Alia delivers a solid performance, but the thriller falls short of its potential
Review: Revenge and prison break dramas thrive on robust scripts and screenplays, delivering edge-of-the-seat thrills and impressing viewers with sharpness. Director Vasan Bala’s thriller, Jigra, starts strong, introducing Satya (Alia Bhatt), a resilient and dependable young woman driven to protect her younger brother Ankur (Vedang Raina) at all costs.
When Ankur is framed on drug charges in the unforgiving Southeast Asian island, Hanshi Dao, Satya transforms into a force to be reckoned with. Undaunted by the stringent law enforcement that metes out death sentences to those caught on narcotic charges, she embarks on a daring mission to free him. Teaming up with retired gangster Bhatia (Manoj Pahwa) and ex-cop, Satya devises an intricate plan to break four young men — including Ankur — out of prison after the legal system fails to deliver justice.
The premise had immense potential to portray the journey of a sister who makes morally questionable decisions and takes on a foreign land’s staunch system. However, what should have set the viewer up for an engaging and awe-inspiring ride soon turns out to be chaotic. Written by Bala and Debashish Irengbam, the story becomes one-dimensional, and the narrative focuses more on stylised action than substance. Also, a parallel prison break plot only adds to the complexity. Satya’s chain of action to take on the bullies becomes repetitive.
The film has moments of brilliance, credited to cinematographer Swapnil S Sonawane and action director Vikram Dahiya, who excel in delivering slick and well-executed stunts and —action sequences. Scenes like Satya sliding down a sloping rooftop and the pyrotechnics are impressive. Still, the proceedings are mired by long-drawn sequences and, for the most part, the focus mainly remains on Satya’s derring-do rather than the plot itself.
Alia Bhatt delivers a standout performance as an action star and a deeply emotional character. The actress pulls off the death-defying stunts with elan and convincingly portrays anger, helplessness, and resilience. Vedang Raina does well in his role as the brother. Manoj Pahwa, as Satya’s accomplice whose son is also an inmate, deserves special mention.
While Jigra showcases moments of brilliance, particularly through Alia Bhatt’s remarkable performance and impressive action sequences, its chaotic narrative and focus on style over substance hinder its overall impact. A more streamlined narrative and stronger premise would have elevated this film greatly.
