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Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

31 May 2013Hindi2h 40m
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 15 critic reviews

Kapoor and Padukone charm, but the breezy romance runs on formula alone.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: lead ensemble cast performances
  • Criticised: formulaic shallow narrative

Audience

User score 6.3 out of 10 from 16 ratings, Mixed
Read 7 audience reviews ↓

Critic consensus

What critics from 14 publications are saying

Critical reception for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani was mixed-to-moderate, with most reviewers acknowledging its breezy, energetic appeal while finding it formulaic and narratively shallow. The ensemble performances, particularly from Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor, drew consistent praise across reviews. Common criticisms centered on the film's reliance on familiar Bollywood conventions, underdeveloped storytelling, and a script that several critics found too lightweight to leave a lasting impression. A few reviewers dismissed it outright as glossy but forgettable, while others accepted its unambitious charm on its own terms.

How the 15 scores spread

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of reviews from 14 publications · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (15)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Asian Age

    Film review ·

    The heroine of Ayan Mukerji's Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, is in fact, two movies for the price of one. And just in case that isn't sufficient, Ms Madhuri Dixit shows up to perform an item number
  2. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    How much you enjoy 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' depends entirely on how much you've missed the typical Karan Johar formula. 'Wake Up Sid' director Ayan Mukerji takes us on a familiar journey through holiday romances, family conundrums, and big fat Indian weddings.
  3. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    Neither the romance nor the drama that the film seeks to whip up can salvage it from being just another harmless romp aimed at an undemanding audience that is comfortable with swimming at the shallow end of life.
  4. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    It's been a few minutes since I stepped out of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and I'm finding it hard to remember what I've just seen. It is a been-here, seen-this, much-too-long glossy creature, and not much else.
  5. Top critic

    Rediff

    Film review ·

    When the songs aren't playing, this is a daftly childish film, one where most actors act half their age and the narrative stumbles forward inanely and gracelessly.
  6. Bollywood Hungama

    Film review ·

    Expect no unwanted melodrama, no unwelcome characters, no earsplitting background music. The best thing about YJHD is that it's refreshingly unique within the conventional Hindi film format.
  7. Filmfare

    Film review ·

    YJHD is a well-packaged 'okay' film and it becomes a 'good' film thanks to the acting efforts of Kalki Koechlin, Aditya Roy Kapur, Deepika and of course, Ranbir.
  8. Koimoi

    Film review ·

    Ranbir Kapoor delivers an outstanding performance. He will indeed make you believe that he is Bunny! Effortlessly slipping into the skin of the character, the film belongs to him!
  9. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    The characters are no novelty, they have been seen umpteen times earlier. But it is the treatment that makes it 'alag' and the credit must go to the director with a mature, sorted head on his young shoulders. Watch this at least once.
  10. Asian Age

    Film review ·

    This narrative — which zigzags through a landscape of clichés, powered only by cuteness and populated by only nice people — is Bollywood's new coming of aged formula.
  11. DNA India

    Film review ·

    Despite the terrific ensemble, the film belongs to Deepika Padukone. She has arrived, and that isn't a dig or a snide remark, but a validation of her evolution from being just another stunning face to someone who can keep you engaged even in the weak moments.
  12. India Today

    Film review ·

    A slightly more mature Ayan as storyteller, and technically his craft is a few notches higher too. Yet just like Bunny, Ayan's cinematic idiom still seems trapped in a happy-go-lucky teenage universe.
  13. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Youth is a many splendoured thing. An alive, fresh vibe dominates Ayan Mukerji's Yeh Jaawani Hai Deewani invigorating you through it's entire run.
  14. Glamsham

    Film review ·

    This film does not have the chutzpah of a ROCKSTAR; neither does it have the simplicity of ROCKET SINGH: SALESMAN OF THE YEAR or WAKE UP SID. In short, Ranbir fans will be disappointed.

From our readers

Audience reviews (7)

16 ratings · user score 6.3

  1. NeonikaJun 2013
    4/10

    Even though I went in expecting an over the top, candy floss, run of the mill Bollywood bonanza, I was sorely disappointed. The story flitted around from one theme to the next, never delving deeper after scratching the surface. Almost every piece of the mindless melange has no build up and no consequence. I have no idea what Madhuri Dixit's item number was doing at the beginning and I absolutely don't buy the ending. I wish the movie was half as good as 'Wake Up Sid', which was a triumph on so many levels. Alas, this one just tried to pickle together DDLJ, ZNMD, KKHH and more and all it gave me was yawns. The performances of the cast saves the film from tanking completely. Ranbir is his usual charming self and my favorite one was Kalki. The guy who plays her fiancée particularly provided some laugh out loud moments for me.

