The Badshah is back on screen and how! As soon as news of a Shah Rukh Khan film hits, people come out in hordes to support it, and Jawan proves why. After ages, it feels like the quintessential Bollywood is back, and who better than the Badshah of Bollywood to perform this feat? Jawan brings back Shah Rukh Khan to the big screen, with Nayanthara making her Bollywood debut. The action flick also stars Vijay Sethupathi, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, and Deepika Padukone in a special appearance. Here’s our review of the biggest action thriller of 2023.
Jawan has heart, soul, and entertainment galore
Entertainment, entertainment, entertainment. This perfectly describes Jawan. From the get-go, you know you will be treated to a movie that will entertain and stay with you for quite some time.
The film starts in an unnamed village where a wounded man is brought in. The villagers take care of him, and when they are attacked, the man saves them. We aren’t privy to the man’s identity till his bandages burn off and you see Shah Rukh Khan come out in all his glory. The hoots and whistles in the cinema hall were very well-deserved for SRK’s entry. Fast forward to 30 years, we see an older man with a bandaged face and a group of women taking a Mumbai metro and its passengers hostage.
SRK’s girl-gang introduction is quite reminiscent of some of the Western action-hero movies. We are introduced to six women – Lakshmi (Priyamani), Eeram (Sanya Malhotra), Helena (Sanjeeta Bhattacharya), Kalki (Lehar Khan), Janvi (Aaliyah Qureishi) and Ishkra (Girija Oak) who are the trusted partners of Azad. Nayanthara’s introduction as the hostage negotiator and cop Narmada Rai isn’t to be ignored either.
As Azad goes through the hostage negotiation with Narmada and demands a ransom of 4 billion from businessman and arms dealer Kaalie Gaikwad (Vijay Sethupathi), we find out that the entire spectacle is a means to fight systemic corruption and injustice. Azad is a modern-day Robin Hood who steals from one rich man, who has filled the pockets of many, and gives it to the common man.
From emotional back stories of Vikram Singh Rathore (Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role), Eeram, and Kalki, to action sequences, Jawan delivers on heart, soul, action, and entertainment.
It’s not perfect, but it works
Jawan demands a suspension of disbelief at certain times, but when a movie is this good, that’s not a hard ask. The movie isn’t perfect by any means, but it works. Since one SRK wasn’t impressive enough, we have the megastar acting in a dual role of father and son Vikram Singh Rathore and Azad respectively. Mind you, both are equally impressive. Before the interval, you think Azad is THE SHIT, only to watch the second half and realise Vikram Singh Rathore is a bigger hero. And when the father-son duo join hands, it’s explosive.
One of the best parts of the film is that none of the women are just token figures. From Azad’s gang of girls to Narmada, all the women here are strong and independent. They can all take on men bigger than them, physically as well as mentally. And the women aren’t just relegated to being tough girls with a cold exterior. Each of them is capable of emotional vulnerability when the situation demands it from them. Even Deepika Padukone in a special appearance as Aishwarya Rathore, Vikram’s wife and Azad’s mother, is impressive. Aishwarya has a charm and quiet strength that can only be applauded. Aishwarya and Vikram’s story, as well as how Aishwarya raises Azad, are some of the emotional high points of Jawan.
Jawan is all about Shah Rukh Khan
The biggest thing Jawan has going for it is Shah Rukh Khan. His persona and his presence elevate the movie to another level. Kudos also to the director Atlee, as well as a fairly well-written script. The plot of the movie is quite coherently tied together, despite a few loose ends. Pathaan brought back the star that is SRK, but Jawan is a testament to his well-deserved mega-stardom. If you were to compare the two movies, Jawan is undoubtedly the much better film. It has a solid plot, and even though it tries to tackle too many issues, it’s got the emotions right. The performances are praise-worthy, and on the whole, the movie is very well put together.
Shah Rukh definitely put his best foot forward in both the roles he plays. But Vijay Sethupathi’s performance is also commendable. He is a psycho and it shows. From the way he talks to the way he emotes, Sethupathi elevates the character of Kaalie. There’s not a lot of material for him to work with, but the actor still manages to shine bright. Nayanthara as a cop is believable and a delight to watch. She perfectly wears the hat of a mom and a cop and is convincing in both roles.
Jawan is now playing in theatres near you, and if you haven’t made any weekend plans, go watch the movie, peeps!
Can you watch Jawan with your family?: There are some triggering scenes like suicide, but it’s a perfectly good movie to enjoy with your family.
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