User reviews

Directed by Vasan Bala, Jigra centers around the powerful bond between a sister and her brother, with the sister, played by Alia Bhatt, willing to go to any lengths to protect him. While this emotional core keeps the film anchored, it struggles with ambiguity in the storyline and an unsatisfactory stretched climax. The mismatch between content and execution in the second half weakens the overall impact of the film.

One of the film's strongest aspects is its cinematography. The screenplay is engaging for the most part, especially in the first half. Vasan Bala's direction keeps you invested as the film consistently maintains its tone. However, there are several loose ends and narrative gaps that undermine the storytelling. The linear nature of the plot also restricts the film from exploring its full potential, making it feel one-dimensional despite its emotional depth.

Alia Bhatt once again delivers a standout performance, fully embodying the role of a protective sister. Her portrayal is intense, emotional, and nuanced, making it easy for the audience to connect with her character's struggles. She particularly shines in the emotional scenes, demonstrating once again why she is considered one of the best actresses of her generation. Vedang Raina is standing out with a performance that complements Alia's. He shines throughout the film, proving himself to be a talent to watch in the future. Manoj Pahwa, as expected, is dependable and adds gravitas to his supporting role. Vivek Gomber is terrific as villain. Others are fine in their respective roles.

Direction 3/5 Acting 3/5 Dialogues 2.5/5 Story 2.5/5 Screenplay 2.5/5.

The movie started off strong with an exciting and fast-paced first half that kept me thoroughly engaged. The action sequences and plot development were well-executed, setting high expectations for the rest of the film. However, the second half felt unnecessarily stretched, introducing random subplots that didn't add much value to the overall story. Some of the scenes and character actions lacked coherence, making it hard to stay invested. Overall, while the movie had a promising start, it struggled to maintain its momentum and fell short in delivering a satisfying conclusion. That said, the acting was solid throughout, and the cast did a commendable job with the material they were given.

I got hooked with the trailer. Mindblowing.

Then I felt bombed by the film. Underperforming to put it in one word.

Alia delivers, all other actors seem to have skipped acting school. Maybe it's also the dialogues which are just week.

The main problem is that the entire story is event driven. One event and song chases the next one.

What about a character driven story once in a while? Character development not stupid stereotypes with punchy lines just to get to the next scene.

Who is writing those dialogues?

I watched 20 minutes and then skipped through the rest.

Sorry, but it did not catch me.

While "Jigra" may not fully align with the usual standards of Vasan Bala that I have come to expect, I must commend his adept portrayal of the brother-sister dynamic, which without a doubt stands as the highlight of the entire presentation.

Had Mr. Bala dedicated a bit more time and resources to deepen the showcase of these siblings' unbreakable bond, the impact would have been something truly remarkable.

Additional scenes illustrating their tumultuous childhood, particularly within the confines of their distant relative's home where they were raised, would have significantly enriched the narrative.

Now I do not wish to imply that the 'Jailbreak' drama lacked excitement; it certainly had its moments. However, the happenings often felt like an elaborate collection of fillers rather than an integral part of the core narrative.

Because ultimately, the essence of the story revolved around the bond between Satya and Ankur and I longed for a greater emphasis on that particular aspect.

Vedang's debut is wasted, only Manoj Pahwa is endearing. Alia is good but makes it a 2.5 hr long saga of her monologues only, we arent in a theatre man.

Story is all about a ghisa pita cliche saga about an arrested loved ones rescue with forced melodrama, thats all this film has Not recommended, its a head sore.

Alia is a decent actress but come on, majority of audience goes to film for entertainment not to idolise actors who r only doing their job. Absurdity and forced sensationalism to the core.

What a hotch potch of god knows what. It seems like they are not trying to show a story for entertainment but only focussed at showing what an alpha woman the lead actress can be with overanimated theatrics.

Highly disappointed.

Jigra is not your usual go to movie on weekends, it is something unique and special. The BGM, acting and screenplay is outstanding. Alia Bhatt shines in the gripping prison break story while Vedang promises to be one for the future.

The supporting cast is amazing and it will keep you on your toes. It has moments where you will be uncomfortable and if you empathize with the character's POV then you will definitely able to understand what she is going through.

It is off beat but filled with massy dialogues and the fictional country created is well justified and shown in the movie.

