AAJA NACHLE is below the mediocre mark and doesn't meet the humungous expectations that you associate with the Yashraj - Madhuri combo. AAJA NACHLE fails in the two vital departments -- writing and music. The film doesn't make your heart go dhak-dhak, nor does it prompt you to break into a nach at the end of the show. Makarand (Darshan Zariwala), her teacher, her guru, is dying and she must return to Shamli town. The town where she grew up, the town where she learnt to live and to dance. Also the town she left on an impulse, severing ties with her parents and her people. It is a poignant and troubled return; not only has her guru passed away but the institution that he so lovingly nurtured is in decay and under threat of demolition. Ajanta theatre, the once vibrant hub of the community, the place where Dia’s fondest memories are embedded must now be brought down because the local political authorities feel it a waste of prime real estate. With the help of Doctor (Raghubir Yadav), the caretaker of Ajanta, Dia sets out on a mission to prevent the destruction and resurrect the spirit of Ajanta. In an atmosphere of mistrust, ridicule and active hostility, Dia picks up the gauntlet and agrees to achieve the near impossible task of putting together a theatrical production. She must also ensure that every member of the production is from Shamli town. She has only two months to prove her point or the bulldozers will be waiting.

Madhuri sizzles in this movie with her grace, charm and her dancing talent . she shines in the whole movie . Konkana sen justifies her role as bubbly character . Akshay Khanna as usual is given little to do. But he does it with style and class. Kunal kapoor’s acting is also excellent. Choreography in the film is very much appreciable. Music is by Salim and Sulaiman and if the music would have been excellent this movie would have run for 100 days as this movie is totally dance oriented. But presently the music is average. The auditions for the stage show of Laila- Majnu are very comic and interesting. But this lacks tempo during the show of Laila- Majnu as it looks more dragged for about 25 minutes in the film’s climax. Irrfan, in a brief role, is okay. Divya Dutta too is relegated to the backseat. Ranvir Shorey is first-rate. Ditto for Raghuvir Yadav. Darshan Zariwala does a fine job. Yashpal Sharma is alright. Vinay Pathak and Sushmita Mukherjee are adequate. Akhilendra Mishra is as usual. Jugal Hansraj gets no scope. Vinod Nagpal and Uttara Baokar, as Madhuri's parents, have nothing much to do. Felix D'Alviella [as Steve -- Madhuri's lover] is passable.

On the whole, Aaja Nachle is a tragically half-baked film, bringing up questions and situations and interests, and then forgetting about them. The town is easily bullied into love, rebellion, defiance and disgust.