Jawan : Shah Rukh Khan starrer is an essential blockbuster we all need

Jawan : Shah Rukh Khan starrer is an essential blockbuster we all need

More than the film, and the entertainment quotient it’s the message that comes out. The built up of Jawan and its marketing and promotional strategy has done the trick. As an anecdote, I remember Mukesh Rishi's debut as Billa in Priyadarshan's Gardish whose built up of image before his entry made him unforgettable. Similar thing has happened for the character - Mukhtar Singh, who had a built up in Kaalia and made his entry in Shahenshah almost 6 years later, both directed by Tinnu Anand.

Jawan followed almost the same pattern. The first teaser flashed a year ago, then it was supposed to release on 2nd June and got postponed, followed by a prevue - a term lesser heard of. By the time it released, the entire nation had already become hysterical and incredibly overwhelmed.

Personally, I was hopelessly curious about SRK's bandaged look holding a gun and unlocking boxes of weaponry. Yes, there was massive excitement which rightfully translates to relentless entertainment, adrenaline-fuelled action and high-voltage drama. I haven't seen an Atlee film earlier, but the guy has a flair for masala which aligns with King Khan's charm and flamboyance.

Jawan, although not cerebral, offers sensible entertainment. A revenge story at core, it entwines SRK's double impact as Baap-Beta combo with a girl gang proficient in different domains, to take on a devious arms-dealer, Kaali ( played by Vijay Sethupathi) by correcting the several wrongdoings of the corrupt people in power.

The plot kicks off with a deadly fight in a remote north east village and then fast forwards to 30 years where the protagonist and his girls hijack a metro for a ransom.

Enter Nayanthara as the cop who must stop him with her army of black cat commandos.

Fascinatingly executed, it unfolds with dollops of intrigue, keeping you thoroughly riveted hardly giving you a dull moment to connect the dots etched in your mind. We are also introduced to Azad (SRK), the jailor who is in charge of a women prison that harbours 6000 inmates for the last 22 years. Azad and Narmada meet over matrimony and romance blossoms. I wondered why Narmada didn't do any background check of Azad or she was not very keen to what Azad offered her to know more about him.

There are several plot contrivances in this fast paced film which remind you of the 80's flicks and the filmmakers' sensibilities of that period but Jawan's visual extravaganza and stylized execution glosses over it's multiple inconsistencies and a hurried backstory involving Padukone and Patriotism, both shining in short-lived appearances but hardly evoking any emotions.

Deepika as Aishwarya, exudes radiance and gets two musical tracks, albeit it's an official cameo.

Atlee whips up a delicious Khichdi and his enchanting storytelling technique needs to be applauded, when it offers a strong but convenient discourse on the farmers' suicide anarchy, corruption in medical outfits and our political elections, with the leading man unleashing vigilante justice.

Shah Rukh's bravura and baritone sets the tempo of Jawan and the film is in constant lookout of dopamine from the actor's replenishing energy. He is an effortless charmer who can swoon his audience of any age bracket through his expressive eyes, dimpled cheeks, fluffy hair and wide grin.

Here, his wits and wrath are on full display and complimented by Nayanthara's action chops. As Kaali, Vijay Sethupathi is underutilized and his part could have been more formidable and menacing. Atlee also reduces Deadly Dutt to a funny guest appearance.

Songs are a let-down but the title track that plays during the action sequences is electrifying. Speaking of the action, it's a testimony to the makers sprawling vision and ambition.

"SRK's swagger, Atlee's directorial prowess coupled with women power and strong messaging - Jawan's masala potpourri thas a blockbuster written all over it" A blockbuster that we all need.