Alia Bhatt’s much-anticipated film Jigra hits theaters, presenting a never-before-seen avatar of the actress in an emotionally charged action drama. Directed by Vasan Bala, the movie also stars Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, and Aditya Nanda, with a runtime of 2 hours and 33 minutes. Co-produced by Dharma Productions and Alia’s Eternal Sunshine Productions, Jigra is set in the fictional country of Hanshi Dao, where Bhatt’s character, Satya, hatches a daring plan to escape prison with the help of two strangers.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
The bond between Satya and her brother Ankur forms the film’s emotional core. However, the first half drags, focusing too much on drama without enough tension in its jailbreak premise. Comparisons to similar films like Savi highlight this lack of thrills. The second half delivers some gripping action but struggles with a rushed narrative.
Jigra Movie Review: Plot & Critique
As a jailbreak movie, Jigra follows a fairly straightforward storyline. However, what separates a successful escape film from a mediocre one is the screenplay. In this aspect, Jigra struggles to maintain momentum in its first half. The setup takes too long, focusing on emotional drama rather than delivering the thrilling intensity one expects from a prison-break movie. While the narrative falters in pacing, it excels in emotional depth. The bond between Satya and her brother Ankur forms the emotional core, and this relationship is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the film.
That said, the film falters when compared to similar genre offerings. Jigra lacks the edge and gripping tension that one would expect from a movie about a prison break. Movies like Savi, released a few months ago, kept audiences hooked with well-planned plots and thrilling moments. Unfortunately, Jigra doesn’t quite manage to maintain this level of engagement throughout its narrative.
Jigra Movie Review: Performances
Alia Bhatt delivers a powerful and emotionally charged performance as Satya, showcasing her versatility. She skillfully portrays a protective sister with a psychotic edge that makes her character stand out. Bhatt’s eyes and body language convey her internal struggles, and this layered performance keeps viewers invested. Vedang Raina, in his debut performance after The Archies, shines as Ankur, the emotional anchor of the story. His portrayal of a vulnerable yet resilient character, enduring the harsh realities of prison life, tugs at the heartstrings.
Manoj Pahwa and Aditya Nanda support the story well, though their characters are overshadowed by the central dynamic between Bhatt and Raina. Raina’s raw performance leaves a lasting impression, making him a talent to watch in future projects.
Jigra Movie Review: Direction, Music & Cinematography
Vasan Bala’s direction is ambitious but falters in execution. While he handles the emotional arcs well, the action sequences could have used more intensity and creativity. The emotional drama of the first half gives way to explosive action in the second, but the build-up feels too drawn-out.
The music by Achint Thakkar and Manpreet Singh complements the emotional beats of the film. Though the background score amplifies the impact of certain scenes, it isn’t enough to lift the narrative from its shortcomings. The cinematography deserves praise, particularly in the film’s climax, where a couple of beautifully captured scenes make a lasting impact.
Jigra Movie Review: Jigra’s Flaws
While the emotional foundation of the film is strong, Jigra misses the mark in terms of its pacing and screenplay. The lack of thrills, particularly in a genre that demands edge-of-the-seat moments, weakens the overall experience. For those expecting a tightly-packed action thriller, Jigra may come across as underwhelming.
Final Verdict
Jigra is a mixed bag. On one hand, it delivers raw emotions, particularly through Alia Bhatt’s powerful portrayal of a deeply protective sister, and Vedang Raina’s heartwarming performance. On the other hand, the film struggles to find the right balance between emotional depth and action-packed thrills. If you’re drawn to films driven by strong emotional bonds, Jigra might resonate with you. However, for fans seeking a gripping prison-break thriller, it may fall short.
Also read: Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Movie Review
Overall, Jigra impresses with its emotional depth and Alia Bhatt’s stellar performance, delivering powerful moments that resonate deeply with the audience. The captivating cinematography and engaging storyline make it a film worth experiencing.
Jigra Trailer
The Review
Jigra
Jigra delivers a poignant emotional journey anchored by Alia Bhatt's remarkable performance. While it has its flaws, the film's engaging storyline and stunning cinematography make it a worthwhile watch for fans of compelling drama.
PROS
- Alia Bhatt's powerful performance captivates the audience.
- The emotional bond between the leads resonates well.
- Stunning cinematography enhances the film's dramatic moments.
CONS
- Slow pacing in the first half diminishes excitement.
- The screenplay lacks consistent engagement throughout.
- Comparisons to better jailbreak films may leave viewers unsatisfied.
