its twists and turns. Beautifully shot and presented. The comedy in the film was just perfect. Laughed throughout the entire movie. Well done to team Janaan. You have definitely made a statement that movies don't need item numbers or nudity to be on the top. Please make more movies like that. Kudos to Osman Khalid Butt for a wonderful piece of writing. Furthermore, a huge round of applause to the actors for their phenomenal performances. This movie should be seen by every member of the family, as it targets every and all age groups.

Good enough to experience in Cinema.

[petroengfas · 7/10 · 14 September 2016]

Overall, a good cinema experience. Janaan is nice addition to Pakistan cinema, the efforts should be appreciated.

I missed songs, they could add more spices and dance performances that you can remember. The main theme keeps on repeating on many occasions.

Though, I hope some actors will improve acting skills with time and more projects. As Bilal Ashraf seems to be John Abraham with good build but less expressions. Ali Rehman did amazing job. There is also a surprise suspense in the end. The director did nice job. All actors seemed to be fit for their roles. I recommend to watch it with your family members, there is not a single intimate scene.

Incredibly funny movie!

[shiz_umi · 10/10 · 18 September 2016]

The movie was so damn good! This was the first movie I've watched in theaters and it was worth the money. The script was very well written by Osman Khalid. Armeena khan is so damn cute, wish I could just hug her (and I'm a girl by the way :) ).. she acted really nice (I've not seen her acting before - so I was introduced to her and Bilal for the first time). I absolutely loved Ali Rehman Khan. Armeena, Ali Rehman, and Bilal Ashraf's bond was just so cute! Armeena looked cute with both the guys! The story was amazing, for the first time the girl is not the one getting married or it's not about her marriage so that was really nice. Bilal acted really good too and wish to see him more in Pakistani films! The acting, makeup, clothes, and the scenic view were all so well captured. I'm glad that Pakistani cinema is showing the good things about Pakistan too. Living abroad, I think even the Pakistan's themselves have developed this phobia about the culture and the people. I'm so glad this movie tries to shed that away. To Pakistani cinema: for the lack of better words - great job guys !

A pleasant film to watch

[m-82962 · 7/10 · 13 November 2018]

Janaan is a good film with every element a good film needs but the only drawback to it was that it portrayed the "Pashtun Family" in an entirely glamourised and false way. The other thing which fall short was the music. Except the melodious Janaan title track and reidi gul no song is remarkable

Disaster and a Complete Disappointment

[hamzaumer13111 · 1/10 · 14 September 2016]

Where should I start.First I would start by saying that the Whole Mantra of Showing the Positive side of Pashtuns failed Miserably.They Portrayed People of swat in a Total different way rather than being typical of their Culture they were too Wayward.Secondly the Whole movie Plot was a complete nonsense.The chemistry between Meena,Asfandyar and Danyal was just too much stretched and Annoying at Times.The Acting was too Below Average.I must say Armeena Khan has no talent in the Field of Acting she was too over at Times.Bilal Ashraf was given the Wrong role he is more of a Macho man and should just stick to Action Flicks.Hania was given a very Limited Part,she looked the best of all the Actors.Lastly Would suggest all viewers to watch the Movie to Support Pakistani cinema,but If you have any good expectations from it than you would be Disappointed big Time.The Movie Itself was a Huge disaster.

Incredibly Amazing! Worth Watching!

[warda_fatima · 10/10 · 15 September 2016]

I was waiting for this movie and I finally watched it.I must say,Janaan is one of the best movies I've watched so far.The music,the acting and the inspiring story is just perfect.You get so into like bewitched while watching the movie.Some scenes made me emotional.Ali Rehman's acting was amazing.Bilal Ashraf and Armeena Khan were perfect as always.Really loved how they get united at last.Pakistan is proud of team Janaan.I'd recommend everyone to watch Janaan.Showing the positive and beautiful side of Pakistan won everyone's hearts.And the acting with those feels made us love Janaan.It's better than those Bollywood movies I've watched.They choose the best location for shooting! I'd love to watch this movie again!

It's my moral duty to tell you how awful this is.

[sabz-984-446344 · 1/10 · 10 September 2016]

I rarely write reviews for films, but for this film I just had to make an exception and at the minimum try my best by doing my moral duty of WARNING at least one person to not waste any money on this film...

This film is GARBAGE. It appears to be somebody's middle school media project... ABYSMAL acting, AWFUL soundtrack - It reminds me of the utmost worst of Hindi TV shows with the dramatics, etc...

The story follows a Canadian Pakistani girl who travels to Pakistan. The actors are terrible - over exaggeration, stereotypical, etc... There was an annoying background soundtrack and sound effects throughout the film which makes you feel like you want to shoot your ears off and the story itself is ridiculous.

You've been warned... Watch it if you must, but the 12 or so people who rated it up to 7.5 / 8.0 so far must be the actors and their family members.

Pepe's Chicken in the UK have made a seriously bad investment in sponsoring this film!

