JAWAN Movie First Review: Shahrukh Khan Movie
Shah Rukh Khan's highly-anticipated movie "Jawan," helmed by director Atlee, has finally made its debut in cinemas today. The initial responses to the film suggest that it's poised to shatter several box office records, including those set by Shah Rukh Khan's previous release, "Pathaan."
Kolkata saw the first screening at 5 a.m., followed by Jaipur at 6 a.m., and the demand for tickets has been soaring. Experts are predicting that Shah Rukh Khan's action-packed movie is on track to surpass the opening day box office earnings of his own film "Pathaan," with estimates placing the first-day earnings at approximately Rs 75 crore.
This total comprises an estimated range of Rs 60 crore to Rs 65 crore for its Hindi version and approximately Rs 10 crore to Rs 15 crore for its Tamil and Telugu dubbed versions, as reported by film critic and trade analyst Sumit Kadel. Additionally, he anticipates that the film has the potential to accumulate anywhere between Rs 250 crore to Rs 300 crore in net box office collections, contingent on positive word-of-mouth.
Trade expert Taran Adarsh provided an update on the number of tickets sold for Thursday across national cinema chains, revealing that the count reached 5,57,000 as of 11:59 pm on Wednesday. He mentioned, "#Pathaan was 556,000 at 11.59 pm."
Jawan is a Shah Rukh Khan extravaganza from the very beginning to the end, and witnessing him in a dual role doubles the delight. From his grand entrance to the action sequences and dance performances, there's seemingly no challenge he can't conquer, and he manages to make you believe in it wholeheartedly. At the age of 57, turning 58 in November, Shah Rukh Khan leaves an indelible impression with his action sequences. Given the extensive action showcased in Jawan, it almost makes Pathaan appear as a mere teaser. In his Hindi directorial debut, Atlee ensures he doesn't disappoint the audience, expertly combining all the elements of commercial cinema to create a captivating and mass-pleasing entertainer.
Jawan defies the constraints of conventional templates or clichés, blending a diverse array of elements that result in an engaging and enjoyable cinematic experience. It encompasses the quintessential commercial masala potboiler, featuring action, drama, music, and romance in abundance. I'd even encourage some thoughtful consideration because the film addresses pertinent issues. With its nearly three-hour duration, Jawan narrates a compelling story of widespread corruption at various echelons of the system, profoundly impacting ordinary citizens in brutal ways. Fortunately, it never becomes overly preachy, even though it delves into social commentary territory briefly, particularly during a monologue delivered by Shah Rukh Khan towards the conclusion Jawan employs a non-linear storytelling approach, commencing in the present day, leaping forward 30 years, and then employing flashbacks to elucidate the reasons and circumstances. I won't delve into plot specifics to avoid spoilers, but it's safe to assert that Jawan isn't solely a revenge drama; instead, each sequence functions as a self-contained short story with an extensive flashback providing context for the current actions. However, this approach can be somewhat problematic, as it results in a lack of narrative consistency. Jawan doesn't allow viewers to linger on one storyline for an extended period and swiftly transitions to the next, disrupting the narrative flow.
What remains consistently impressive in Jawan is the meticulously choreographed and high-octane action sequences that provide an immersive cinematic experience. The fusion of Bollywood and South Indian cinema sensibilities becomes apparent as you witness the infusion of South Indian flair, especially in slow-motion shots and gravity-defying action, where characters seem to defy the laws of physics, with the protagonist assuming a near-demigod status. While it's primarily an action-packed film, it also delves into the poignant issue of farmer suicides resulting from the inability to repay even the smallest of bank loans. Considering the country's recent experience with mass farmer protests, this theme immediately resonates and prompts deep reflection. There's a particularly heart-wrenching moment depicting a farmer hanging himself from a tree, which leaves a profound impact.
At another juncture, Jawan addresses the corruption within the healthcare system and the dire conditions of government hospitals. The film swiftly transitions from being a full-fledged action thriller to a lighter narrative. It simultaneously weaves two parallel storylines. In one, Narmada (played by Nayanthara), the leader of Force Once, is on the hunt for Vikram Rathore (portrayed by SRK), who put 376 passengers' lives at risk during a meticulously executed hijacking. The second storyline unfolds as Narmada and Azad Rathore (also played by SRK) find themselves falling for each other. Meanwhile, the antagonist, Kalee (portrayed by Vijay Sethupathi), an arms dealer, shares a complex history with both Vikram Rathore and Azad, and Azad gradually becomes entangled in their story.
Shah Rukh Khan's group of female characters plays a pivotal role in Jawan, and it's heartening to observe that each of them receives ample screen time to shine, becoming an indispensable part of the film's narrative and screenplay. Dr. Eram (portrayed by Sanya Malhotra) finds herself unjustly implicated in the tragic killing of 57 innocent children, leading to her imprisonment. Kalki (played by Lehar Khan), a farmer's daughter, is on a quest to avenge her father's death. Helena (embodied by Sanjeeta Bhattacharya), the ethical hacker, and Lakshmi (portrayed by Priyamani), representing the girl-next-door archetype, boast intriguing character arcs. Together with their leader, these remarkable women exhibit unwavering determination, conviction, and resilience.
In a remarkable display of versatility, Shah Rukh Khan assumes a different appearance for each of the stunts he orchestrates, much to the delight of his fans, and excels in all of them. Particularly noteworthy is the metro hijacking sequence in which Khan adopts a bald look, generating significant buzz after the teaser's release. This portrayal showcases him in a manner unlike anything seen before. As the young Azad, he captivates with his lover-boy persona, while as Vikram, with his grey hair and a cigarette in hand, he exudes an unparalleled sense of swagger.
Matching Shah Rukh Khan's immense stardom, Vijay Sethupathi brings his own unique charm and gravity to the film. His sequences are commanding and exude an air of menace. Whether in his youthful or older portrayal, Sethupathi maintains a sense of intimidation with his mere presence. A particularly well-crafted and humor-tinged confrontation scene between him and Vikram, just prior to the climax, stands out as a highlight.
Nayanthara injects a refreshing energy into the movie, with each of her appearances accompanied by a slow-motion shot. Unfortunately, her on-screen chemistry with Khan falls flat and lacks the spark one might hope for; it comes across as rather unexciting. On the other hand, Deepika Padukone, in her special appearance as Vikram Rathore's wife Aishwarya, is a delightful addition to the cast. Their dance number together even evokes fond memories of "Chennai Express." Sunil Grover, portraying Officer Irani, delivers a noteworthy performance, leaving you yearning for more of his presence on screen and a greater role for him in the storyline.
The screenplay of Jawan, crafted by Atlee and S. Ramanagirivasan, is both engaging and captivating. However, the dialogues penned by Sumit Arora, given the grand scale of the movie, tend to be rather forgettable and of average quality. Apart from a memorable line delivered by SRK, "Bete ko haath lagane se pehle baap se baat kar" (Speak to the father before touching the son), there aren't many lines that leave a lasting impact.
Nonetheless, Jawan offers a complete and enjoyable cinematic experience, ensuring there are no dull moments. It's essential to keep your attention firmly fixed on the screen, as there's a wealth of information to absorb, both in terms of action and understanding the underlying narrative. Be prepared for an incredibly satisfying climax that provides excellent value for your time and investment.
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