Review: Jigra - Ardent but Unsteady

 

Movie: Jigra
Rating: 2/5

Cast: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Rahul Ravindran and Others

Director: Vasan Bala

Produced By: Dharma Productions, Eternal Sunshine Productions

Release Date: October 11, 2024

Story:

Satya Anand (Alia Bhatt) is very protective towards her younger brother, Ankur Anand (Vedang Raina). He and his cousin travel to Hansi Dao, Malaysia, to pursue their dreams. Unfortunately, Ankur is mistakenly accused of drug possession in place of his cousin and is sentenced to death. He finds himself confined in a high-security prison where the regulations are stringent. Recognizing her brother's dire situation, Satya arrives in Hansi Dao and vows to bring him back to India. Upon her arrival in the country, she encounters Bhatia (Manoj Pahwa), a former gangster whose own son is also imprisoned. They receive support from Muthu (Rahul Ravindran), a former police officer. Together, they formulate a plan for a jailbreak. What happens next? Did their plan prove successful? Was Satya able to rescue her brother? The film reveals the answers to these pressing questions.

Performances:

Alia Bhatt was good in the lead role and tried to carry the film on her shoulders. Vedang Raina performed well, while Manoj Pahwa, Rahul Ravindran, and others were apt.

What worked for the film:

The film's initial moments, which show the bonding between brother and sister, came out well. Also, the way the director showed the shocking transformation in the lives of both the lead roles was good. The prison break episode at the climax can be said to be the best part of the film. The action choreography, camera work, and background score at the climax were perfect

What did not work for the film:

After an impressive start, the film's screenplay fumbles and picks up only at the end. The entire thread of how Ankur was wrongly involved in the drug case could have been shown more effectively. Sathya's plan took a lot of time to get going, and the preparation or the needed buildup was completely missing. The audience never feels sorry for Ankur's painful experiences in jail. This is purely because there was no emotional connection between Sathya and Ankur. The director failed to present the pain and determination of the lead character in her dangerous journey of saving her brother

Jigra Review and Verdict:

Jigra could have been an intense ride, but the lazy writing and screenplay ruined the impact. The first half's initial moments and the climax action sequence work well, but besides that, the film is a tiresome experience.