So I rewatched Jagga Jasoos...

 I watched this for the first time when it premiered on television. I was always intrigued by this movie because of Ranbir's look and because my sister used to play Zoom and 9XM at home and they used to constantly play the songs. I was not much of a music guy back then, but I loved Ullu Ka Pattha, Galti Se Mistake and my personal favourite Jhumritalaiyya. If I remember correctly, Jhumritalaiyya was my first favourite Hindi song. 

I don't think my sister was at home that day, and my dad didn't want to watch it, probably because the Sanju biopic was announced by then. So me and my mom watched it. I don't think she liked it a lot, but watched it because I was interested. I don't remember exactly how I felt about it, but I know that I didn't understand a lot but that I liked it. The only proper memory I have of the first viewing was having Jeera Rice and Dal for lunch.

I played Galti Se Mistake the other day and felt like I should rewatch this to see if I still like it. I prepared myself for a good 1 hour and then 2 messy and confusing hours. Much to my delight, it was a good 3 hours. I really wanted to like it and was glad that it wasn't bad. 

The exposition was definitely a little overwhelming, but I don't think Anurag Basu wanted us to overthink it. He was going for a boy-looking-for-his-dad story and just used that as a plot point. Sure, it might take you out of the movie a little bit, but I didn't care. In the start, it was confusing, but later into the movie Basu simplifies it significantly, which could also turn people off because he doesn't stick to one thread.

I totally get the criticism against this, and agree to some of it too. But you have to agree that this is an absolutely wholesome film and a labour of love. It's a very Wes Anderson kind of movie, and I'm pretty sure if Wes made the exact same thing, people would be kinder. There's so much heart in the film, something you rarely see these days, especially in the first chapter. 

The first chapter is my favourite because I like my detectives solving murders, it's my favourite genre. There's so much rhythm in this part of the film. The makers must've been having a ball while shooting this schedule. The brushing, the flinging of towels on people's shoulders and even the clock ticking were super melodious. I love Jagga's stammer because it forces the film to be a musical. The lyrical dialogues are so well crafted. The subtitles did not do justice to them. 

Ranbir Kapoor as Jagga is phenomenal, like he always is. He brings great innocence while also being super cool. His hair is a character by itself, and the thing that first attracted me towards the film. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want that hairstyle through all of middle school. There's some scenes where he's sad and you feel like giving him a hug. Ranbir is also super lucky that he has a voice which sounds atleast a little similar to Arijit Singh and Mohit Chauhan both. He has great lip sync and his eyes move very well. I cannot stress enough how much I love Ranbir in this, and in general too. I think there's nothing he can't do.

Saswata Chatterjee is also very adorable as Tutti-Futti. The scene where he has to leave young Jagga and the one where he reunites with him made me tear up a little bit. Also, great work by Jagga's child actor. Katrina Kaif is actually very watchable in this. She doesn't ruin an ambitious film with an exceptional Ranbir in the lead like someone else, I'm looking at you Nargis Fakhri.

It's sad that it was a major financial disaster. It ended what clearly started out to be a franchise (loved the Bashir Alexander reveal by the way), and more importantly, it ended Ranbir's career as a producer. I think he would've done really well as a producer because every movie he chose as an actor has something to give, so he'll definitely be more picky when it comes to spending his own money.

This is one of those movies I can't help but love. There's so much effort and detailing put into each frame and movement. The staging of most scenes and the editing is so satisfying to watch. Like I said before, it's a labour of love and Basu gives a shit about this. He gives way more than a shit and wants the audience to like it the way he does. I feel for Basu and Ranbir because they've spoken passionately about the film but it couldn't connect to the crowds. Jagga Jasoos for me is what could happen if a crazy mind channels it's creativity and weaves webs of wonder.