U Me Aur Hum is a 2008Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film co-written, directed, and produced by Ajay Devgn in his directorial debut.[1] The story follows Ajay (played by Devgn), a psychiatrist who meets and falls in love with Pia (Kajol) during a cruisevacation, leading to marriage and initial marital bliss that is later challenged by Pia's diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.[2] The film explores themes of love, memory, and resilience in the face of illness, blending romance with emotional depth.[3]Produced under Ajay Devgn Films, U Me Aur Hum features a supporting cast including Sumeet Raghavan, Karan Khanna, and Isha Sharvani, with songs composed by Vishal Bhardwaj and background score by Monty Sharma, and cinematography by Aseem Bajaj.[1] It was released on 11 April 2008, running for 156 minutes, and marked the on-screen reunion of real-life couple Ajay Devgn and Kajol after an eight-year hiatus.[4] The film's narrative draws inspiration from the personal and emotional struggles of dealing with neurodegenerative diseases, presented through a mix of light-hearted sequences and poignant drama.[3]Upon release, U Me Aur Hum received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the lead performances and sensitive handling of the central theme but critiqued some uneven pacing and sentimental elements.[2] It holds a 60% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on limited reviews and a 5.8/10 average on IMDb from over 2,800 user ratings as of November 2025.[2][1] The movie was a moderate box-office success, appreciated for its heartfelt storytelling and the chemistry between Devgn and Kajol.[3]
Synopsis
Plot
The film U Me Aur Hum is framed as a flashback narrative, with an elderly Ajay reflecting on his life story aboard a cruise ship.[5] In the flashback, young Ajay Mehra, a successful psychiatrist and bachelor, vacations on the Super Star Libra cruise liner with his close friends Vicky, Nikhil, Reena, and Natasha.[3] There, he encounters Piya, a lively and independent barmaid serving drinks, and is instantly smitten despite her initial wariness toward flirtatious passengers.[6] Ajay persistently woos her, though his initial deception about his profession leads to a brief rift when she discovers the truth and leaves the ship ahead of schedule; he later reconciles with her upon returning to Mumbai, leading to a spontaneous and intimate marriage ceremony officiated by a pandit.[3]The couple settles into a happy married life, with flashbacks interspersing their joyful early romance on the cruise, where they share dreams and promises of enduring love, including creating a wish list for their future.[3] Their bliss continues as Piya becomes pregnant, but it is abruptly disrupted when she experiences memory lapses and confusion, culminating in a devastating diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's disease.[6] Ajay, devastated and initially in denial despite his professional expertise, grapples with guilt and the harsh realities of her progressing condition, including moments where Piya forgets their shared history, such as requesting an abortion due to her deteriorating condition and pregnancy, and wandering lost in the rain, even forgetting her own address.[3][7]As Piya's symptoms worsen, including disorientation that leads to attempts to escape her surroundings and brief instances where she fails to recognize Ajay by name, he reluctantly admits her to a specialized hospital for her safety and the baby's, fearing she might unintentionally harm herself or the unborn child.[1][8] His friends provide crucial emotional support during this ordeal, intervening at the hospital in a heartfelt confrontation to urge Ajay to confront his fears and reaffirm his commitment rather than isolating himself in remorse.[9] Piya gives birth to their son, and in the resolution, Ajay brings her home, recommitting to caring for her with renewed determination; the film concludes years later with the couple and their grown son on a cruise ship, celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and fulfilling a wish from their early days, underscoring the passage of time and the depth of their bond.[9]
Themes
The film U Me Aur Hum portrays Alzheimer's disease primarily through the lens of presenile dementia affecting a young woman, emphasizing how the condition progressively erodes personal identity by impairing memory and cognitive functions, often depicted as remote memory loss leading to disorientation in daily life.[10] This depiction frames the disease as a subtle thief of selfhood, where the protagonist's vibrant personality fades, resulting in moments of confusion and emotional detachment that challenge her sense of autonomy.[11] In an Indian context, the narrative highlights caregiver burden on the spouse, who sets aside professional ambitions to provide full-time care, reflecting the emotional and practical strains often faced by families without robust support systems.