Review by: Chetan Nadiger
Film: Jawan
Producer: Gauri Khan
Director: Atlee
Starring: Shahrukh Khan, Nayanthara, Deepika Padukone, Vijay Sethupathi, Sunil Grover, Priyamani and others
‘Bollywood Badshah’ Shahrukh might have portrayed various kinds of roles in his career spanning three decades. But this week’s release ‘Jawan’ stands apart from all of his films as this is the massiest films of the actor till date. Atlee has done what Bollywood directors so far could not give Shahrukh what he needed a most, a massy avatar.
‘Jawan’ is a movie with a message. The film starts off with Azaad (Shahrukh Khan) and his group of ladies hijacking a metro train. In order to let go the passengers safely, the group asks for a ransom of 40,000 crores rupees from a businessman, whose daughter is also on the train. The businessman gives the ransom and the group distributes the money amongst lakhs of farmers who have taken loan from the banks. Why is Azaad and his group doing all this?
‘Jawan’ tells the story of an army officer who has been wronged. His son not only takes revenge on the system, but also on the antagonist shattered who destroyed his family. The film talks about the various problems the society is facing, be it the farmers or the soldiers or the common man. The film talks about corruption, politics, corporates and how common man is suffering and watching all this in vain. Just when everybody is a mere spectator, one man arises from them and makes them understand what they can do and how they can do.
This kind of films is not at all new to Indian cinema, particularly south Indian cinema. Lot of films right from ‘Gentleman’ and ‘Indian’ have been made on various types of corruption and how a lone man takes on the system. ‘Jawan’ is an addition to that and what makes it special or distinctive is, Shahrukh Khan for the first time has taken up such a subject. He has also played a dual role in the film and has defined the term mass in his very own distinctive style.
‘Jawan’ of course has its dull moments and flaws. However, it is a big screen spectacle and despite its flaws, it is enjoyable to watch in the theatre. Director Atlee never leaves a moment and continuously keeps the audience with thrills, stunts and tears. It’s difficult to come to a conclusion whether the film is good or great, but makes the audience glued to their seats throughout.
Shahrukh Khan saves the film with his mannerisms and performance. Nayanthara and Deepika Padukone have little to do in the film. Vijay Sethupathi is good as the antagonist. The supporting cast including Priyamani, Sunil Grover and others have done their bit. Aniruddh’s music as well as BGM is good.
‘Jawan’ is a ride which is absolutely worthwhile.
