Janaki Jaane, directed by Aniesh Upaasana, presents an intriguing premise centered around a woman's struggle with a panic disorder when she is alone or in the dark. While Navya Nair delivers a terrific performance, the film fails to capitalize on its idea due to outdated conflicts and solutions that hinder its impact.
Janaki, hailing from a middle-class family in a village, experiences severe panic in various situations. She is unable to handle darkness, visit the bathroom without someone outside, or walk alone to her house. The movie explores Janaki's married life with contractor Unni Mukundan and the impact her condition has on their relationship.
The psychological condition of the central character offers an enticing element for commercial filmmakers. In the past, directors like Shankar have used psychological disorders to create vigilante thrillers. However, Aniesh Upaasana takes a more empathetic approach, aiming to showcase how Janaki overcomes her situation. While the writers establish a clear premise and climax, they struggle to build a convincing conflict and a believable recovery trajectory. The tired trope of characters refusing to listen to explanations becomes frustrating and lacks conviction.
The film's strengths lie in two performances. Navya Nair delivers an incredibly convincing portrayal of Janaki. She effectively conveys the character's fear, panting, and even adds humor to Janaki's panic, making her feel real on screen. Nair's performance showcases vulnerability and naivety without restraint. Additionally, Sharaf U Dheen shines in a small role that could have been cringe-worthy but is elevated by his signature coolness. Saiju Kurup takes on the role of the hero, but the decision to turn his character into a caricature detracts from the audience's ability to empathize. Johny Antony and Kottayam Naseer dial back their comical personas, providing adequate performances. The cast also includes notable names such as Anarkali Marikar, Sminu Sijo, James Eliya, Pramod Velliyanad, and more.
However, the treatment of the script in Janaki Jaane is somewhat messy. While Janaki's fears are genuine, her would-be husband's character is exaggerated and becomes a caricature. The handling of the media chapter, when her condition puts her in a difficult situation, feels like a loud satire. The aunt character, portrayed by Sminu Sijo, exists solely for comedy's sake. The exaggerated nature of every conflict or obstacle that Janaki faces lacks conviction and makes it difficult to overlook practical solutions. Syamaparakash's choice of locations and shot angles occasionally enhances the film's representation of the title character's emotional space.
Janaki Jaane had the potential to be a compelling concept. However, the lack of conviction and the film's convenient pursuit of a women empowerment track squander the opportunities for a more authentic and emotionally resonant drama about overcoming fear.
Janaki Jaane (2023) - info
- Release date: May 12, 2023
- Genre: Drama, Family
- Director: Aneesh Upasana
- Writer: Anil Narayanan, Rohan Raj, Aneesh Upasana
- Stars: Anarkali Marikar, Johny Antony, Sharafudheen