[11] It also subtly addresses societal stigma, portraying the initial denial and isolation experienced by the couple amid cultural expectations of marital resilience, though the film idealizes overcoming these barriers through devotion.[12]Central to the film's romantic idealism is the stark contrast between the pre-diagnosis phase of effortless passion and the post-diagnosis reality of tested commitment, underscoring sacrifice as the true measure of enduring love rather than fleeting convenience.[3] The early courtship unfolds in an idyllic setting, fostering a fairy-tale romance that evolves into a narrative of unwavering support, where the husband's persistence in rekindling shared memories illustrates love's capacity to transcend adversity.[13] This theme prioritizes emotional depth over material ease, portraying marriage as a vow renewed daily amid the disease's progression, with the couple's bond serving as a beacon of hope against relational dissolution.[14]Symbolic elements in U Me Aur Hum reinforce these messages, with the cruise ship and surrounding sea serving as a metaphor for life's unpredictable voyage, where calm waters mirror initial bliss and turbulent seas parallel the chaos of memory loss and unfulfilled promises.[15] The ocean's vastness evokes the elusive nature of recollections slipping away, much like waves erasing footprints, symbolizing how Alzheimer's erodes the foundations of personal history and relational oaths.[3]The film's handling of memory loss in romance draws loose inspirations from The Notebook (2004), adapting its exploration of devotion amid cognitive decline to Bollywood's emphasis on familial duty and melodic expression, while sensitizing Indian audiences to the disease's realities.[16] Ajay Devgn's directorial intent was to raise awareness about Alzheimer's through this narrative, blending Western influences with cultural resonance.[17]
Cast and characters
Lead roles
Ajay Devgn portrays Dr. Ajay Mehra, a successful psychiatrist who transitions from a confident romantic to a devoted caregiver after his wife's diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease, effectively capturing the character's vulnerability through subtle expressions of remorse and internal conflict while demonstrating quiet strength in his commitment to their marriage.[3] In scenes depicting his professionaldetachment giving way to personal turmoil, Devgn's performance conveys a realistic emotional depth, particularly in moments of anxiety and resolve as he navigates the challenges of caregiving.[7] His portrayal shines in the film's darker sequences, where he balances idealism with the harsh realities of mental illness, though it occasionally falters in lighter, comedic romantic setups.[7]Kajol embodies Piya Mehra, initially a vibrant and spontaneous waitress whose vivacity draws her husband in, later evolving into a poignant depiction of early-onset Alzheimer's that highlights her growing confusion interspersed with fleeting moments of retained affection and warmth.[3] Her performance stands out in emotional breakdowns, such as the diagnosis scene where she masks fear with a brave smile, raising the emotional stakes through natural spontaneity and avoiding over-the-top histrionics even in intense memory-loss episodes.[18] Kajol's portrayal of Piya's descent emphasizes the character's inner strength amid vulnerability, making her the emotional core of the narrative with a brilliant handling of tense, disoriented moments.[18]The lead characters' dynamics underscore the film's romantic arc, with Devgn and Kajol's real-life chemistry lending authenticity to their flirtatious cruise-ship encounters that blossom into a harmonious marriage, later tested by tender yet heartbreaking caregiving interactions as Ajay supports Piya through her illness.[3] This progression from breezy romance to profound partnership is touching and believable, driven by their on-screen rapport that infuses the love story with sincerity and depth.[18]
Supporting roles
Sumeet Raghavan portrays Dr. Nikhil, a close friend of the protagonist Ajay who provides emotional support and professional insight as a fellow doctor during key moments of the couple's challenges.[1] His character contributes to the group's camaraderie, offering a blend of humor and reliability in navigating personal crises.[7]Divya Dutta plays Reena, Nikhil's wife, who delivers practical advice and empathetic guidance to the central characters, helping to ground the narrative in realistic relational dynamics.[1] Her role emphasizes the supportive role of spouses within the friend circle, particularly in moments requiring level-headed counsel.[19]Karan Khanna appears as Vicky, Ajay's loyal companion whose witty banter injects comic relief while demonstrating steadfast loyalty amid the unfolding emotional turmoil.[1] Isha Sharvani embodies Natasha, Vicky's lively girlfriend, whose energetic presence enhances the group's playful interactions and collective response to adversity.[1] Together, these characters underscore the importance of friendship in bolstering resilience during hardship, as seen in shared hospital visits and mutual encouragement.[3]
