Jigra Movie Review: Alia Bhatt’s Heroic Attempt Falls Short Amid Weak Plot
Jigra movie review: Alia Bhatt’s intense performance can’t save the film from weak storytelling and a predictable plot.
Alia Bhatt’s Performance Can’t Save a Weakly Constructed Plot
The Bollywood film Jigra, directed by a yet-to-be-established filmmaker, showcases Alia Bhatt in a challenging role as Satya, a sister on a mission to save her brother from an unjust imprisonment. Early in the film, her character expresses her ambition, comparing herself to an indomitable Bollywood legend, Amitabh Bachchan. This setup introduces us to a tough, relentless protagonist prepared to face any challenge to rescue her sibling. Despite a promising start, the film quickly loses its grip, making Bhatt’s performance appear wasted amid a weakly constructed plot.
An Overstretched Premise Rooted in Classic Bollywood Tropes
The film, which draws heavily from the 1993 Sanjay Dutt-Sridevi starrer Gumrah, replicates the same basic premise: a family member is falsely accused and imprisoned in a foreign jail. Satya’s younger brother, Ankur, finds himself behind bars in a Southeast Asian country due to a fabricated drug charge. Left with no other option, Satya’s protective instincts drive her to plot an escape, gathering a few quirky allies along the way. Unfortunately, what begins as an emotionally charged story soon becomes an overstretched narrative packed with implausible scenarios and clichéd action sequences.
Action Sequences Fail to Deliver the Expected Thrill
Throughout the 1 hour and 55-minute runtime, Jigra attempts to blend high-octane action with the emotional depth of a family drama. However, it struggles to find a balance. A few impactful scenes provide glimpses of what the film could have been—a gripping thriller with emotional weight—but they are quickly overshadowed by scenes that stretch patience and logic. For instance, the character of Mr. Bhatia, played by Manoj Pahwa, and Muthu, an islander portrayed by Rahul Ravindran, add little substance to the storyline. Their motivation to assist Satya seems flimsy at best, making their roles appear forced and unnecessary.
Satya’s Character: Strong, Yet Lacks Depth
Satya is established as a karate-trained fighter who transitions from a protective elder sister into an invincible heroine. She engages in multiple fight sequences, drives a truck at breakneck speeds, and executes risky maneuvers with ease. While Bhatt’s portrayal is commendable, the overemphasis on her toughness strips the character of nuance. The repeated emphasis on her physical prowess comes at the expense of building a more layered personality. By the end, she appears more like an action figure than a relatable human being, making it difficult for the audience to connect with her struggles.
Supporting Cast Gets Lost in the Chaos
Although Jigra is essentially Bhatt’s film, the supporting cast barely gets their due. Ankur, played by Raina, shows some potential, especially in scenes where he’s given the space to display vulnerability. Yet, the film seldom focuses on his emotions, making his presence feel sidelined. Meanwhile, Vivek Gomber, as the prison boss, comes across as a caricature, his exaggerated mannerisms reminiscent of villains in older Bollywood movies. This lack of depth makes the film’s antagonistic forces feel superficial, robbing the movie of the tension and urgency it so desperately needs.
Too Much Action, Too Little Story
If the film’s primary objective was to showcase Bhatt’s ability to lead an action-packed film, it succeeds to a certain extent. But action alone cannot carry a film, and that is where Jigra falters. The screenplay meanders, failing to maintain the suspense required for a successful prison-break plot. Several sequences, meant to elicit gasps and cheers, instead evoke indifference. Even when Bhatt’s character pulls off daring stunts, they seem gratuitous rather than essential to the plot.
A Missed Opportunity for a Gripping Thriller
Ultimately, Jigra leaves the audience yearning for a more gripping narrative. The initial setup, promising an emotionally charged story of sibling bonds and relentless determination, falls apart midway. The repetitive punch-lines and overblown action sequences stretch the film to a point where it begins testing the viewer’s patience. It is unfortunate that a film with such a promising premise and a talented lead could not capitalize on its strengths.
Will Audiences Buy Into Bhatt’s Tough-Girl Act?
While Alia Bhatt’s transformation into a fierce, no-nonsense fighter is convincing on a surface level, the character lacks the emotional resonance needed to sustain interest. In scenes where Satya should appear vulnerable, her toughness feels overplayed, making her journey feel less authentic. The over-the-top action sequences, combined with underwhelming character development, diminish the impact of Bhatt’s performance. By the film’s conclusion, audiences are left questioning the believability of it all—does Satya’s journey make sense, or is it just an exercise in showcasing Bhatt’s star power?
Conclusion: A Film that Stretches Both Patience and Credulity
In the end, Jigra feels like a missed opportunity—a film that tries to be both an action-packed thriller and a heartfelt drama but ends up achieving neither. The attempts to recreate the magic of Gumrah fall flat, leaving viewers longing for a more gripping and coherent storyline. Bhatt’s performance is one of the few redeeming qualities of the film, but it’s not enough to save Jigra from being a stretch of both patience and credulity.
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