Film:
Jawan
Jawan Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Director: Atlee
Starcast: Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Deepika Padukone, Vijay Sethupathi, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Sunil Grover and Ridhi Dogra
Platform: Theatres
Jawan Review
2023 is the year of Shah Rukh Khan and there are no two ways about it. After a successful comeback with Pathaan in January this year, the superstar is back again with yet another blockbuster – Jawan. Directed by Atlee, the high-octane action-drama stars an incredible ensemble cast including Nayanthara, Deepika Padukone, Vijay Sethupathi, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Sunil Grover and Ridhi Dogra. The story of Jawan is high on action and emotions. It’s based on a man who is driven by a personal vendetta to rectify the wrongs in society while keeping a promise made years ago. He comes up against a monstrous outlaw with no fear, who has caused extreme suffering to many.
Watch the trailer while reading Jawan Review:
Storyline
The 2 hour 45 minute long film’s story takes us through the lives of Vikram Rathore and his son Azad, both played by Shah Rukh Khan. Azad is a messiah who once promised his mother Aishwarya (Deepika Padukone) to bring justice to those who have been wronged by the system. Azad, with the help of his special team of six girls – Lakshmi, Dr. Eeram, Helena, Ishkra, and Kalki – (Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, Girija Oak, Lehar Khan, and Aaliyah Qureishi) – makes sure to bring in good over evil.
From farmer’s suicides to getting the health minister in line, Azad continuously works towards justice for his nation’s citizens. And his biggest motive is to clear his soldier-father Vikram Rathore’s name but not without facing challenges from senior cop Narmada Rai (Nayanthara) and an evil weapon dealer Kaali Gaikwad (Vijay Sethupathi). How Azad and Vikram win the fight against the baddies and pack a solid punch along with an emotional backstory is what makes Jawan an unmissable watch.
Different looks of Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan
Jawan is not just any other action film. It touches upon various social issues like corruption in the healthcare system and the sad conditions of government hospitals. The film switches tone from being an action to an emotional tale in no time. There are two parallel stories running simultaneously.
Jawan has BLOCKBUSTER labeled all over it. It’s Shah Rukh Khan, all the way up. And there’s a surprising cameo too but I prefer staying away from spoilers so guess you will have to watch it for yourself!
Performances
Shah Rukh Khan is at his best. Even at 57, his action looks more flawless than any 30-something Bollywood hero. At his effortless best, he displays wit, his polished hot bod, sleek action moves, and of course, his charming dimpled smile. The superstar steals the show with several hoots, cheers, and claps. Nayanthara is the next best thing in Jawan. She’s bold, confident, badass, strong, and knows exactly what she’s doing. Her action is as good as SRK. She gives a tough fight to him before she ends up falling in love with him, of course.
SRK’s army of girls – Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, Girija Oak, Lehar Khan, and Aaliyah Qureishi – is the backbone of Jawan and it’s heartening to see that each of them get enough screen time to shine and form an integral part of the film’s story and screenplay. Vijay Sethupathi is extremely convincing and menacing as the evil Kaali Gaikwad. His face-off with Shah Rukh is commendable as he carries the grey role with much realism. Deepika, even in her special appearance, manages to leave an impact. As Aishwarya, she makes the story emotionally heavy and delivers one of her most natural performances. Sunil Grover and Ridhi Dogra lend good support to the story.
Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi in Jawan movie
Technical Aspect
Hats off to Atlee for his successful Hindi directorial debut. The filmmaker has left no stone unturned to make Jawan a fulfilling watch. His screenplay and direction are flawless. Sumit Arora’s dialogues are strong, emotional, and suitable. G. K. Vishnu’s cinematography is commendable. He has shot the action scenes precisely. Ruben’s editing is near-perfect. Anirudh Ravichander’s music matches the tone of the film and makes it an even better watch.
What’s great about the Atlee-directed Jawan
Shah Rukh Khan’s magic: Yes, it’s real. SRK’s charm & magic is as strong as it was in the ’90s. The superstar lights up the screen each time he makes an appearance in Jawan. What more? His double role is the cherry on the top.
The South power: Jawan has managed to do with the help of South stars what several Bollywood action dramas couldn’t. The film would not have been what it is had it not been for Priyamani, Nayanthara, and Vijay Sethupathi. Not only do they blend seamlessly in this high-octane actioner but bring their best acting foot forward too.
The leading ladies: Every actress in Jawan has gotten her due and how. Be it SRK’s girl army, Nayanthara, or Deepika Padukone – the women of Jawan are shown in a very powerful light. As SRK says, “jail mai aadmi there hai, par yeh jail hai meri aurton ka“. The film showcases woman empowerment in a subtle but impactful manner.
A true-blue actioner: The film’s action is perfectly designed. Be it hand-to-hand combat or guns blazing, Atlee has made sure to give us a true-blue actioner in the form of Jawan. It’s filled with thrilling highs and lows and makes for a gripping cinematic experience.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why one should watch a film like Jawan but the biggest one has to be the magic of Shah Rukh Khan. There’s just something about that man that makes you feel each and every emotion so purely. Be it his style, his actions, his charm, or his emotions, the superstar makes sure to deliver everything with sheer perfection. Jawan is that mass entertainer we were all waiting for. On that note, ‘Good to go, Chief’!
Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan
Also Read: Jawan Twitter REVIEW: Shah Rukh Khan’s film impresses the audience big time, netizens call it ‘blockbuster’
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Film & Fashion Journalist | Bombay