  2. 8/10

    "Doesn't matter how hard you try, there will be something left out". The movie states this loudly and actually the same can be said for the movie. The movie has one of the finest cast possible with awesome music. But then you have a predictable story-line and a prolonged sangeet sequence. You have Ranbir Kapoor brimming with unstoppable energy sharing the scorching chemistry with gorgeous Deepika. But then the director tries to pack-in too many things in those 2.5 hrs. But in the end, you can safely say you had a great time watching this rom-com because the movie has always its heart at right place. Deepika gives her best again after cocktail. Aditya Roy Kapoor (Ashiqui 2 fame), Kalki and Farooq Sheikh, all give their best shot. Ayaan who gave us Wake Up Sid shows that he is here for long run. Ranbir Kappor showcases his dancing skills with irresistible charisma in songs like "Badtameez Dil" and "Dilli Wali Girlfriend". All in all, you have 2013's first major blockbuster which entertains and provides food for thought in equal measures.

  3. Kapil SingbalJun 2013
    5/10

    When a movie, with two of the best young glamorous people in showbiz, ex-lovers at that, releases amid a lot of fanfare, expectations are bound to soar and skyrocket. Ranbir and Deepika are indeed a charming couple and the young director Ayan Mukherjee who made a lovely but predictable Wake Up Sid does not need to take a lot of effort to strike passionate chemistry between them. Ranbir is as usual in the cool dude role, one which we are so accustomed to see him in, accompanied here by the ever-so-effervescent Kalki Koechlin and the brooding Aditya Roy Kapoor, probably having a Aashiqui-2 hangover by the time second half begins. Deepika on the other hand is made to go deglam behind her studious demeanour and cautious attitude. But you do know that by interval this leggy lass is going to flaunt her enviable assets and newly found devil-may-care attitude. The plot is that predictable but so far so good since the presentation is all what matters in such a movie. Ranbir's Bunny and Deepika's Naina have quite a few introspective conversation and Aditya's Avi and Kalki's Aditi ably support them with their antics and the first half seems to be a good breezy adventure. But then comes the customary twist in the tale and by the time break is over, we are pulled into a destination wedding and the fun and dance routine that accompanies it and we somehow feel forced into the proceedings. Though the idea of glimpsing the whole world and following one's dreams is juxtaposed with the concept of spending time together with one's family and missing something unpredictable to make do with the mundane stuff and a feeble attempt is made to compare the two, the movie loses steam as we move towards a convenient and predictable climax. Farookh Shaikh and Tanvi Azmi impress in short roles and Dolly Ahluwalia is completely wasted in a cameo. Music isn't top-notch as well with only Badtameez Dil holding forte. Ayan has wasted good talent by going for a story with no real meat. Movie deserves a watch though for its wonderful cinematography of Kashmir posing as Manali and then Rajasthan. Afficianados of Ranbir and Deepika like me can watch this movie once but can't say the same for the rest. Also the dance cameo by Madhuri seemed to be a wasted effort. She deserved a much better song considering her versatile dance performances in the past.

  4. PoojaJul 2013
    5/10

    Ranbhir as always at his best and after SRK its Ranbhir who makes all the girls go crazy...the movie reminds me of the DDLJ types...Superb acting by Deepika and her looks at its best...they make a fabulous couple...movie is just average expected a little more. Songs are superb...

  5. 6/10

    Overall Not A Bad Movie..Deepika Is Good, Ranbir Should Hv Been Better

  6. 6/10

    2013 is almost half way through & Bollywood hasn't had much of an encouraging start except for the surprise blockbuster in "Aashiqui 2". But the trade pundits are predicting that a blockbuster is just round the corner & by the looks of "Yeh Jaawani Hai Deewani", we might just have a winner. The promos looks hip & the pairing of Ranbir-Deepika are likely to generate attention considering their past; not to forget that the shots are called by the promising Ayan Mukherjee. So will it create a ruckus at the box office??? Naina (Deepika Padukone) is a medical student whose whole life has always been about devouring the books, to the extent that her life was as boring as batshit. That's when she bumps into her school-mate Aditi (Kalki Kochelin) & gets to know that she is off to Manali with her closest buddies Kabir & Avi (Aditya Roy). Kabir aka Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) believes in living life to the fullest with no strings attached & his dream was to embark on a world wide tour. Naina has a blast with the three of them, little realizing that with time she would fall for Bunny, though they were like chalk & cheese. But will Bunny reciprocate her love??? Ayan Mukherjee had shown immense promise with "Wake up Sid" & he has definitely lived up to expectations with his latest venture. Though the script moves along predictable lines, it doesnt actually test our patience. As a matter of fact, the practicality of relationships is showcased pretty well...the details of which if I reveal here will be a spoiler. However, the film is a shade too long & would have better off if they had trimmed it. Pritam was on absolute fire with almost all the songs being top notch especially "Badtameez Dil"...not to forget the brilliant choreography of the former along with "Dilli Wala Girlfriend" & "Ghagra". Special mention also has to be given to Manikantan's visuals as it were picture perfect. Ranbir Kapoor has been the toast of the industry since "Rockstar" released & he has once again shown that he is the best among the younger lot by more than a fair distance. Post "Cocktail", Deepika has honed her acting skills & she has done a decent job here. Kalki was the perfect choice for the tom-boyish character while Aditya has continued the good work of "Aashiqui 2". Verdict: The film will take a thunderous opening & in all probability will breach the 100 crore club with ease. In short, give it a try if you love rom coms as it's definitely one of the best to have come out in that genre!!! Rating: 2.75/5 Regards...Ben

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