Review: Alia Bhatt is the heart and Manoj Pahwa is the soul of 'Jigra'

"Jigra," directed by Vasan Bala and co-written with Debashish Irengbam, is a high-octane action thriller that brings out raw emotions and an intense bond between siblings. Produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Alia Bhatt, Shaheen Bhatt, and Soumen Mishra under Dharma Productions and Eternal Sunshine Productions, the film is an emotional rollercoaster that explores themes of love, survival, and resilience.

Plot and progression

The film opens with the introduction of Satya and Ankur, two orphans who have endured a difficult childhood. Their father’s suicide left them scarred, and they were raised by relatives. The bond between the siblings is the emotional core of the film, as they only have each other. When Ankur decides to go to a foreign country to start a business with his cousin, things take a dark turn. Ankur is framed for a crime and ends up in a prison on Hanshi Dao, a remote island far from the main city. Worse still, he is tortured and has just three months before he faces death by electrocution.

Satya, upon learning of her brother’s fate, is left with no choice but to take matters into her own hands. She becomes a force to be reckoned with, determined to break her brother out of the prison and save his life. Along the way, she crosses paths with Mr. Bhatia (played by Manoj Pahwa), and Muthu (played by Rahul Ravindran). Both characters play significant roles in her mission, helping her navigate through a series of challenges and failed escape plans.

The second half of the film is packed with high-stakes action, intense jail sequences, and plenty of dramatic moments. As Satya fights for her brother's freedom, the movie keeps you on the edge of your seat. 

Writing and Screenplay

Vasan Bala, known for his unique storytelling, brings a fresh take to the action thriller genre. His direction is sharp, and he successfully keeps the audience hooked, especially during the first half of the film. The pacing is taut, and there’s hardly a dull moment as the tension builds up. The first half is particularly engaging, as we are introduced to Satya’s character and her quest, while the second half shifts to intense action sequences centered around the prison break.

However, there are moments in the second half that feel a bit stretched. Some scenes, especially those involving the prison breakout, may seem exaggerated, almost bordering on the fantastical. There’s a sense that the filmmakers were trying to push the envelope with the action, which might not resonate with everyone. But despite these over-the-top moments, the plot manages to stay grounded in Satya’s emotional journey.

The screenplay by Bala and Debashish Irengbam is smooth and well-paced. The writing is sharp, and the characters are well-developed.

Cinematography and Action

The cinematography in "Jigra" stands out, particularly in the jail sequences. The audience is given a glimpse into the inner workings of the prison—its structure, the management system, and even the camaraderie among inmates. The dark, gritty visuals of the prison scenes create an oppressive atmosphere. From hand-to-hand combat to intense chase scenes, the action is both thrilling and visually engaging. There’s a lot of attention to detail in the choreography, especially during the final prison break sequence, which will keep you at the edge of your seat. However, as thrilling as these sequences are, they may feel a bit too convenient for some viewers, as if breaking out of prison were as simple as a heist from a shopping mall.

The Alia Bhatt Show and other Performances

Without a doubt, Alia Bhatt is the soul of "Jigra." As Satya, she delivers a powerful performance that showcases both her physical and emotional strength. Satya is a complex character—a woman shaped by a traumatic past who channels her pain into a fierce determination to protect her brother.

Her character’s emotional depth, combined with her physical prowess in the action scenes, makes her the perfect choice for the role.

She can kick some serious ass, armed with a yellow belt in karate and an unwavering determination. She's not weighed down by her past or where she comes from. While her love for her brother drives her to extremes, it's not quite as obsessive as the intensity her real-life husband, Ranbir Kapoor, displayed for his father in Animal.

Satya’s transformation from a protective sister to a ruthless fighter is believable, and Alia carries the weight of this change with ease. Whether she’s engaging in a witty banter with Manoj Pahwa’s character or taking down guards in a prison, Alia shines in every scene.

Vedang Raina, in his debut role as Ankur, gives an earnest performance. Despite sharing the screen with actors like Alia Bhatt and Manoj Pahwa, he holds his own. As Ankur, Raina displays vulnerability and innocence, particularly in scenes where he is tortured in prison. His portrayal of a wronged man, desperate yet hopeful, strikes an emotional chord with the audience.

Manoj Pahwa, as always, is a delight to watch. He brings a sense of warmth and humor to the film, even in its darkest moments. His witty one-liners and cheerful personality add a lightness to the otherwise intense narrative. Pahwa’s chemistry with Alia Bhatt is effortless, and he provides some much-needed moments of relief amidst the tension. Rahul Ravindran, as Muthu, also delivers a solid performance, playing a pivotal role in Satya’s plan to rescue her brother.

The Misses

While "Jigra" delivers on many fronts, it isn’t without its flaws. Some of the action sequences, particularly in the second half, feel over-the-top and unrealistic. The portrayal of the prison breakout, especially in a foreign country, might raise a few eyebrows due to its exaggerated execution. Certain sequences could have been trimmed to avoid a sense of repetition and lengthiness.

Moreover, the film’s depiction of an Indian police officer played by Vivek Gomber torturing inmates feels a bit caricaturish.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Jigra" is a thrilling and emotionally charged film that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The combination of heart-pounding action, emotional depth, and strong performances makes "Jigra" an entertaining watch, despite its few flaws.

For those looking for a film that blends high-stakes action with an emotional sibling bond, "Jigra" is a must-watch. Whether you’re an action lover or someone who enjoys a good emotional drama, "Jigra" offers the best of both worlds.

Rating

***1/2 (3.5/5)