Umrao Jaan (2006)

The Worst Film Ever

Highly Overrated But Still Good

A lot more amusing than I thought it would be.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Dutta once idiotically said that, "Aishwarya Rai wasn't meant for Umrao Jaan but Umrao Jaan was made for Aishwarya Rai". Little did he expect his film to deservedly receive such negative reaction from the general public. With lavish sets and tailor made costumes, the film certainly has a glossy look, like that of an expensive soap opera.The writing is flat and melodramatic. Most of the lines, that are delivered so poorly by the actors, are sleep inducing. Moreover the movie drags on for hours. The songs are downright boring. The lyrics lack uniqueness and creativity and their placement in the movie only slows down the pace.The acting is terribly melodramatic. A theatrical Aishwarya Rai and a wooden Abhishek Bachchan share some of the most boring scenes in the movie. Not only that, but Rai seems to have lost some of her dancing abilities that she proved in movies like 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'. Here her mechanical moves lack grace. Divya Dutta and Ayesha Jhulka are wasted. Only Shabana Azmi manages to transcend with a superb performance. Her Khanum Jaan is the only character that's properly fleshed out and Azmi's final scene is the one moment when the viewer sympathizes with a character in the film.I may have used many words here that related to 'being bored' but that should be enough to provide a brief description of one of the biggest snoozefests of 2006.

I thought the story line was easy to follow but not predictable, and the acting was very vivid and full of depth. I think that Ash is an amazing actress, who is able to convey so many emotions with even the most subtle of movements. The real gem of this film is the amazing detail that is given to the costumes and scenes. So many bright and amazing colors, even the texture of the fabrics are noticeable.I have watched this film so many times and each time I notice something new. If you love films that are costume based you'll be very happy with this one.

This movie is a giant step backward from the 80s Umrao Jaan. Granted dancing is good as should be expected of Aishwarya Rai but her character comes off as flat, weak and unlikable. The brothel is an idealized fantasy place where she can remain loyal to her true love all the while crying her eyes out because life's so unfair. I thought the movie was extremely dull and boring and I suspect Mrs Rai was crying to some extent because she got trapped in this awful movie by JP Dutta.Spoiler: Worst scene: the rape and aftermath. Only: there is no aftermath as the lady is in a really forgiving mood. Everyone does make mistakes I guess (like watching this movie!). The whole love story also doesn't work for me. While in the original Rekha came across as this intelligent woman, Aishwarya Rai is just a pretty face and of course her Nawab falls in love with her at first sight. She is just another pretty face...

i loved this film it was great, Sunil Shetty looked so hot with eyeliner on, and Abishek Bachan was just so cool on the horse, Aishwarya Rai was looking gorgeous then ever, and just the whole acting crew was great! I cried it seemed so real. Shabana Azmi was so great and gave the whole film that extra spark. The scenery, the music, the dance everything was perfect, people were actually clapping at the end of the movie.A great movie with everything you need, romantic, comedy, action, thrilling and with a lot of suspense! Definitely a movie to watch. I would rate this movie the movie of the year!