Jawan - Movie Review

Jawan, written and directed by Atlee is a typical masala movie where the protagonist seeks vigilante justice with his “girl army”. There are emotional backstories with a generous dose of melodrama, menacing antagonist, songs with hundreds of dancers and an amazing Shahrukh Khan who plays double role as father and son. Then there is Anirudh’s electrifying BGM that elevates scenes, the stunts are often creatively choreographed, and the editing is pacy. The cinematography presents the movie in its vibrant glory for the present and has a rustic undertone for the flashbacks. There are a couple of cameos and they have done their job right, let’s say. Nayantara’s Bollywood debut requires her to do just what she has already done in Tamil movies, and she does with ease. Vijay Sethupathi delivers his best, as always, especially in the climax. Of course, the timing of the movie couldn’t be better considering the poignant message it carries. The various looks of Shahrukh Khan is impressive and garners whistles and cheers. The songs as such are underwhelming considering Anirudh’s past discography has been more promising. Overall Jawan is worth watching in the theatre. Please leave your brains at home because this falls under the mass-entertaining yet illogical masala movie category.

That’s the short review, please read on for the longer one with spoilers.  

If you are familiar with Atlee’s movies like Raja Rani, Theri, Mersal and Bigil, you would already know that he is really good with flashbacks. It brings context through which makes the movie more engaging. Jawan does that wonderfully. However, the flashback of Priyamani literally comes as flashes and looks like it was edited in the interest of time. Atlee’s obsession with multiple roles for the protagonist has been established in his last two movies and it continues here. This becomes the biggest plot twist. For those who are unaware of these movies are surely going to enjoy. But for the rest, this is going to appear like the old wine in a new bottle.

Shahrukh Khan gets an introduction that is just awesome, something the Badshah of Bollywood surely deserves. The metro hijack scene which is shown in trailer is one of the highlights of the film. These are moments where we see the seamless amalgamation of South Indian masala mass movies with the scale of Hindi cinema and the super stardom of the actor. However, several emotinal moments fleets hurriedly and therefore, it gives no time for audience to feel and root for the characters. Also, so many social and political issues are addressed that it just feels generic after a point. The long monologue in the climax, though has a strong message, comes across preachy and out of context.

The song with Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone seemed thoughtless. Instead of coordinated steps and outfits, a montage showing their love and relationship would have been better.

The illogic overload:

-        The movie begins with an injured guy who turns out to be the senior character that SRK plays – Vikram Rathore. He is rescued and treated with love by local villagers. Vikram is unconscious and is awakened by the screams and shrills of the villagers who are attacked by goons with guns, swords, knives, and spears. They come in horses and kill everyone regardless of their age and gender. Who are these people? Why are they attacking? Well, no idea!

-        Who is Aiswarya, played unconvincingly by Deepika Padukone. She is shown to be stronger than her husband, Vikram Rathore. She fights and trusts her husband. But who is she? How is she so good at fighting and so fearless? No explanations given, which is strange considering this movie has a backstory for everything and everyone!

-        Random capital punishment for Aiswarya is also strange. And why? Because her dead/absconding husband is a traitor? Because she had to self-defend herself when a bunch of cops threatened to rape her?

-        Why a Tamil song for their wedding? Nobody is a Tamilian. At least not apparently so.

Cast	:	Shahrukh Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Sunil Grover, Deepika Padukone,
Director	:	Atlee
Cinematographer	:	GK Vishnu
Music	:	Anirudh Ravichander
Editor	:	Ruben
Producer	:	Red Chillies Entertainment
Release Date	:	September 07, 2023
Length	:	2 Hours and 49 Minutes
Language	:	Hindi