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 from Kamla Hasan’s Hindustani (1996). It’s like a khichdi of 80s and 90s revenge potboilers ! But the chef (Atlee) has messed up the khichdi completely. 




Shahrukh is in full on Rajinikanth mode, the goggles, the walk, the cigarette, the vibes and the south swag it’s all there. The originality and charm of Shahrukh is missing. He’s impressive as the father and the flashback sequences. Deepika Padukone is highly impressive, an extended cameo appearance that leaves a long term impression owing to those expressive eyes and a brilliant characterisation. Vijay Sethupati as a villain is completely wasted, such a good talent reduced to a punching bag, even the dialogues assigned to him are dull. Nayanthara looks beautiful but shares zero chemistry with the on screen husband Shahrukh. 




Only recommended for diehard Shahrukh fans who’ll lap up any cringe thrown their way. Even in a brainless Masala movie there needs to be some content that’s worthwhile, here there’s nothing. ⭐️⭐️




Jawaan is a 2023 Bollywood action thriller movie featuring Shahrukh Khan, Vijay Sethupati, Nayanthara, Deepika Padukone (Sp App), Priya Mani, Sanya Malhotra, Lehar Khan, Girija Oak, Sunil Grover, Ridhi Dogra, Ashwin Kaushal, Smita Tambe, Sanjay Dutt (Sp App). 

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