Jawan Review: Shah Rukh Khan solidifies his top spot in this action-packed thriller!

Pathaan certainly put Shah Rukh Khan back in the spotlight, and now with Jawan, directed by Atlee, he’s set to rule the box office once again. Jawan is a classic Bollywood entertainer with all the right ingredients: powerful dialogues, intense action, a strong storyline, female empowerment, catchy music, a star-studded cast, and, of course, Khan himself. Atlee skillfully showcases Khan’s prowess in a narrative that’s full of action and charm. The plot, penned by Atlee and S. Ramanagirivasan, may be intricate, requiring some time to unravel, but with its twists and turns, it keeps you hooked from the start. While some twists may be expected, others take you by surprise, making for an engaging cinematic experience.

So, what’s the scoop on Jawan?

The movie’s storyline unfolds gradually. It kicks off with a mysterious figure, wrapped in bandages, swooping in to rescue a remote village, likely in Ladakh, from a group of intruders. Fast forward 30 years, and we see a disheveled, bandaged, bald individual causing chaos on a Mumbai metro train. Accompanying him are a group of clever, agile women in combat gear, skilled in hacking. Officer Narmada Rai (played by Nayanthara) is called in to negotiate with this man, who adds a touch of humor by dancing to Bekarar Karke Hume and sharing anecdotes, like that of a farmer who tragically passed away due to loan repayment struggles. When Narmada inquires about his demands for releasing the hostages, he insists on a hefty sum of Rs 4 billion to be swiftly transferred from the account of billionaire and arms dealer Kaali (portrayed by Vijay Sethupathi).

The cops give in to his demands, and he, along with his crew, vanishes, leaving the hostages captivated. They become so enamored that they turn against the investigation. It turns out the man is an IPS officer and the head of a women’s prison in Mumbai, Azaad Rathore (played by SRK), who has transformed a group of inmates into vigilantes. These women ended up in prison due to false accusations and have undergone a significant change under Azaad’s guidance.

Meanwhile, Azaad unknowingly forms a bond with Narmada’s daughter, who sees him as a father figure. Narmada, a single mother, agrees to marry Azaad after witnessing her daughter’s affection for him. Unaware of Azaad’s true identity due to his disguise, Narmada takes it upon herself to apprehend the criminals as the number of heists rises. Will she uncover Azaad’s secret? And what drives Azaad to orchestrate these heists? Atlee weaves a complex narrative that moves back and forth in time, engaging viewers with various storylines.

Shah Rukh Khan shines brightly in Pathaan and showcases his feminist side in Jawan. Khan has long been a vocal supporter of women’s empowerment. In Jawan, he portrays a mentor to a group of women seeking justice, highlighting the strength of women and their resilience. The female characters are depicted as formidable individuals who can hold their own against adversaries while also displaying maternal warmth when needed. Nayanthara, making her Bollywood debut in Jawan, portrays a determined cop who never backs down, showcasing her unwavering resolve.

So, we’ve got Deepika Padukone making a special appearance, bringing so much elegance to her character. Then, there’s Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani, and a group of girls forming SRK’s tough squad who can take down guys twice their size. The movie shines a light on girl power while showcasing SRK in a grandiose role. He plays a dual role, with the older character seemingly paying homage to Rajinikanth with his style in almost every scene. The action scenes are quite grand, something common in southern action flicks but fresh for Hindi cinema. Khan, a Bollywood legend, seamlessly adapts to the southern vibe, thanks to Atlee’s skilled direction, and looks at ease on screen. Adding to SRK’s charm is Vijay Sethupathi, who plays the antagonist. He brings a mix of menace and quirkiness (with some killer lines) that elevates even the average scenes. Sethupathi doesn’t have a super demanding role, but he still impresses with his talent.

Let’s talk about the music in the film. Anirudh, a big name in Tamil cinema, makes his Bollywood debut with some fresh tunes that stand out. The soundtrack is catchy, different, and a breath of fresh air compared to the usual Bollywood music. Sumit Arora’s dialogues get the audience clapping, and GK Vishnu’s camerawork is impressive. Now, onto the not-so-great parts of the movie. The intense fight scenes, certain scenes, and plot points might require you to suspend disbelief a bit, but “Jawan” tackles important societal issues in a commercial setting while balancing entertainment and thrill within a serious storyline. I had some issues with the graphic content, though. The film goes into detail about death in various forms, from suicide to capital punishment to food poisoning, which can be a bit overwhelming. The emotional manipulation involving children in some scenes felt a bit forced, aiming to make the audience teary-eyed. Surprisingly, I’d rate “Jawan” higher than “Pathaan.” Yes, you heard that right. “Jawan” is more cohesive, addresses a few social issues, and manages to convey a message or two while keeping you entertained with SRK in a dual role. SRK and Atlee dive into tackling the system in “Jawan,” but they take a complex route to deliver the message. The movie runs for 2 hours and 49 minutes with several elaborate action sequences. It might feel a bit lengthy, but it’s still an exciting journey. Keep an eye out for the climax and the cameos by Sanjay Dutt and Deepika Padukone. Who knows, maybe Shah Rukh Khan for Prime Minister isn’t such a far-fetched idea after all!