JAWAN Review

Jawan is a 2023 action entertainer directed by Atlee, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Deepika Padukone, and others. Jawan is one of the most anticipated Indian films of the year. The main reason for the hype lies in the curiosity of why Shah Rukh Khan chose a South Indian director from the large number of scripts and directors he had. Equally exciting is to witness what Atlee has in store when collaborating with the country’s most celebrated superstar.

The film talks about various social issues in our country and explores how the hero, alongside his group of young women, addresses and solves these challenges for the betterment of society. More like a superhero subject, Jawan promises numerous surprises and a lot of events apart from the above synopsis, all of which we refrain from disclosing to preserve your viewing experience.

While Jawan’s storyline might not sound huge and has resemblances to several other films, particularly in South Indian cinema, such as those by directors like Shankar and A.R. Murugadoss, it offers a new experience for the Northern audience who are not familiar with these narratives, including Atlee’s own previous works.

Atlee is one of the kings of commercial cinema, and his films are popular for their soulful narratives and emotional connections. Each movie features extraordinary flashback sequences that consistently deliver blockbuster content, despite accusations of plagiarism and inspiration from other sources. Atlee follows a specific template in all his movies, and Jawan is no exception. He has taken inspiration from various South Indian films, including 90s Shankar movies and Vijay’s Kaththi and Thuppakki, as well as Atlee’s own Mersal and Bigil. This repetition of elements is Jawan’s main limitation, even though Atlee presents them impressively. His ability in filmmaking, technical proficiency, and storytelling is unquestionable. However, the need for exploration beyond his comfort zone and an emphasis on fresh ideas is required. Atlee’s strength lies in evoking emotions and crafting memorable flashbacks. Jawan, however, lacks the emotional depth found in his previous works, as it features multiple flashbacks which feel rushed. But the backstory of the Vikram Rathore character was impressive, with a great presence of Deepika Padukone. Moreover, Atlee successfully showcases Shah Rukh Khan in a never-before-seen massive avatar. This is what makes Atlee the reigning king of commercial cinema for this generation, as he clearly knows the audience’s preferences. Just as he gifted Thalapathy Vijay with remarkable roles like Vetrimaran, Rayappan, and Vijay Kumar, Jawan serves as a gift to Shah Rukh Khan from Atlee.

Following his blockbuster hit Pathaan, Shah Rukh Khan delivers yet another stellar performance in Jawan. He has done some amazing performances in the movie with stunning variation. His massive screen presence further solidifies his status as a legendary superstar of Indian cinema. While Nayanthara plays her part effectively, it is doubtful that she was an apt choice for this role and her chemistry with SRK in the movie. An alternate actress from Bollywood might have improved the on-screen pairing. The same applies to Vijay Sethupathi, a highly talented actor who appears underutilized and potentially miscast in his role. Deepika Padukone emerges as the standout performer here. Her extraordinary on-screen presence elevated that character further and created a great emotional connection. Despite her limited screen time, her character remains in the audience’s memory long after the movie concludes. She delivers an exceptional performance and unquestionably holds the title of the lady superstar of Indian cinema. Her on-screen presence in a role demanding a performance-oriented approach is simply remarkable. The ensemble cast, which includes Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, and others, delivered exceptional performances.

Anirudh’s music and background score in Jawan stand out, though it is a slow poison and may take some time to get along. The film’s title theme is one of his best works. He is a gem to any film and a key aspect in transforming it into a blockbuster, especially for commercial cinema. G.K. Vishnu, Atlee’s exclusive cinematographer, captures breathtaking shots, including the introduction scene, interval sequences, and chase scenes, all of which contribute to the film’s grandeur. The movie has top-tier visual effects, which is one of the best work in our country. Red Chillies VFX is unbeatable. Technically the movie was stunning, somewhat compensating for some writing and screenplay shortcomings.

Jawan promises a satisfying theatrical experience, best enjoyed in a packed cinema hall. It represents another success in Atlee’s career, but not his best work in terms of writing and screenplay. As Atlee continues to craft his signature commercial movies, we hope he will focus more on bringing unique storylines and fresh ideas, eliminating any inspirations from other movies.