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Jawan Movie Review: At 57 years young, Shah Rukh Khan is realising his long-standing aspiration of becoming an action superstar. The actor has consistently expressed his preference for the action genre, although romance often took center stage in his career. Not that we're complaining. However, now, in 2023, brimming with confidence of his untouchable star-power, SRK has chosen to fully embrace the mass appeal of action, starting with Pathaan and now Jawan, which is directed by Atlee, marking his Bollywood debut. Get ready to clear your throats and practice your whistles, as Jawan promises an action-packed experience right from the opening act! Jawan Review: Netizens Declare Shah Rukh Khan's Film a Blockbuster, Applauding Its Unstoppable Maniac Energy.
The story unfolds with a bald SRK, using the name Vikram Rathore, taking a Mumbai metro train hostage alongside six female accomplices. He demands a substantial ransom through the negotiator, police officer Narmada (played by Nayanthara). Among the passengers is the daughter of the formidable and dangerous arms dealer Kaalee (portrayed by Vijay Sethupathi).
Who are these individuals, and what is their motive? While the bald man may call himself a 'villain', you know that's not the case and that's exactly what turns out ahead.
Watch the Trailer of Jawan:
While Jawan offers several surprises and intriguing twists, it must be noted that the screenplay penned by Atlee doesn't represent the film's strongest attribute. If you are familiar with the director's previous collaborations with Thalapathy Vijay in films like Theri, Mersal, and Bigil, you may recognize elements recycled here. Furthermore, the film's plot draws parallels with 1980s narratives featuring enraged heroes taking on a corrupt system.
Atlee's action films have consistently featured protagonists on revenge missions, often accompanied by a social conscience. While vengeance may be personal, the overarching agenda typically leans towards public welfare. Jawan tackles weighty social issues, such as farmer suicides and medical mismanagement, although sometimes in a somewhat heavy-handed manner. I did like, though, how Shah Rukh Khan uses the film as a medium to convey his message of social responsibility to a broader audience. Notably, a powerful monologue near the climax garnered applause in theaters due to its resonance with viewers. Jawan: Is Thalapathy Vijay Having Cameo in Shah Rukh Khan's Film? Director Atlee Puts An End to The Hot Rumour!
The film also incorporates an extended flashback and the demise of a couple of crucial female characters (which may not come as a surprise), all in service of the revenge narrative. While female characters do receive some prominence, their development is somewhat lacking.
Take Nayanthara, for instance; she enjoys ample screen time in the first half but is relegated to the background after a significant development in the second half. The romance between her character and SRK, despite a very likeable on-screen chemistry, feels rushed. Similarly, the other female aides of the protagonist suffer from underdeveloped character arcs. While some, like Sanya Malhotra, receive heartrending backstories, all remain relatively underdeveloped.
While crafting well-rounded female characters and adhering to the same socially-driven mass template have been Atlee's weaknesses, his strength lies in his filmmaking and his ability to present the hero in the grandest possible manner. This is where Jawan truly rocks.
The film offers numerous entry scenes for Shah Rukh Khan, enough to make you lose count, but they all leave an indelible mark, prompting applause, cheers, and enthusiastic hooting. One standout scene, just before the interval, holds a delightful surprise while elevating the film's mass appeal. Although the screenplay's predictability may dampen some moments, Atlee compensates with Shah Rukh Khan's charismatic performances, effectively swaying the audience. It's worth noting that when writer Atlee (who co-wrote the screenplay with S Ramanagirivasan) falls short, director Atlee picks up the slack with impeccable finesse.
Visually, Jawan is undeniably one of the most aesthetically pleasing films of the year, thanks to the stunning cinematography by GK Vishnu and fabulous production design. The action sequences are particularly impressive, with the pre-interval fight and highway sequence standing out. While the hand-to-hand combat occasionally falls short, redeemed by Ruben's editing, the action choreography still works in favour of the film, offering moments that thrill fans. Special mention also for the makeup team. And not to forget, a reminder of how Anirudh Ravichander's terrific background score continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing mass moments, and how his songs seamlessly blend with the narrative.
Ultimately, Jawan will captivate audiences with how Atlee's portrays of Shah Rukh Khan's two personas, particularly the dominant 'Baap' persona. Shah Rukh Khan's larger-than-life presence is fully harnessed, with the actor effortlessly commanding the screen, not only during action sequences but also when delivering impactful monologues. To borrow a phrase from Pushpa, King Khan is not a flower but a raging fire! Jawan: Shah Rukh Khan Reacts After Mahesh Babu Gives Shout Out to His New Film.
Nayanthara enjoys her moments to shine, even engaging in action herself, but her character cries out for better writing. This sentiment extends to the other female characters, including Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra (who still shines in her backstory sequence), Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, Girija Oak, Lehar Khan, and Aaliyah Qureishi. Additionally, Ridhi Dogra's casting seems mismatched for her role, although this is in no way her fault; the character itself falls short. Deepika Padukone leaves an impact in her cameo.
As for Vijay Sethupathi, it took some time for his menacing character to fully resonate with me. I felt that the National Award-winning actor initially struggled to infuse evil into his Hindi dialogues during the first half. However, it's in the second half's flashback sequence that Sethupathi truly comes into his own, almost stealing the show in the third act.
Final Thoughts
With Jawan, Atlee brings about an explosive ride of action, social drama, and Shah Rukh Khan's unwavering charisma. While the film borrows elements from director's own past movies and faces a few shortcomings in character development, it compensates with breathtaking visuals, exhilarating action, and a remarkable portrayal of the two facets of King Khan. With clap-worthy entry sequences and impactful monologues, Shah Rukh Khan proves that age is just a number, and his fiery performance lights up the screen. Jawan may not rewrite the rulebook, but it unquestionably reaffirms why Shah Rukh Khan remains the reigning 'Baap' of Bollywood.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2023 12:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
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