Production
Development
U Me Aur Hum marked Ajay Devgn's directorial debut. The screenplay was co-written by Robin Bhatt, Sutanu Gupta, and Akarsh Khurana, while Ashwani Dhir penned the dialogue.[20] The film was produced under Devgn's banner, Ajay Devgn Films, with Kumar Mangat Pathak serving as co-producer, and Eros International handling distribution.[21]Casting the leads benefited from Devgn and Kajol's real-life marriage, allowing for natural chemistry in portraying the central couple.[22]
Filming
Principal photography for U Me Aur Hum commenced with extensive shoots aboard an actual cruise liner departing from Mumbai to the Lakshadweep Islands, where the film's opening romantic sequences were captured to authentically depict the sea voyage setting.[23] The production team navigated logistical challenges inherent to filming at sea.[24]Following the cruise schedule, the crew transitioned to Filmistan Studios in Mumbai, where interior cruise ship scenes and additional sequences were filmed, requiring the construction of detailed sets to simulate the maritime environment.[25] The later portions, including the emotional climax involving hospital settings, were shot in Mumbai facilities.[26][27]Cinematographer Aseem Bajaj handled the visuals, contributing to the film's 156-minute runtime by emphasizing the expansive, fluid shots of the ocean and ship decks.[1]
Music
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of U Me Aur Hum consists of six songs composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, with lyrics penned by Munna Dhiman, blending romantic ballads and upbeat rhythms to evoke the film's emotional core of love and companionship.[28] Released on 16 February 2008 under T-Series, the album features vocal performances by prominent playback singers, emphasizing melodic harmony over experimental flair.[29]
"Jee Le" serves as an energetic opener, characterized by its salsa-infused rhythms and Spanish vocal flourishes that evoke the carefree romance of a cruise ship encounter, with Adnan Sami and Shreya Ghoshal's duet delivering a lively, harmonious interplay.[28][30] The title track "U Me Aur Hum," available in two versions—one soulful rendition by Shreya Ghoshal and a more introspective take by Vishal Bhardwaj—functions as a tender ballad, its unconventional lyrics and gentle melody underscoring the inseparable bond between lovers while subtly reflecting the film's memory-laden themes.
Background score
The background score for U Me Aur Hum was composed by Monty Sharma. Sharma, known for his work on films like Black (2005), crafted the ambient music to support the film's romantic and dramatic elements without incorporating vocal tracks or lyrics. His composition was recorded after the principal soundtrack songs and integrated during the editing phase to ensure seamless narrative flow.[19]Sharma's orchestration featured melancholic strings to underscore the emotional weight of the Alzheimer's disease sequences, creating a poignant atmosphere for the characters' sorrow. In contrast, rhythmic beats were employed in the cruise ship sequences to evoke a sense of joy and lightness. The score uniquely fused Western instruments, such as violins and percussion, with Indian elements like the sarangi, to mirror the story's progression from happiness to tragedy.[28] Critics noted the score's effectiveness in enhancing the film's mood, with Bollywood Hungama describing it as "effective" in bolstering the overall impact.[19]
Release
Theatrical release
U Me Aur Hum premiered on 11 April 2008 and received a wide theatrical release across 450 screens (150 of them using digital projection) in India.[21] The film's worldwide distribution rights were acquired and managed by Eros International, ensuring coordinated rollout in domestic and overseas markets.[31]Internationally, the film opened in select territories including the United Kingdom, United States, Kuwait, and Denmark around the same date, with screenings in major urban centers.[32] It was exhibited in the standard 35mm film format in theaters, providing a conventional cinematic experience for audiences.[1]Following its theatrical run, the film was released on DVD in NTSC widescreen format by Eros Entertainment, with availability starting on 26 May 2008.[33] Since 30 November 2016, it has been available for streaming on platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.[34] The soundtrack, released earlier in March 2008, complemented the film's promotional buildup leading into its premiere.[35]
Marketing
