Jawan movie review: Shah Rukh Khan’s latest film, “Jawan”, directed by Atlee and co-starring Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi, hit theaters on Thursday, and it’s a rollercoaster of mass entertainment. Here’s our take on the movie.
The word of the day is “massy”, and Atlee’s unmistakable touch is all over “Jawan”. The film boasts larger-than-life action sequences, a thunderous and over-the-top background score, intense emotional drama, and song-and-dance numbers featuring a hundred background dancers. This time, Atlee collaborates with a superstar who personifies ‘massy’ like no other – Shah Rukh Khan. However, amidst all the mass appeal, “Jawan” can also be described as somewhat messy. So, does the Atlee-SRK combination soar or stumble under the weight of expectations? Let’s dive in.
“Jawan” carries a strong message. It narrates the tale of an army officer who faces injustice, and his son, who later picks up the pieces of his father’s unfinished mission. The film is laden with high-octane emotional drama and theatrical flair. Shah Rukh Khan’s double role, portraying both father and son, is a smart move and perhaps Atlee’s ace in a screenplay that does have its share of potholes and imperfections. Special mention must go to Nayanthara, who provides perfect support to SRK in the film. However, the concept of a group of individuals taking on a Robin Hood-like mission for the underprivileged, as seen in “Jawan”, is not entirely fresh, with recent shows like “Money Heist” and Kamal Haasan’s “Indian” have explored similar themes.
What sets “Jawan” apart is its execution and presentation. Shah Rukh Khan seamlessly transforms himself into Atlee’s vision for a blockbuster, with the camera capturing the actor like a muse alongside his mentor in every frame. The supporting cast in “Jawan” plays a secondary role but contributes significantly to the film’s grandeur and scale, as the spotlight firmly remains on SRK. Vijay Sethupathi, portraying the antagonist, delivers a fantastic performance. His scene where he dons the Santa Claus persona with a menacing yet humorous touch is particularly noteworthy.
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Additionally, “Jawan” features Deepika Padukone in an extended cameo, and witnessing her share the screen with SRK is a delight. However, her character could have been more substantial. Even the female ensemble doesn’t get ample screen time, and Sunil Grover feels somewhat out of place in the narrative, which tends to meander at times. The film tends to get a bit preachy and drags during its first half, with lengthy dialogues emphasizing the need to make the world a better place. SRK’s monologue on the importance of exercising one’s right to vote is a standout moment (and its timing is quite relevant).
In essence, “Jawan” is a cinematic spectacle meant for the big screen. It has its flaws, but in an era of over-analysis, it offers an enjoyable time at the movie theaters. Ready or not, this is a cinematic journey that’s definitely worth embarking upon.
