Watch reviewJawan Movie Review: Masala entertainers in Hindi cinema are often considered lesser than issue-based films. Yet, when you get it right, it surely delivers an experience like no other. Over the past few years, the alchemy of good masala films has been forgotten. Director Atlee finally reminds us how it is done with superstar Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan. Atlee serves a hardcore masala film that’s not inventive or path-breaking by any standard but executes it well. He mixes this age-old success formula with his deadpan and dark humour, and things get pretty delectable in Jawan.
Jawan is nothing less than an event since it marks Shah Rukh Khan’s return to the big screen after delivering a blockbuster in Pathaan. It is an ambitious vigilante action thriller that plays to the gallery and lives up to the hype. Far-fetched in writing but high on star power and style, Jawan is a complete masala entertainer which slowly but steadily finds its footing.
Without revealing too much about the plot, Jawan is a film that is a masala entertainer at heart, but at the same time, has the gumption to go beyond the parameters of a massy movie as it has its moments that serve as a commentary on pressing issues without getting preachy. While it isn’t trying to send a public service message, there are subtle hints that pass commentary on the current state of affairs.
The first half is packed with some high-octane action thrills and some interesting action pieces as it overrides emotions for the major part. With Pathan and now in Jawan, we see SRK in a new territory as a full-fledged action hero and it feels that the actor is trying to depart from the romantic roles that he has been most loved in by his fans.
At 169 minutes, Jawan doesn’t bore you but does seem a tad stretched in the second half when you’re longing to arrive at the climax. Atlee makes the mistake of not working enough on the screenplay. Working with an average plot with convenient twists that one can see from miles away, he is unable to craft anything out of the story. Some dialogues make you laugh or sound too heavy, but the overall writing isn’t impressive enough to leave a mark.
Jawan is high on action but it’s better if you do not question the logic behind gravity-defying lifts and drops for there’s none. It even gets a bit too unrealistic at times. SRK has his Rajinikanth moment in the film when he lights a cigar sitting on a bike with the sparks of his shoes which are drifting on the road.
Shah Rukh Khan takes the maximum screen time and rightly so. He struts around with perfectly kept hair (unlike his unkempt look in Pathaan). He is charming, and sexy but also works with his piercing eyes, menacing voice, and showing off his action avatar. He is the heart of Jawan who serves as a continual reminder of why we love watching him on the big screen. He charms you into buying the most absurd story twists. His charisma is intact and on full display in virtually every frame of the film. Jawan promises loads of action and fun-filled moments that any ardent fan of SRK could ask for and the star does not miss a trick. His fans would be in a double treat watching him in a dual role.
The actor is ably supported by lady superstar Nayantara who kicks some as*es as a powerful cop. Vijay Sethupathi as the antagonist is a great casting choice as the actor makes his presence felt in the movie. Yet, it feels like the actor could have got some more meat to chew on. Deepika Padukone has an interesting cameo in the film.
Phenomenally entertaining and consistently engaging, Jawan is a complete masala potboiler that should be witnessed on a big screen.
