Jigra Movie Review: How Vasan Bala and Alia Bhatt Deliver an Emotional Action Drama

Jigra is the latest release from acclaimed director Vasan Bala, featuring the powerhouse performance of Alia Bhatt. With its high-octane action and deep emotional core, Jigra has generated a lot of buzz in the film industry. The film presents a gripping tale of sibling love and determination, with Bhatt portraying a character willing to go to extreme lengths to protect her brother. Let’s dive into the movie to understand its highs and lows, and whether it lives up to the hype.

Plot Overview: A Tale of Sibling Love and Sacrifice

The story revolves around Satya, played by Alia Bhatt, an event manager who is haunted by childhood trauma. She witnessed her father’s death, which shapes her strong protective instincts, especially towards her younger brother Ankur (played by Vedang Raina). Satya’s sole mission in life is to protect Ankur, and her love for him is the driving force of the narrative.

Ankur, however, lands in serious trouble in a foreign country, Hansi Dao, where he is falsely accused of drug trafficking. This leads to a death sentence under the country’s strict laws. The plot takes off as Satya decides to battle the system and save her brother from execution, leading to a journey filled with action, heartbreak, and moral dilemmas.

Screenwriting and Pacing: Fast-Paced but Lacks a Solid Climax

Vasan Bala, along with co-writer Debashish Irengbam, has crafted a screenplay that wastes no time in jumping straight into the action. The movie’s Inciting Incident—Ankur’s arrest—occurs early, setting the stage for Satya’s relentless mission to save him. However, what’s commendable is that the film doesn’t rush through the emotional foundation. The sibling bond is well-established through key scenes that effectively demonstrate their relationship, giving the audience a reason to root for them.

While the film engages with its emotional setup, the thriller aspect of the plot doesn’t quite reach its full potential. As Satya orchestrates a daring plan to rescue Ankur from a high-security prison, the tension builds but falters in the climax. The audience is teased with grand action sequences, but the payoff feels somewhat underwhelming. The chaotic nature of the climax seems forced, leaving viewers craving a more impactful conclusion.

Alia Bhatt’s Performance: A Standout Yet Again

Alia Bhatt once again proves her acting mettle with Jigra. Her portrayal of Satya, a character torn between fear and fierce determination, is both believable and compelling. Bhatt seamlessly transitions between being vulnerable and ruthless, especially as the film progresses and Satya becomes more relentless in her mission. In one of the most memorable sequences, she channels the iconic “angry young man” persona, drawing parallels with Amitabh Bachchan’s Agneepath character.

Vedang Raina, playing Ankur, delivers a commendable performance, especially considering this is only his second film. His chemistry with Bhatt helps ground the film in its emotional core, making the stakes feel real for the audience.

Direction and Cinematography: Vasan Bala’s Vision

Vasan Bala, known for his nostalgic references and unique filmmaking style, delivers another visually arresting movie. The film makes great use of its setting, especially in sequences where Satya navigates the unfamiliar terrain of Hansi Dao. One particular scene, shot in a single take, showcases Satya’s panic as she desperately tries to find her brother in a foreign prison. This builds a strong sense of tension, and Bala’s mastery of space and atmosphere adds depth to the narrative.

However, the film seems to shy away from taking bigger risks, especially in its third act. There are moments where Jigra hints at making bold political statements—like the mention of strict laws around freedom of expression in Hansi Dao—but it doesn’t fully explore these themes. The references remain surface-level, making the political commentary feel half-baked.

The Climax: A Missed Opportunity?

One of the major downfalls of Jigra is its climax. The film builds anticipation for a major confrontation, but the resolution feels rushed. Satya’s moral journey, where she crosses boundaries for her brother’s sake, is brushed over without delving into the consequences of her actions. This leaves a lot of unanswered questions and reduces the emotional impact the film aimed for.

The inclusion of Bachchan’s Agneepath references, while clever, feels unnecessary and detracts from the uniqueness of Satya’s character arc. The film would have benefitted from focusing more on its own original voice, rather than relying on nostalgic nods to past Hindi cinema classics.

Supporting Cast and Music

Vivek Gomber plays the role of a prison warden, who becomes a key antagonist in the film. While his performance is solid, his character feels somewhat one-dimensional, and his accent occasionally distracts from his role. The soundtrack of the movie complements the action well, though the frequent use of Zanjeer songs and old Bollywood references may not resonate with younger audiences unfamiliar with these classics.

Final Verdict: Is Jigra Worth Watching?

Jigra is far from a perfect film, but it is still a bold and emotionally charged action drama. Alia Bhatt’s performance carries much of the film, and her portrayal of a protective elder sister is both powerful and heart-wrenching. The film’s emotional core is strong, but its reliance on nostalgia and a somewhat weak climax prevent it from becoming a truly outstanding action film.

However, fans of Alia Bhatt and those looking for a mix of drama and action will find Jigra to be an engaging watch, despite its flaws.