Jab Khuli Kitaab, which has released today on Zee5, is the story of an old couple who are about to get divorced. It is directed by Saurabh Shukla and is based on his play by the same name. The film starts on a moving note and the conflict soon arises. From here, a bizarre scene dilutes the impact. Thereafter, the film gets better, especially with the entry of the lawyer (Aparshakti Khurana). However, the bond shared by the old couple is what keeps the interest going. The climax could have been touching. Shockingly, the makers depict the developments in the form of a voiceover. This would have worked fine in the play the film is adapted from. But cinematically, it fails to impress. Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia wonderfully play their layered characters. Aparshakti Khurana is adorable, as expected. Manasi Parekh (Asha; judge) plays a half-baked character, but performance-wise, she is first rate. Nauheed Cyrusi (Farnaaz) is lovely and it’s a pleasure to see her after a hiatus. Samir Soni (Param) has a crucial role and he leaves a mark. Sunil Palwal (Jignesh) and Devyani Ratanpal (Sujata) are decent. All in all, Jab Khuli Kitaab is a poor man’s Kapoor & Sons and is an average flick.
My rating – ** ½ out of 5!