An ‘epic’ clash of the most stone faced, emotionless and wooden actor alive. ‘Jaanisaar’ by the maverick Rajah Muzaffar Ali - the flag bearer of b-town on screen ‘Shaan-e-Avadh’ and the forgotten India’s Ganga Jamuna Tehzeeb (culture), better remembered for his eternally beautiful Rekha starer Umrao Jaan (1981) and the brilliantly classic piece of art Gaman (1978 - his debut) makes a comeback after decades old hiatus with this Yawntest (vintage) period love story of a king and a courtesan.

Muzaffar Ali ‘s ‘Jaanisaar’ ‘s concept and idea is a rare, precious ‘Kakori Kabab’ on paper but the execution by this maverick filmmaker is shockingly dull and tiring. More shocking is the choice of actors who play the lead Noor (Pernia Qureshi - forgettable debut) is a revolutionary cum courtesan. Well her ‘bhav’ less, ‘adaa’ less, ‘grace’ less Kathak makes us do a Bharat Natyam in front of India’s Kathak prides Kumudini Lakhia and Birju Maharaj in anger for choreographing this awfully bad kathak dances. Pakistani actor Imran Abbas (Ameer Haider - less said the best).

Adding more salt to the wounds Muzaffar Ali retains his co writers Shama Zaidi and Javed Siddiqi, who any how manage the poetic feel and a slight glimpse of the amazing Ganga Jamuna Tehzeeb in one scene and that’s it.

Otherwise there is nothing inspiring, poetic or beautiful epic yawner dressed in good costumes telling the story of Raja Ameer Haider (Imran Abbas), raised by the British. On his comeback to India and his kingdom in Avadh a local courtesan Noor (Pernia Qureshi) charms him all over even confronting his belief about British.

More to the disappointment and horror, Muzaffar Ali acts and enters the unwanted competition between his lead actors.

What an irony.. Muzaffar Ali has worked with India’s best and the most haunting divas in which Rekha gave her career best in Umrao Jaan and Smita Patil in Gaman (one of her strong roles).

Umrao Jaan and Gaman had rare poetic gems. The connoisseurs will never forget ‘Dil Cheeze kya hai’, Yeh Kya Jaga’, Zindagi Jab Bhi’ ‘In Aankhon Ki Masti’ from Umrao Jaan and the heart rendering Aap ki Yaad Aati Rahi’ and ‘Seene Mein Jalan, Aankhon Mein Toofaan’ from Gaman.

Interestingly just because Muzaffar Ali has brought the best from Rekha cannot guarantee a good performance from an amateur, non actor like Pernia.

And for Pernia just because she can make the likes of Sonam Kapoor look stunning as a fashion expert  can guarantee a decent on screen entry as an actress.

Imran Abbas should thank his stars for getting offers after being established as a non actor in his previous films.

While the B-town Razzies if it comes up decides on the worst performance in acting department.. its an advice to Pernia, Imran and Muzaffar to watch Umrao, Gaman and other epics before any indulgence.