Revisiting ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’: A Critique of a Disappointing Romance

Eight years after its release, Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Jab Harry Met Sejal’ remains a lengthy and ultimately unfulfilling romantic story. Its flaws echo those found in ‘Tamasha.’ The story of the film can be understood with the concept of Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone starring in it. Shah Rukh Khan’s portrayal of Harry, characterized by an overabundance of charm, feels forced. Anushka Sharma’s performance offers stability amid her co-star’s excesses. The audience is not captivated. Ali has repeatedly explored gender dynamics, with the woman being self-assertive and the man oscillating between self-loathing and misogyny. The European locations are poorly integrated into the film’s narrative. The film is filled with scenes that do not work together. Ultimately, the film fails to create a satisfying emotional journey.