JAWAAN (2023) : review

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And finally the much hyped, much awaited Jawaan saw light of the day ! Big stars, big budget( humongous budget actually), big music composer, everything super large. But does it meet the expectations of the average viewer? No it goes not. Read on.  A decorated jawan locks horns with a criminal called Kaali, this is in 1986 ( the year movies like Aakhri Raasta released, just for reference). Kaali gets him eliminated and send the pregnant wife to jail. The baby born in jail grows up to become the hero (look alike of the father) and decides to avenge the misdeeds done to his innocent patriotic parents. Well, isn’t it a masaaledaar full on Bollywood- Tollywood drama subject ?  And then the director Atlee also borrows ideas and references from various retro movies, some idea from Sholay (1975) as the hero assembled a gang of jailed Qaidis in order to form a team to nab the villain, then there’s an entire episode borrowed from Dhartiputra (1993), and the basic theme is copy pasted ...
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The doe eyed Nepalese Beauty

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A striking talent called Manisha Koirala

Today the beautiful Manisha Koirala turns 46. She needs no introduction in an industry where nothing matters more than success, and success she achieved in plenty not only with box office hits but also with her bravura performances that enthralled the viewers throughout the 90s.

Her first brush with the camera was at the age of 18 when she acted in a Nepali movie Pheri Bhetaula which translates to Phir Milenge in Hindi. She was discovered in Bollywood by Show Man Subhash Ghai who cast her in his ambitious project Saudagar(1991) which also starred Dilip Kumar and Raj Kumar. After a spate of insignificant masala films between 1991-1994 Koirala struck gold when she replaced Queen Bee Madhuri Dixit in Vinod Chopra's patriotic drama 1942 A Love Story(1994). She impressed the viewers and critics with her performance of the innocent and beautiful revolutionary Rajeshwari.

Her career took a major U turn with Mani Rathnam's Bombay(1995) where she surprised one and all with her bravura act of a small time Muslim woman married to a Hindu Brahmin man against the backdrop of Bombay riots. She was awarded the Filmfare Best actress Critics award for this impressive act. The same year her portrayal of a self entered ambitious woman who sacrifices her family for a glamorous career in Mansoor Khan's Akele Hum Akele Tum(1995) also attracted rave reviews.

Manisha continued with her strong author backed performances in films such as Khamoshi the Musical(1996), Dil Se(1998), Mann (1999), Lajja(2001), Escape from Taliban(2003) & Calcutta Mail (2003). She balanced her off beat act with success in commercial films like Agnisakshi(1996), Hindustani(1996), Gupt (1997), Kachche Dhaage (1999), Champion (2000), Ek Chotisi love Story (2002) & Company(2002).

Manisha was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012 & she fought the battle with enviable will power and determination and emerged a survivor and cancer free after nearly a year long fight with the life threatening disease. Her unbeatable strength and immense faith in life has been an inspiration to many.

Wishing the beautiful and immensely gifted and talented artiste Manisha Koirala a very Happy Birthday.

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