Explore ‘Jawan,’ the latest Bollywood blockbuster featuring Shah Rukh Khan, a vigilante fighting corruption with action-packed sequences and a dose of social justice.
In an epic opening sequence set along the northern borders of India, a wounded soldier makes a remarkable recovery. A peaceful village he’s resuscitating is suddenly under attack, with chaos and violence erupting. The soldier, shrouded in mystery with his face concealed, emerges as a savior, wielding a spear against a dramatic backdrop of thundering skies. Amidst this spectacle, a flaming horse dashes across the screen, capturing the essence of the moment. Japanese video-game designer Hideo Kojima couldn’t contain his excitement on social media, as ‘Jawan’ appears to be the most Metal Gear-esque film in Shah Rukh Khan’s career.
Tamil director Atlee, who has been teasing a collaboration with Khan since 2019, brings his unique style to the film. While southern directors teaming up with Bollywood stars for action films with sociopolitical themes is not new, this partnership holds a promise of something more. Atlee is known for characters with multiple identities and aliases, a narrative trait that perfectly aligns with Khan’s charisma. With his magnetic presence, Khan has the potential to elevate any multi-role film, making ‘Jawan’ an exciting prospect.
‘Jawan’ boasts an ensemble cast, including Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Deepika Padukone, Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani, and Sunil Grover. The film, with a runtime of 169 minutes, revolves around a vigilante and his crew who take on corrupt institutions entangled with a deadly arms dealer, leading to a thrilling collision of past and present.
Three decades after the explosive opening, Shah Rukh Khan reappears as a quirky, wisecracking vigilante with a bald head, orchestrating a daring hijack of a metro train in Mumbai. He’s aided by a team of formidable female fighters, each with their names and unique backgrounds. On the same train is Alia, the daughter of the ruthless arms dealer Kaali, portrayed by Vijay Sethupathi. As the story unfolds, it’s revealed that Khan, in the present timeline, is Azad Rathore, a prison warden moonlighting as an ethical terrorist. Complications arise as Azad is set to marry Narmada, played by Nayanthara, the fearless negotiator with whom he communicated during the hijack.
Without revealing the exact number of Shah Rukh Khans featured in ‘Jawan,’ it’s safe to say that the film offers enough diversity to justify the price of a single ticket. Khan, at the age of 57, embraces his role with relish, seamlessly shifting between the roles of a benign, upstanding citizen and a grizzled, cigar-chomping, antihero reminiscent of Wolverine. While ‘Jawan’ may not present the moral complexity of films like ‘Fan’ or ‘Baazigar,’ it pushes the boundaries of Khan’s acting repertoire.
The action sequences in ‘Jawan’ are as slick and captivating as expected in a big-budget Atlee film. From drones and helicopters to gatling guns, the director borrows elements from Hollywood-style blockbusters. What sets these action sequences apart are the distinctly Indian touches infused into the grand spectacle. Whether it’s a hijacker making a getaway in an auto-rickshaw or a flashback scene with Deepika Padukone, Atlee grounds the action in urgent social justice issues. Khan’s character launches his own “Clean India” campaign, challenging various flawed institutions, from agriculture to healthcare and defense. Throughout the film, the narrative underscores the danger of labeling individuals as “traitors.”
‘Jawan’ also pays homage to a plethora of other movies, delighting both Bollywood and Hollywood fans. References to iconic characters like The Joker, Darkman, and Dennis Hopper from Speed can be spotted, along with nods to Khan’s own filmography, including ‘Swades,’ ‘Main Hoon Na,’ ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi,’ and ‘Duplicate.’
While ‘Jawan’ offers a compelling cinematic experience, not every element hits the mark. The second half sees a surge of Atlee’s trademark melodrama, and despite the efforts of composer Anirudh Ravichander, the songs feel somewhat generic. Nevertheless, Vijay Sethupathi shines in his later scenes, delivering a standout performance. Nayanthara brings subtlety to her heroine role, portraying a character less enamored with Khan than the film suggests, yet the audience remains captivated.
Towards the film’s conclusion, Khan delivers a passionate speech on democracy and the power of a single vote, resonating even in today’s polarized times. ‘Jawan’ encapsulates one nation, one emotion, and the enduring appeal of Shah Rukh Khan.
Currently running in theaters, ‘Jawan’ promises to be a Bollywood spectacle blending action, social justice, and the charismatic presence of Shah Rukh Khan.
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