Star Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Sanya Malhotra, Sunil Grover, Deepika Padukone

Director: Atlee

What’s Good: Anything and everything involving Shah Rukh Khan

What’s Bad: Anything that doesn’t feature Shah Rukh Khan

Loo Break: With a runtime of almost 3 hours, you might need a couple of breaks, one for necessity and another due to the film’s length

Watch or Not?: Even if you’re not a fan of typical commercial potboilers, “Jawan” is worth watching solely for Shah Rukh Khan!

Available On: Theatrical Release

Runtime: A lengthy 2 hours and 49 minutes

In “Jawan,” Shah Rukh Khan takes on a mummy-like character who relentlessly defeats his enemies while asking the question, “Main Kaun Hoon?” (Who am I?) with the same expression you’d expect from an actor who has just emerged from a coma after months of negotiations for a high payment. A child promises to find out who he is when they grow up, setting the stage for some typical Atlee-style drama.

Fast forward thirty years, and we meet Vikram Rathore SRK, a former police officer who has turned into a Robin Hood-like figure, taking on the role of doing what the government should have done to make life easier for the citizens. But is Vikram the same SRK we saw at the start, or are they different individuals? If they are indeed different, who are they? That’s the central question the storyline explores.

“Jawan” Movie Review: Script Analysis

A look at Atlee’s filmography reveals a common thread running through all of his films: a commitment to making movies for a broad audience. This approach has been a major factor in the success of his films, much like how “Gadar 2” catered to more than 70% of Indian cinema-goers. Atlee has consistently followed this formula.

“Jawan” is crafted to ensure that just when you feel the story is dragging, an exciting ‘seeti-maar’ (whistle-worthy) sequence comes along to revive your interest. Shah Rukh Khan appears to thoroughly enjoy wearing the multiple hats his character requires in the film. There’s something slightly over-the-top about his voice-to-body movement synchronization in the Hindi version, which may remind you of films like “Aparichit” and “Gabbar Is Back.” However, “Jawan” is better designed, making it a true-blue masala film.

In keeping with Atlee’s directorial style, you’ll notice how he packs multiple films into one. His emphasis on hero-worship and fan-centric heroism takes precedence over the story and screenplay. G. K. Vishnu’s cinematography shines in the action scenes, particularly during hand-to-hand combat sequences.

“Jawan” Movie Review: Star Performances

Shah Rukh Khan delivers one of his best performances in the realm of commercial cinema. While films like “Raees” and “Pathaan” showcased his acting abilities, “Jawan” adds the layer of portraying multiple characters, and SRK excels yet again. Three of his characters leave a lasting impression, while the rest contribute to the narrative’s complexity.

Nayanthara’s character plays a crucial role opposite Shah Rukh Khan, but it’s regrettable that her character lacks the depth needed to significantly influence the storyline. Nevertheless, she looks stunning in every frame she appears in. Vijay Sethupathi, an actor of superior caliber, is somewhat underutilized in this film and deserved a better-written role. Among the supporting cast, Sanya Malhotra and Sunil Grover fail to leave a lasting impact. Deepika Padukone, in her special cameo, adds a touch of allure to the film with her ’90s avatar, sporting sensuous sarees.

“Jawan” Movie Review: Direction and Music

Atlee is a director who understands how to tap into the sensibilities of the Indian audience. With “Jawan,” he serves up exactly what the Indian masses would lap up, seasoned with a bit of extra masala.

Anirudh Ravichander might not impress with songs, but he truly shines when it comes to the background score. The film’s soundtrack might not feature any memorable ‘speed-breaking’ songs, but the orchestral magic he creates with the instruments sets the tone perfectly.

“Jawan” Movie Review: The Last Word

In the final analysis, “Jawan” will be remembered for Atlee’s exceptional tribute to Shah Rukh Khan, reinforcing why he’s the last of the stars, with his unparalleled charisma and star power. Despite its length and moments of narrative clutter, the film offers a rollercoaster ride of entertainment that’s worth the watch, especially for Shah Rukh Khan fans.