by In Jigra, Alia Bhatt delivers a power-packed performance, bringing emotional depth to the role of Satya, a sister determined to save her brother from a death sentence. Directed by Vasan Bala, the film revolves around the themes of family loyalty and justice. At its core, Jigra is an emotional prison-break thriller that takes its time to develop, but unfortunately, the pacing and unrealistic elements in the second half drag down what could have been a much more compelling narrative.
The film opens by introducing us to Satya and Ankur, played by Vedang Raina, who have shared a tough childhood marked by trauma. After losing their parents, they live with distant relatives who see them more as help than family. The bond between the two siblings is the emotional crux of the film, and Alia excels in portraying Satya’s fierce, protective love for her brother. The first half of the film keeps the audience hooked with its emotional build-up, drawing viewers into Satya’s world.
Satya’s journey begins when Ankur is wrongfully arrested in the fictional Southeast Asian country of Hanshi Dao for drug possession. Despite her relative inexperience in legal battles, Satya plunges into an unfamiliar environment to save him, relying on the help of former gangster Shekhar Bhatia (Manoj Pahwa) and ex-cop Muthu (Rahul Ravindran). These character dynamics help to bring some humor and depth to the otherwise intense story. The slow-motion shots and the stylized execution, typical of Vasan Bala, create moments of high impact, especially during the climactic sequences.
However, the film takes a downturn in its second half. As soon as Satya gets embroiled in the jailbreak scheme, the film loses its emotional weight. Critics have pointed out that the plot begins to stretch believability, with increasingly improbable events unraveling quickly. The simplicity that worked so well in the first half gives way to overly complex set-pieces that feel out of sync with the rest of the movie. Despite the attempt to elevate Satya into an “angry young woman” archetype, the film doesn’t manage to maintain a consistent tone, leading to an uneven and somewhat rushed conclusion.
The film borrows heavily from classic jailbreak dramas, with nods to films like Midnight Express. Yet, instead of adding to the narrative, these references sometimes distract from the story. In fact, some critics feel that Alia Bhatt’s performance, while emotionally intense, becomes one-dimensional as the movie progresses. Her portrayal of a fierce, almost merciless sister seeking justice is commendable, but without a strong narrative to support her arc, the character begins to feel flat by the film’s climax.
The supporting cast does an admirable job. Vedang Raina, in his big-screen debut, tries his best but is somewhat overshadowed by Bhatt’s presence. Manoj Pahwa provides some much-needed comic relief, and Rahul Ravindran plays a stoic former cop, adding depth to his scenes with Satya. However, even these performances aren’t enough to save the film from the weight of its ambitious but unpolished second half.
Technically, the film shines. Achint Thakkar’s background score enhances the emotional and dramatic moments, while Swapnil S. Sonawane’s cinematography captures the mood of the film beautifully. The film’s production design is sleek and immersive, though some critics have pointed out that the editing could have been sharper, especially in the second half where scenes feel unnecessarily dragged out.
In conclusion, Jigra is a film with potential, resting largely on the capable shoulders of Alia Bhatt, but it falters in its execution. While the first half offers a gripping emotional narrative, the second half feels disjointed, with unrealistic plot twists that lessen the film’s overall impact. Fans of Alia Bhatt will appreciate her raw performance, but the film’s lack of consistency makes it less engaging than it could have been. At the box office, Jigra may struggle to maintain momentum beyond the initial curiosity around Bhatt’s star power.
For those who are keen on a mix of emotion and action, Jigra is still worth a watch—just don’t expect the same thrill throughout. The film is a reminder that sometimes, even the strongest performances can’t save a story that loses its way(GulfNews)(Hindustan Times)(Cinema Express).
