Alia Bhatt’s latest film Jigra has hit the theatres, and once again, she leaves no doubt about her acting prowess. After producing and starring in Darlings, Alia returns with another powerful film, this time centered on a sister’s unyielding love and fight for her brother. Directed by Vasan Bala, Jigra is not your typical Bollywood masala film, but rather a gripping emotional action thriller that keeps you glued to the screen till the end.
Alia Bhatt, who plays the lead role of Satya, shoulders the entire film with ease and strength. Set against the backdrop of an international jail, Jigra tells the intense and emotional journey of a woman fighting the entire system to save her brother from a wrongful death sentence. The film’s unique blend of action, drama, and emotion makes it a gripping watch.
Story: A Sister’s Battle for Justice
The heart of Jigra lies in the relationship between Satya (Alia Bhatt) and her younger brother, Ankur (played by newcomer Vedang Raina). From a young age, Satya has been both a protector and caregiver for her brother after their father’s tragic suicide. She ensures that her brother never feels the absence of their parents, creating a small, happy world for the two of them. However, their peaceful life is shattered when Ankur is falsely implicated in a drug trafficking case in a foreign country.
Ankur is soon sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit, and the film follows Satya’s relentless quest to free him from this unjust fate. From chasing legal loopholes to pulling off daring stunts, Satya does whatever it takes to save her brother. The question that keeps the audience hooked is: Can Satya free her brother before it’s too late?
Performance: Alia Bhatt Steals the Show
Alia Bhatt delivers yet another powerful performance in Jigra. Her portrayal of Satya is both vulnerable and fierce, striking a perfect balance between the emotional weight of the story and the physical demands of the action sequences. Alia effortlessly convinces the audience that Satya is capable of doing anything to save her brother. The film’s dialogue does not rely on over-the-top declarations of love or sacrifice. Instead, it feels grounded and real, with Satya displaying her love for her brother through actions rather than words.
In one of the film’s standout moments, Satya asks bluntly whether cutting her own vein in an emergency would allow her to meet her brother. This moment captures the depth of her determination without resorting to melodrama. Alia’s natural acting shines through, proving that she can carry any role with finesse, even when playing an action-heavy character.
Direction: Vasan Bala’s Unique Style
Vasan Bala, known for his unique filmmaking style, brings a refreshing touch to Jigra. He avoids using cliched, melodramatic tropes when depicting the brother-sister bond. Instead, the emotions are conveyed subtly, making the film feel authentic. Bala’s directorial vision allows the audience to focus on the emotional core of the story while delivering thrilling action sequences.
Bala also ensures that the supporting characters, like Manoj Pahwa’s Bhatia and Vedang Raina’s Ankur, have moments to shine. Pahwa provides some comic relief in the otherwise tense narrative, while Raina holds his own alongside seasoned actors like Alia and Pahwa.
Realism vs. Entertainment
One of the film’s strengths is its ability to mix realism with the kind of over-the-top action that keeps audiences entertained. However, it’s important to note that Jigra isn’t a film for those looking for logical, fact-based storytelling. The idea of breaking someone out of an international jail may seem far-fetched, but it works within the film’s context. The story doesn’t try to be overly realistic, instead focusing on delivering a high-stakes, emotional drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
While certain elements of the plot, such as the lack of surveillance during crucial prison visits, may raise eyebrows for those familiar with real-life crime dramas, Jigra is more about emotional impact than factual accuracy. If you’re willing to suspend disbelief and immerse yourself in the narrative, the film offers a thrilling ride.
Supporting Cast: Solid Performances All Around
Vedang Raina, in his debut role as Ankur, gives a strong performance, especially when sharing screen space with Alia Bhatt. His portrayal of a brother caught in a nightmare scenario is both emotional and believable. Although Raina’s role is smaller compared to Alia’s, he manages to hold his own in key scenes.
Manoj Pahwa, known for his comedic timing, adds a touch of humor to the film, lightening the mood in some of the more intense scenes. His character Bhatia is both a mentor and a critic to Satya, offering wisdom while also providing moments of levity. Vivek Gomber, playing the villain, gives a performance that makes you despise his character — a testament to his acting skill.
Music and Background Score: Enhancing the Experience
Music plays a significant role in Jigra, adding depth to the emotional scenes and heightening the tension during action sequences. Songs like “Chappu Chhuriyaan Tez Kara Lo” from Zanjeer and “Yaari Hai Imaan Mera” blend seamlessly into the narrative, bringing a nostalgic touch for fans of Amitabh Bachchan’s earlier films. Amitabh Bachchan’s influence on the film is also evident, with his iconic status subtly referenced in both dialogue and music.
Achint Thakkar’s background score deserves special mention. His music elevates the tension in key scenes, particularly when Ankur and his friends are planning their escape in prison. The use of the tambourine sound, commonly heard in theatre productions, adds an interesting layer to the storytelling. Thakkar’s music amplifies the emotional stakes without overpowering the narrative.
Should You Watch Jigra?
If you’re a fan of emotional dramas with a dash of action, Jigra is definitely worth watching. Alia Bhatt’s performance alone is enough to draw audiences to the theatre. While the film may not be entirely logical in its plot, it delivers a high level of entertainment and keeps you engaged from start to finish.
However, if you’re expecting a light-hearted film like Rocky Aur Rani or a dance number like “Saturday-Saturday,” Jigra might not be the film for you. It’s a much more serious and intense story, focused on the themes of love, sacrifice, and justice. Despite some logical loopholes, Jigra is a film that will leave a lasting impression, and for those willing to set aside realism for emotional impact, it’s a rewarding experience.
Movie: Jigra
Cast: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa
Director: Vasan Bala
Release: Theatre
Rating: 4 stars
