Hey guys! today I’m diving into the movie JIGRA, starring Alia Bhatt and directed by Vasan Bala. This film has hit theaters, and I have some thoughts to share about it.
Breaking the Bollywood Mold
To be very honest, as I mentioned in my earlier reviews of the trailer and teaser, both were very promising. However, they also reflected a common trend in Bollywood films. Nowadays, many big films follow a similar template, often filled with loud background music, lackluster storytelling, and superficial glamor.
In this clutter, JIGRA stands out. It doesn’t follow the typical Bollywood formula of over-dramatization and glamorization. Instead, it offers a more international feel from start to finish. The cinematography is beautiful, and the color palette is expertly arranged, making every shot visually appealing. There are no unnecessary songs or superficial plots that derail the story.
Story and Screenplay
The story itself is not overly complicated. It revolves around a prison break—a theme we’ve seen before in Bollywood. However, JIGRA treats this age-old story in a unique way. It combines the elements of a prison break with a heartfelt emotional narrative.
The film explores the emotional rollercoaster faced by both the inmates and their families. The characters played by Vedang Raina and Alia Bhatt will tug at your heartstrings. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities of life, including themes like suicide and the struggles of orphans.
Character Dynamics
The chemistry between Alia and Vedang’s characters is natural and organic. Alia plays an obsessive and protective elder sister, and her performance is truly commendable. The way she portrays her character’s vulnerability while also being the captain of the ship is impressive. This film should set a standard for how female characters are portrayed in Bollywood.
One of the standout aspects of JIGRA is how it highlights the small intricacies in the relationship between a brother and sister. For instance, both characters share a love for basketball. When Vedang’s character is in prison, he reminisces about playing basketball at school, which beautifully connects their bond.
Subtle Details and Direction
Vasan Bala has done an excellent job paying attention to details. The film’s background music, composed by Ankit Thakker, enhances the emotional experience. The music is stellar and adds depth to the storytelling.
Additionally, the film avoids the typical clichés seen in Bollywood. For example, foreign jailers in the film speak in their accent instead of suddenly switching to Hindi, which is often the case in other films. This attention to detail adds authenticity to the narrative.
Acting Performances
Alia’s performance is fantastic. She embodies her character with a fierce intensity that keeps you engaged. Vedang also delivers a strong performance, especially in portraying his character’s emotional struggles. However, I felt that Manoj Pawa’s character could have been given more depth. He plays a gangster but is portrayed with a bit of comic relief that undercuts the seriousness of the situation.
Overall Experience
JIGRA is a slow-burn film that explores deep emotional themes before diving into the action. The film’s runtime is about 1 hour and 55 minutes, which might feel lengthy to some, but it effectively builds the narrative.
Despite a few minor flaws, JIGRA is a remarkable film. It’s a one-time watch that you can enjoy with family, especially siblings. The emotional impact it delivers is profound, and it’s refreshing to see a film that prioritizes story and character development over star power.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, I’m really happy to see that Dharma Productions is investing in such meaningful films. We need more stories like this in Bollywood that focus on character-oriented narratives. If you haven’t seen JIGRA yet, I highly recommend you go watch it. It’s a great film that deserves your time!
That’s it for my review of JIGRA. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below if you’ve seen it, or if you plan to watch it! Until next time, bye!