A must watch movie

[sunrise-21928 · 10/10 · 12 September 2016]

Just watched it in the cinema ,It made my day, a must must watch movie. It's funny, it's romantic,it's moving , it's inspiring, it has a strong script. U actually can't predict what's happening next.The cast is amazing.Everybody done there job perfectly.it's music is good too.I can watch it again and again. It's by far the best movie I have ever seen from lollywood . It's actually better than all the Bollywood movies that came after Pk. I would like to congratulate all team for putting up a very good show.I just can't find a fault in it.perhaps a bit more investment could make it even better But defiantly it's worth watching.I would recommend it to all the age groups.it would be a mistake to not watch this movie. I m looking forward to similar standard movies from this team.very well done 😀

A marvellous entertainer!

[abidhussain37 · 10/10 · 11 September 2016]

I am trying to fathom whether rodrig58 is talking about the same film that I saw last night. The film that I saw was a highly entertaining romantic comedy yarn that is different from the run of the mill Bollywood farce that churn out in a constant stream and on such a regular basis. The cast was a breath of fresh air and the debonair and most handsome hero Bilal Ashraf gave an amazing performance with his husky voice and very well supported by the entire cast. I would hate to give away a spoiler about the twist in the film about a real evil of child abuse and education. I say this film is highly recommended and a must watch!

Amazing, Full of Fun

[nasir-mahmood44 · 9/10 · 9 September 2016]

Movie is full of fun and shot at very beautiful places. Use of Pushtu is also amazing and depicts Pakhtoon culture very amazingly and fun-fully. Overall movie is great to watch. Worth ticket price. All the actors especially Lead and supporting roles of both male and female have done marvelous job.

Only lagging part was dance during wedding which could have been improved. At few places camera effects made screen blurry but these things are minor.

Subject of the movie conveys nice message. Some touch of Islamabad/Lahore should have been added as for international viewers it change their perspective.

Simply loved and enjoyed it. Recommended. Thumbs up. (Especially to lead 4).

Rarely such a bad film!

[RodrigAndrisan · 1/10 · 9 September 2016]

You must be completely stupid or a naturally curious person, like me, a man who wants to see all the

movies, to go and see this. Everything is wrong in this so-called film, the story, the actors (all false),

even the music is bad(usually, in the bad Bollywood films, the music saves something...)(but this one is

made in Pakistan...) I felt downright ridiculous and embarrassing, watching this, 133 minutes will pass

very hard, supporting this nonsense, for anybody which has a modicum of common sense. A total waste

of time - for me - and loss of cash - for those who buy tickets to see it. It's worse than Awful, it's Super Awful!

Entertaining, humorous with a serious theme

[imranahmedsg · 8/10 · 6 February 2018]

The resurgence of popular Pakistani cinema is reflected well in Janaan. Bollywood yet not quite Bollywood. Or Bollywood with a Pakistani twist.

Janaan has a powerful storyline which keeps the viewer interested. Comic relief coupled with a love story masks otherwise serious social commentary.

Breathtaking scenery from Pakiatan's Swat Valley is an added bonus.

This had potential.

[absahmed · 5/10 · 13 September 2016]

Right, I am by no means a film expert, however I know a bad film when I see one. This was one of them.

Janaan felt like a made for TV movie, with just about enough budget to hold it together. There was hardly any character development and I struggled to see the point of the story, it felt very much like a 'dot-to dot', lets make it up as we go along story.

The lead actress, who seems to be plucked out of nowhere did not hold her role together, incredibly limited acting skills. Ali Rehman Khan had a stand out performance which far surpassed the others. He made the best out of a bad situation.

This potentially could have been much better, with a better story and development. Lessons have to be learnt from this, otherwise I give up on Pakistani Movies.

Best Pakistan film

[zainazeem · 10/10 · 14 September 2016]

After Watching this movie i came to know that this is one of the best Pakistan film i think everyone should go and watch. The good thing is you can watch it with your family and friends. Armeena khan did a great job. The whole team did a great job. One should go and watch whole film. According to the location of this film shooting, i would just like to say a single word and that is just awesome. best views of Pakistan.But there was also some wrong things in movie that i will also mention is, some the characters of movies was not up to their task and they did un necessary things and odd acting. overall they did well and well enough to catch an eye from not only Pakistan but from whole world. Good luck team janaan.

An excellent lighthearted yet socially relevant film

[fk1829 · 10/10 · 15 September 2016]

I have to begin this review with a disclaimer: Mostly movies -- be that bollywood, Hollywood or Pakistani, tend to find it hard to engage me and sustain my interest. However, Janaan is an exception -- it does this job well and how. Initially, the beautiful cast and the spectacularly scenic locations case their spell on you. When you are past that, the well scripted jovial camaraderie between the male leads (and the bride and the groom) and the beautiful family setup take over. Once we are through with that, the movie transitions to a very intelligent depiction of a very relevant social issue that rarely gets any cinematic attention.The villainy and drama also make their entry at this point. And by the end, all three strands -- the comedy, the social drama and love-triangle are neatly tied together to leave you moist eyed and smiling widely.

