In a cinematic landscape dominated by the usual tropes of Bollywood, Vasan Bala's 'Jigra' stands out as a gripping and visually stunning jailbreak thriller. The film, starring Alia Bhatt in a role that showcases her versatility and tenacity, has garnered both praise and criticism for its execution. This article delves into the highs and lows of 'Jigra,' exploring its strengths and weaknesses, and why it remains a compelling watch despite its flaws.
1. The Plot: A Modern Reskin of 'Gumrah'
At its core, 'Jigra' is a modern retelling of Yash Johar's 1993 film 'Gumrah.' The story revolves around Satya (Alia Bhatt), a karate-trained fighter who sets out to rescue her younger brother Ankur (Vedang Raina) from a high-security prison on a remote South East Asian island. The film's narrative is straightforward: Ankur is wrongfully accused of a drug scam and sentenced to death, prompting Satya to take matters into her own hands. She teams up with Bhatia (Manoj Pahwa), a retired gangster, and Muthu (Rahul Ravindran), an ex-cop seeking redemption, to execute a daring jailbreak. The early stages of the film set up the premise effectively, but as it progresses, it becomes clear that the story relies heavily on Satya's character and her actions.
The film's reliance on Alia Bhatt's performance is evident. She plays Satya with a mix of vulnerability and determination, making her character both relatable and compelling. Her scenes of anger are particularly noteworthy, as they feel organic and real. However, this focus on Alia's character sometimes makes the supporting cast feel underdeveloped. Vedang Raina, who plays Ankur, does his best with the limited material given to him, but his character arc is not as fleshed out as one would hope.
2. Visuals and Direction: A Blend of Neo-Noir and Red
One of the standout aspects of 'Jigra' is its visual language. Director Vasan Bala brings a neo-noir sensibility to the film, mixing it with his affection for the color red. The result is a visually stunning film that captures the gritty and intense atmosphere of a prison break. The use of lighting and shadow creates a dream-like mood that immerses the viewer in the world of 'Jigra.' The Quint's review highlights how Bala's visual style makes the film come alive on screen.
Despite its visual prowess, 'Jigra' struggles with its narrative coherence. The film's pacing can be slow at times, particularly during the prison break sequences. The plot twists and turns in ways that sometimes feel improbable and overblown. This lack of logical consistency can make the film feel tedious and stretched out, especially during the climax.
3. Characterization: A Shift from Traditional Heroism
'Jigra' takes a refreshing approach to traditional heroism by making Satya the central figure in the story. Unlike many Bollywood films where the hero is often portrayed as invincible, Satya is a complex character who faces real challenges and setbacks. Her relationship with Ankur is visceral and deeply emotional, adding depth to the narrative. The film explores themes of sibling love and protection in a way that feels authentic and heartfelt.
However, this focus on character development sometimes comes at the expense of plot coherence. The dialogue can feel expositional at times, replacing emotional impact with unnecessary exposition. The traumatic moments from their childhood are brought up frequently but only land emotionally when seen in context. The Hindu's review notes that while Alia Bhatt makes quick work of Satya's character, the emotional momentum of the tale sometimes falters.
4. Box Office Performance: A Tough Competition
'Jigra' hit theaters amidst tough competition from other films like Rajkummar Rao's 'Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video' and Rajinikanth's 'Vettitan.' Despite this, the early estimates suggest that 'Jigra' has managed to hold its own at the box office. The film's unique premise and Alia Bhatt's performance have drawn audiences who are eager to see something different from the usual Bollywood fare. However, whether it will sustain this momentum remains to be seen.
In conclusion, 'Jigra' is a film that is both captivating and flawed. Alia Bhatt's performance is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the film, bringing depth and emotion to her character. Vasan Bala's direction adds a unique visual flair that makes the film stand out. However, the narrative could have been more cohesive, and some plot points feel overly dramatic or improbable. Despite these flaws, 'Jigra' remains an engaging watch for fans of action-thrillers and those looking for something different from traditional Bollywood fare.
For more detailed reviews and insights into 'Jigra,' visit Direct Post.
