Ek Din TamilYogi Review: “Will you laugh at someone because he does not have a brand?” That single line is even more lingering than it should have been, with a quiet disclosure of the soft and watchful heart of the film. Ek Din is constructed upon insignificant, practically disposable moments, which say much about love, insecurity and perception. What initially appears to be a relatively straightforward level of romanticism slowly shifts to a more intricate level, balancing fantasy with realistic emotion. It is not seeking melodramatic peaks, but is rather close, somewhat playful. The same tone runs throughout the film, giving the sense that it is not so much of a grand statement, but rather more of a personal story being told. And, strange to relate, that straightforward frankness is what makes it interesting.
I want to say a word which may be considered a raise of eyebrows. I quite enjoyed Ek Din. I know of course that some may doubt that opinion or think that it sounds like a paid promotion. It is not. My response is not fake, and even somewhat unexpected by me. The movie relies heavily on its main actors, especially Junaid Khan, who portrays a very certain type of character. He is a man whose innocence is on the side of naivety, a man who is easily deceived and almost transparently, yet in a manner that is just a little too quaint.
The story of two office co-workers who go to Japan, and in that framework develops a multiple-layered romantic set-up. The protagonist already loves his colleague, and makes a simple yet emotional wish, that she become his, even at least for one day. What ensues is not a simple romance but a blend of emotional ups and downs, fantasy, and the uncertainty that human relationships may bring together. The film does not tell us too much but it keeps us interested and never stretched the film.
Assuming that there is one actor that makes the film very high is that Sai Pallavi. She is easily likable, and her presence gives a story an emotional depth. It has a natural warmth in her performance which goes hand in hand with the conception of unconditional love in the film. Even where I had my difficulties with Junaid on a personal level, I could not deny that he is almost too well suited to the role that he has been assigned, even where I had my troubles with Junaid on a personal level.
There is even a certain amount of social commentary in the film. Will you laugh at a person because he/she does not have a brand? He, who will not be able to afford it, will you say it is cheap? Such moments are only a texture-adding element without breaking down the emotional depth. Simultaneously, the movie is not filled with melodramatic elements. It remains cool and down-to-earth, and at times can cheer up the atmosphere with a little-bit-of-humour.
The most noticeable thing is its depiction of love. When most romantic movies focus on the aspect of physicality, Ek Din opts to practice restraint. There is not the open expression of intimacy, not even simple kissing. It is more about being connected, understanding and a kind of love that has no strings attached. It evoked in me the memory of If Only, a movie that I have always liked because of the emotional honesty and the bittersweet touch of the movie.
With that said, the movie is not devoid of its flaws. The music fails to make a lasting impact. The songs are used but they do not enhance the narration. It is also a remake and this factor also favors against it. Had this been an original composition, it could have been taken as something much more original.
Considering its close narrative, Ek Din would be more inclined to streaming sites. Similar to Laapataa Ladies, the other Aamir Khan movie that resonated better online than in the theatres, this film may find the same way to go.
There is a playful line as well which catches the tone: “If your girlfriend does not hug you after watching this tell me. Oh, leave it, you do not even have a girlfriend.” It is rather audacious, yet it also indicates the silent self-confidence of the film in its emotional appeal.
Ultimately, amidst the time-honored burden of being a remake and a somewhat polarising lead acting performance, Ek Din still succeeds in coming out as a heartfelt and appealing romantic film. It is not flawless, but it has heart and that goes a long way. A different cast on the main character would have taken it to the next level but even as it is, the movie works more than it fails.
Rating: 3.5/5
