Overview
A poignant tale of love and longing unfolds against the backdrop of youthful idealism and political fervor.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- energetic
- brooding
- romantic movie night
- music focused viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the writing, direction, performances, cinematography, and A. R. Rahman's soundtrack for giving the romance emotional freshness, while finding the second half less consistent.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Kundan remains committed to Zoya for years despite rejection, humiliation, and her changing feelings.
Kundan and Zoya come from different religious backgrounds, making their relationship socially and politically charged.
Kundan and Zoya make serious mistakes, and the film presents their behavior with emotional candor rather than conventional romantic polish.
Zoya's move to JNU introduces student leadership, political culture, and idealistic activism as central forces in her life.
Films like Raanjhanaa, and why
Devdas
unrequited love, social conflict, sweeping musical romance, and tragic emotional intensity
Veer-Zaara
star-crossed romance, religious and social barriers, melodramatic feeling, and memorable songs
Bombay
idealistic young lovers, political themes, lyrical romance, and emotionally devastating stakes
Rockstar
unconventional romance, flawed protagonists, and a bittersweet blend of intimacy and social observation
Movie Details
- Director
- Aanand L. Rai
- Release Date
- 2013-06-21
- Runtime
- 140 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (171)
Cast
- Dhanush
- Sonam Kapoor Ahuja
- Abhay Deol
- Swara Bhasker
- Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub
- Shilpi Marwaha
- Kumud Mishra
- Saniya Anklesaria
- Arvind Gaur
- Sujata Kumar
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Eros Now Select Apple TV channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Raanjhanaa about?
- A headstrong young man's lifelong devotion collides with changing identities, campus idealism, and the painful consequences of an unconventional love.
- What is Raanjhanaa like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Raanjhanaa as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Raanjhanaa violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Raanjhanaa as mild.
- What did critics think of Raanjhanaa?
- Critics broadly praised the writing, direction, performances, cinematography, and A. R. Rahman's soundtrack for giving the romance emotional freshness, while finding the second half less consistent.
- Which films are like Raanjhanaa?
- Films with a similar feel include Devdas, Veer-Zaara, Bombay, and Rockstar.
- How long is Raanjhanaa?
- Raanjhanaa runs 140 minutes.
- Where can I watch Raanjhanaa?
- In United States, Raanjhanaa streams on Eros Now Select Apple TV channel.
