Jigra - MovieMig

In the world of Bollywood, where star power often overshadows storytelling, “Jigra” emerges as a film that tries to strike a balance between the two. Directed by Vasan Bala and starring the ever-talented Alia Bhatt, this action-thriller promised to be a gripping tale of sibling love and revenge. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into this review and find out.

The Plot: A Sister’s Desperate Quest

“Jigra” tells the story of Satya (Alia Bhatt), a young woman who becomes the sole guardian of her younger brother Ankur (Vedang Raina) after they’re orphaned at a young age. The siblings find refuge with distant relatives, the Mehtanis, and Satya starts working for their family to provide for Ankur.

The plot takes a dramatic turn when Ankur gets an opportunity to pitch a tech idea to an investor. He’s forced to partner with the Mehtani’s son, Kabir. A business trip to a fictional South East Asian country goes horribly wrong when Kabir is caught with drugs. In a twisted turn of events, Ankur is manipulated by the Mehtanis to take the fall for Kabir, who has previous drug-related charges.

What follows is Satya’s relentless fight to save her brother. She teams up with Bhatia, a retired gangster, and Muthu, an ex-cop with a guilty conscience, to hatch a daring plan to break Ankur out of prison. The story then unfolds as a clash of moralities, driven by Satya’s unwavering determination to rescue her brother at any cost.

The Good: Alia Bhatt’s Powerhouse Performance

The undeniable highlight of “Jigra” is Alia Bhatt’s fierce portrayal of Satya. Bhatt, known for her ability to immerse herself in diverse roles, brings a raw intensity to her character. Her performance is a testament to her versatility as an actor, seamlessly transitioning from vulnerable moments to scenes of sheer determination.

Bhatt’s chemistry with the supporting cast, particularly in confrontational scenes, showcases her ability to command the screen. Her portrayal of a sister willing to go to any lengths for her brother is both believable and emotionally resonant.

The Supporting Cast: A Mixed Bag

Vedang Raina, in his debut role as Ankur, shows promise. While he doesn’t have as much screen time as Bhatt, he manages to hold his own in the scenes they share. Manoj Pahwa, as the retired gangster Bhatia, brings a touch of gravitas to the film with his nuanced performance.

However, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, leaving talented actors like Akansha Ranjan Kapoor with little to work with. The villains of the piece, particularly the Mehtani family, come across as one-dimensional, lacking the depth that could have added more intrigue to the story.

The Direction: Vasan Bala’s Vision Falls Short

Director Vasan Bala, known for his quirky style in films like “Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota,” seems to struggle with the more conventional narrative of “Jigra.” While there are flashes of his signature style, particularly in some of the action sequences, the overall direction feels inconsistent.

The pacing of the film is a significant issue. The first half drags, spending too much time setting up the characters and their relationships. By the time the main conflict kicks in, the audience’s patience has already been tested. The second half picks up the pace but feels rushed in comparison, leading to a climax that doesn’t quite deliver the emotional punch it aims for.

The Script: Where “Jigra” Falters

The biggest letdown of “Jigra” is its script. Written by Vasan Bala and Debashish Irengbam, the story had potential but fails to fully realize it. The emotional core of the sibling relationship, which should have been the heart of the film, feels underdeveloped. We’re told about the bond between Satya and Ankur, but we don’t feel it as strongly as we should.

The plot also suffers from predictability and some questionable logic. The ease with which Satya navigates the criminal underworld and foreign prisons stretches credibility. Some plot twists feel forced, inserted more for shock value than organic storytelling.

Cinematography and Music: A Mixed Bag

Cinematographer Swapnil S. Sonawane does a commendable job in capturing the gritty urban landscapes and the tension-filled prison scenes. Some of the action sequences are well-shot, adding a much-needed energy to the film.

The music, composed by Achint Thakkar and Manpreet Singh, is serviceable but not particularly memorable. The background score does its job in heightening tension during key scenes, but there are no standout tracks that linger after the film ends.

The Box Office Performance: A Slow Burn

“Jigra” opened to mixed reviews and a lukewarm box office response. On its opening day, the film collected around ₹4.55 crore, which is lower than expected for an Alia Bhatt starrer. The first week saw a total collection of approximately ₹22.45 crore nett across all languages.

The film’s performance dipped in its second week, with the second Friday recording the lowest collection to date at an estimated ₹1.15 crore nett. As of now, the total box office earnings stand at an estimated ₹23.60 crore nett, which is disappointing considering the star power involved.

The Verdict: A Missed Opportunity

“Jigra” had all the ingredients for a compelling thriller – a talented lead actress, an interesting premise, and a director known for his unique vision. However, the film fails to come together cohesively, resulting in a viewing experience that’s more frustrating than satisfying.

Alia Bhatt’s performance is the film’s saving grace, proving once again why she’s considered one of the finest actors of her generation. However, even her stellar acting can’t fully compensate for the script’s shortcomings and the uneven pacing.

For die-hard Alia Bhatt fans, “Jigra” might be worth a watch to see the actress in a different avatar. For others, it might be best to wait for its OTT release. The film serves as a reminder that star power alone can’t carry a movie – a solid script and consistent direction are equally crucial.

Jigra and Bollyflix: The Streaming Future

While “Jigra” may not have set the box office on fire, its future on streaming platforms like Bollyflix looks promising. The film’s action elements and Alia Bhatt’s star power could make it a popular choice for home viewing. Bollyflix, known for its extensive collection of Bollywood movies, could potentially see increased traffic once “Jigra” becomes available for streaming.

The trend of movies finding a second life on streaming platforms is becoming increasingly common in Bollywood. Even if a film underperforms at the box office, it can still reach a wide audience through OTT platforms. For “Jigra,” this could mean reaching viewers who might have been hesitant to watch it in theaters.

Final Thoughts

“Jigra” is a film that showcases Alia Bhatt’s growth as an actor but falls short in other departments. It’s a reminder that even with a talented cast and crew, a weak script can undermine a film’s potential. While it may not be remembered as one of Bhatt’s best works, it does offer glimpses of what could have been a powerful thriller.

As the film industry continues to evolve, with streaming platforms playing an increasingly important role, it will be interesting to see how movies like “Jigra” fare in the long run. Will they find a new audience online, or will they be forgotten amidst the sea of content? Only time will tell.

Key Highlights

Rating

IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
Running Time: 2 hours 33 minutes
Premiere Date: October 11, 2024
Year: 2024
Country: India
Genre: Action, Thriller
Director: Vasan Bala
Actors: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Akansha Ranjan Kapoor, Manoj Pahwa