Bilal Ashraf and Armeena Khan do reasonably well to lend credibility to their characters, and Ali Rehman Khan comes out as the movie's darling. Supporting performances by Ajab Gul and a few others (the evil aunt, very relatable, gets a special mention) are spot on. Sets are adequately eye catching without being Devdas-type fantasies. Music, especially the title track is too good. The best part is that while social issues are given serious attention, the portrayal and is intelligent enough to make you detest the person involved without you squirm in your seat with ugly details.

In general, loved everything in the movie, heck even my mom, who NEVER likes movies, loved this one. Kudos to the entire team for making this film and I hope and pray it pays them handsome dividends so that they continue to amaze and enthrall Pakistani audiences with such films.

Oh, and Shalwar Kameez will be a RAGE after this movie (even for the jetset trendy crowd).

loved it,,,,,

[farrukhhcc · 9/10 · 19 September 2016]

i loved the movie.. a way to better films in Pakistan. we should appreciate our talent... and 1 thing worth mentioning our actors and actresses are extremely talented... just need an opportunity. the Beauty of my country,,,, the sweet Pashto language and the culture.... being a Pashtoon i loved it,, extremely and would want other Pakistanis specially living abroad take their foreigner friends to show it. Because people abroad think of us like People from MARS.... honestly me and my wife in the whole movie.. thought we are in Pakistan. came out of KLCC and realized we are out of Pakistan. all the best to the team and wish to see more good movies in the Future. Pakistan Zindabad.

Weak Storyline & Poor Acting

[hamzazeeja · 4/10 · 21 November 2017]

I know its wrong to be so harsh while writing movie reviews because the entire crew puts effort of long months in making a movie but this, my friends, was a total disaster. From writing to storyline, from dialogues to acting and from direction to camera work, nothing in the movie was up to mark. The only things which made me watch the entire movie were pretty faces and pretty places. Disappointed, totally!

An All-Round Entertainer

[farnazk95 · 9/10 · 6 February 2020]

Azfar Jafri's Janaan is an all-round entertainer which captures the best of Pakistani cinema: beautiful locales, diverse themes, good music, and a range of comedic scenes.

Although Janaan balances both dark and light themes, it does so using character development as opposed to narrative, and so the characters had a lot to deliver to the audience. The most notable performances came from Ali Rehman Khan and Armeena Rana-Khan, as Daniyal and Meena, both balancing tradition and modernity, family and adulthood, as well as happiness and misery with great effect.

Rana-Khan's performance was soft, with the most notable moments being her proposal to Asfandyar, and her refusal of Daniyal's proposal. Daniyal's most notable performance came from his sadness at the burning down of Asfandyar's school, and his constant jokes and references, which were a mixture of languages and times.

Janaan's themes included adoption, cross-cultural learning, and romance, as well as comedy and even child sexual abuse. All of the themes were developed with detail, and emphasis was given to their development without any missing items in each. The cinematography was clean, well-shot and edited, as well as directed, with the only weak shots being of the burning down of Asfandyar's school.

Janaan is an entertainer to remember, one of the few films which is daring, entertaining, romantic and yet such a medley of the best of Pakistani cinema. It is a breakthrough for the Pakistani cinema industry!

Give me a Break!!!!!

[mohidsing · 4/10 · 20 September 2016]

I literally had a headache watching this movie and man I need to write this review. Anyways please support Pakistan Cinema but this plot was a drag. Honestly fairy tales have way better plots than this.

It appears that they tried to do a lot of things but could not give them finishing touch to anything. Let's talk about some positives first (I am being generous here)

Background music was fine at some points. Standout performances were of Danyal and Palwasha (Hania). These two have the potential for future. Can't say much for Bilal at the moment. A couple of songs were good (the opening song of Armeena Arrival and title song Janaan). Swat was captured beautifully in some scenes which shows how much naturally beautiful Pakistan is.

Initial half of the movie was funny (where Danyal stole the show)but this has become formula for Pakistani movies first part funny and second part dummy where an illogical complication is introduced to give the story an unnatural depth and that actually became the disaster recipe for this movie. The "Villan" Part was the most poorly handled aspect of the movie. It did not sync with the main idea of the plot and had a poor finishing. Armeena is cute but her looks are not of a heroine neither her voice texture nor her height and at the moment she knows a little about movie acting.

In nutshell it was watchable in some initial patches but overall impression of the movie especially due to later half was disappointing. Pakistan Cinema needs to produce better with better story lines to stand a chance to compete international Cinema in the future. I am surprised how did this movie do well on the Box Office May be due to Eid. Please grow up Pakistan Cinema!

Awesome!!!!

[junaidali-27929 · 10/10 · 2 July 2019]

Best movie i have watched. I mean its my favorite movie of all times