The marketing campaign for U Me Aur Hum emphasized the romantic and dramatic elements of the story, particularly the on-screen chemistry between Ajay Devgn and Kajol, to generate pre-release anticipation. Trailers released in early 2008 showcased key scenes of the couple's meet-cute on a luxury cruise, their budding romance, and the ensuing emotional challenges, aiming to appeal to audiences seeking heartfelt love stories.[36] Promotional posters featured the leads in close, affectionate poses against scenic backdrops, reinforcing their real-life couple status to draw fans.[37]A notable cross-promotional effort involved Ajay Devgn directing an advertisement for a prominent jewellery brand starring Kajol, which incorporated thematic elements from the film—such as romantic settings reminiscent of the movie's cruise sequences—to authentically tie into the narrative and boost visibility.[38] This initiative highlighted Devgn's multifaceted role as actor and debut director, blending commercial endorsement with film hype.Key events included the music launch on 13 February 2008 at The Club in Andheri, Mumbai, where cast members like Devgn, Kajol, Sumeet Raghavan, and Isha Sharvani joined singers to unveil Vishal Bhardwaj's soundtrack, fostering media coverage through live performances and interactions.[39] Press tours by Devgn and Kajol further spotlighted the directorial debut, with appearances discussing the film's exploration of love and commitment.[40] A unique pre-release highlight was a special screening arranged by Member of Parliament Ravi Shankar Prasad for BJP leader L.K. Advani on 6 April 2008 at the Films Division in New Delhi, attended by the leads and other dignitaries, which earned a standing ovation and underscored the film's emotional resonance.[41]
Reception
Critical response
The critical reception to U Me Aur Hum was mixed, with reviewers praising the film's emotional core and performances while critiquing its narrative structure and pacing. Aggregate scores reflected this divide, with Rotten Tomatoes compiling a 60% approval rating based on limited professional reviews, highlighting the film's strengths in acting amid a familiar storyline.[2]Kajol's portrayal of Piya, an early-onset Alzheimer's patient, received widespread acclaim for its nuance and vulnerability, capturing the character's insecurity and gradual decline with poignant authenticity.[42][3] Ajay Devgn's directorial debut was lauded for its sincerity and sensitive handling of the disease's impact on relationships, particularly in the later acts where the emotional depth builds to a heartfelt exploration of love and commitment.[3] The second half's focus on marital resilience and hope was noted as a saving grace, evoking tears through subtle, unflashy storytelling.[42]However, the film faced criticism for its predictable plot, which echoed familiar romantic tropes before delving into the Alzheimer's theme, leading to a sense of déjà vu in the early portions.[5] The first half suffered from uneven pacing and banal, contrived elements, including squabbling couples and exaggerated happiness that diluted the drama's momentum.[42] Some reviewers pointed to sentimental excess in the romance, which occasionally veered into mushiness despite the touching performances.[5]Overall, the consensus positioned U Me Aur Hum as a thought-provoking depiction of Alzheimer's within a formulaic romantic framework, offering emotional resonance on the disease's relational toll but hampered by conventional Bollywood elements.[5][42]
Box office performance
U Me Aur Hum was made on a budget of ₹25 crore.[21] The film opened on 600 screens in India and collected ₹2.21 crore nett on its first day.[21] Over its first weekend, it earned ₹7.59 crore nett domestically.[21]In its first week, the film grossed ₹13.04 crore nett in India.[43] Subsequent weeks saw a significant decline, with the second week collecting ₹4.61 crore nett, the third week ₹1.75 crore nett, and further drops thereafter, leading to a total India nett collection of ₹20.98 crore.[43][44] Including overseas earnings of ₹11.19 crore, the worldwide gross reached ₹40.33 crore.[44]Despite the initial draw from the lead actors' real-life romance, the film underperformed due to competition from the simultaneous release of Krazzy 4, which captured a larger share of the audience in India.[45] Mixed word-of-mouth further impacted its longer runs, resulting in a flop verdict.[21]
Accolades
Nominations
At the 54th Filmfare Awards held in 2009, Kajol received a nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Piya in U Me Aur Hum.[46]Similarly, at the 15th Screen Awards in 2009, Kajol was nominated for Best Actress and Best Actress (Popular Choice) for her role in the film.[46][47]
Wins
Kajol received the Popular Award for Best Actress at the Annual Central European Bollywood Awards in 2009 for her portrayal of Piya in U Me Aur Hum, marking one of the film's notable artistic recognitions.[48] This accolade highlighted her effective return to lead roles following a maternity hiatus, underscoring the emotional depth she brought to a character grappling with Alzheimer's disease. The win validated the film's intimate narrative on love and loss, contributing to Kajol's renewed visibility in Bollywood after a four-year break from major screen appearances.[48]