Critics Verdict: "Ek Deewana Tha" has its moments, but not make you fallen in love.
Here are the review by some sources...
Avijit Ghosh, Times Of India - 3 stars
"He sees her for the first time on the street, walking slowly towards him like poetry in motion. She is dressed in a black sari and matching blouse; her pitch-dark hair caressing her body. And in that singular moment, Sachin ( Prateik), a mechanical engineer who wants to make movies, is transformed into a butterfly of uncontrollable desire. He is smitten and finds himself walking on air", writes by Ghosh on Times Of India.
"The good thing about Ekk Deewana Tha is that it chooses deep conversations and not deadly fists to reach where it finally wants to. It doesn't offer any insights into the art of love; rather it merely lays bare the regular confusions - is it love or friendship? - of young hearts. Exquisitely lensed in lush Kerala by cinematographer M S Prabhu, the movie gets too self-indulgent in the end; the last 20 minutes could have been trimmed to 10. The love story of Sachin and Jessie never becomes your own though the lead pair is okay. Prateik's voice is evocative; Amy Jackson, a former Miss Liverpool, reeks of an understated sensuality, though strangely, her skin-tone keeps varying with every scene. But together they fail to synergize their performances. Ramesh Sippy's presence too doesn't add any sholay to the proceedings. May be the movie needed more spunk in Manu Rishi's dialogues, to elevate itself. Even A R Rahman's music wouldn't figure among his Top 20 films."
"Ekk Deewana Tha has its moments but it doesn't really put you in the mood for love", concluded by him.
Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama - 2 stars
"Both, the Tamil version [VINNAITHAANDI VARUVAAYAA] and also its Telugu adaptation [YE MAAYA CHESAVE] were considered path-breaking motion pictures. Though essentially a remake, EKK DEEWANA THA conjures memories of K. Balachander's roaring hit EK DUUJE KE LIYE. Menon is a master storyteller, no two opinions on that, but EKK DEEWANA THA fails to leave an impact for a valid reason: A beaten to death plot tends to stagnate after a point. Also, Menon overstays the hospitality by dragging the film in its second hour. Just when you think the story would conclude, Menon does a time travel and starts a new chapter in this never-ending love story. That, honestly, only makes this snail-paced movie a taxing and cumbersome experience.
Sachin [Prateik] is an engineering graduate from a middle class family in Mumbai, who is in love with the world of cinema. One day, he sees Jessie [Amy Jackson] and it is love at first sight for him. Jessie is beautiful, elegant, smart and classy. But Jessie belongs to an orthodox Malayali Christian family where watching movies or falling in love are completely taboo.
Sachin finds himself increasingly drawn to her. Jessie, on her part, tries to forge a friendship between them, believing that cloaking their feelings under the umbrella of friendship would save them heartache, tears and a full-blown family drama. But these two different characters go through the pangs and pleasure of first love, while battling with the situations that life has placed them in.", writes by trade expert Adarsh on Bollywood Hungama.
"Amy Jackson is charming. She carries off her part -- and also the Indian attire -- splendidly. Though the character is not very compelling -- since she appears confused about her emotions for the madly-in-love Prateik -- it must be said that you don't detect slip-ups in her presentation of the character. In fact, it isn't a straight-forward role for a tenderfoot, but Amy handles it like a pro. However, her makeup is inconsistent. Manu Rishi excels and so does Sachin Khedekar. Babu Antony [as Jessie's father] does a fine job. Ashwin Kakumanu and Samantha get no scope. Ramesh Sippy is likeable in a cameo.
On the whole, EKK DEEWANA THA has a few sparkling moments, that's about it. However, it lacks the fizz for the spectator to go deewana!", concluded by Taran Adarsh.
Preeti Arora, Rediff.com - 1 star
"Preeti Arora feels that Ek Deewana Tha, Gautham Menon's Hindi remake of his hit Tamil film Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya, lost quite a bit in translation."
"A few minutes into Gautham Menon's latest film the leading man (Prateik Babbar) is shown seated in a church, muttering to himself, "Mujhe Jessie Se Hi Kyon Pyaar Hona Tha? (Why did I have to fall in love with Jessie)". The leading lady is at the altar, waiting for her groom. The audience is expected to hold their breaths, as the flashback unfolds. Not the most original beginning for a love story.", writes by Preeti on Rediff.com
"Given their limited acting abilities, they just do not come through as a couple. And with the spark missing, the innumerable tiffs and make-ups and casual kisses just serve in endlessly prolonging the film.
Manu Rishi in his small role as Prateik's friend-philosopher-guide is great fun. The few laughs one enjoys are the times when he is on screen. A R Rahman's music doesn't make an impact.
Good cinematography and great locations in Kerala make some portions a visual treat. Another redeeming factor is the absence of item songs and unnecessary sub-plots.
Ek Deewana Tha is the Hindi remake of Gautham Menon's Tamil film Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya which was a huge commercial hit. Somewhere, something obviously got lost in translation.", concluded by Preeti Arora.
