Eight Years On: Revisiting the Disappointments of ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’

Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ is a sprawling, uneven romantic drama, sharing the same flaws as ‘Tamasha.’ Consider the potential of a film featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone as a cynical tour guide and a bubbly Gujarati traveler. The reality, however, proves to be disappointing. Shah Rukh Khan’s performance as Harry is marred by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, echoing his role in ‘Fan.’ Anushka Sharma provides a grounded performance, patiently navigating her co-star’s excessive displays. The central relationship is hard to embrace. Ali’s work often revisits the exploration of gender dynamics, frequently portraying women as assertive figures, while men grapple with self-loathing or misogyny. The film travels across Europe in pursuit of a missing ring. The film’s visual appeal is undeniable, but the emotional journey feels muddled and unconvincing. The dialogues are frequently strained and the songs feel out of place, contributing to the film’s overall sense of incoherence.