The music fits what is happening in the movie for most of the time but apart from one or two scenes here and there should be a great watch if you want to watch something new.

Anwar Says: I put Alia Bhatt in the line of Madhubala, Vahida Rahman, Nutan , Jaya Bhaduri and Madhuri Dikshit and Vasan Bala , the director has tried to encash the big name in a new avtar. The pace of the movie is terrific and credit goes to the editor Prerna Sehgal, particularly in the first half. Movie goes linear , once you know what the end is going to be. The climax is overstretched and action is not engaging.

This movie could have been much better. Lesser stories have been made on Jailbreak. I remember on movie of Mahesh Bhatt GUMRAH, a story better told in'90s. Vasan should have paid more attention to background stories of Manoj Pahwa and Muthu, another character. There is lesser impact of Brother-Sister bonding. Flashbacks are told in hush-hush and Vasan is so busy in glorifying Alia's character that he completely forgot the family who are the actual culprit. Vedang Raina has shown in his debut that he can act.

Still the movie is watchable and full marks to Alia for her work, who has proved that she can carry any type of movie alone, whether it is espionage, period or action drama. It would pick up gradually in theatres.

#dharmaproductions #anwarsays #brothersisterbonding #jailbreak #aliabhatt #vedangraina #manojpahwa #jailmanual #vasanbala

#VedangRaina.

Went in so excited for this movie and i am so disappointed.

Vasan's last 2 movies ie Monica / Mard ko Dard nahi hota were absolutely amazing watches and so wanted to watch this in theatres on first day and man he DISAPPOINTED me .

Such an expected story with very bad screenplay. It only focuses on one part of the story ignoring the rest.

Alia tried hard but she reminded me of Gangubai a lot . I think what worked with Monica's/Mard were not having popular stars. Here, they have one and Vasan seems to have succumbed to the pressure . He focused too much on highlighting Alia as 'Amitabh Bachchan' than he lost the plot. He should have made this with someone else.

Vedang is good though and he has a good future ahead . Deserved more screen time . He sings well too.

Bgm is good , cinematography is great , Music is underwhelming.

Few action scenes are good , majority bland .

3/10 .

Vasan Bala is huge fan of Bachchan & there are Bachchan ester eggs throughout the movie!!

Alia's character is vaguely based on iconic Bachchan angry young man characters. The movie is strongly uplifted by BGM.(Always a forte for Vasan Bala films). Cinematography is good. The colour frames lit up big screen. First half is good. Builds up Alia's character.2nd half is bit streched but climax lives up to expectations. (Even climax could have been 5-7 minutes shorter.)

Somehow it's missing the thrill of Monica oh my Darling benchmark. It's Prison break+ emotions+ Bachchan movie without Bachchan himself!!

Overall a good movie!

The trailer of this movie looked promising and intriguing. Even though I went to watch this movie with an optimistic mind and minimal expectations, I was thoroughly disappointed. This movie has an incoherent storyline, which looks like has been put together by two five year olds fighting over a jigsaw puzzle.

The movie becomes boring pretty quickly as the acting is not good and the dialogues are not in line with the tone of a thriller. The scenes abruptly jump from trying to be serious to actors making awkward unfunny comments. It's a bad take on a prison break story. The makers need to rethink their strategy of spending more money on marketing and less money on a good story.

What could have been one of the year's most heartfelt films unfortunately settles as a popcorn entertainer with technical brilliance, but ultimately offering little to no food for thought.

That said, it still justifies its ticket price with numerous strengths-well-fleshed-out characters brought to life by applause-worthy performances, a riveting score that elevates the film, and Hollywood-level art direction making full use of the Dharma budget. The brilliant use of colors adds a nostalgic - campy vibe. Flawless editing lets the scenes breathe, but also tightens the story's grip when the script demands. The fast pacing leaves no room for dullness throughout.

However, all these strengths are thrown out the window in the final act. While the film's technical brilliance kept me engaged in the theater, in retrospect I realised that it merely acted as a bandaid on a lackluster script.

The film suffers from repeated exposition, convenient plot devices, and a tonal conflict where forced comedic moments undermine the story's serious elements.

At one point in the third act, a character essentially declares, "I'm going to commit war crimes and look cool while doing so, and you won't question it." This sudden shift fails miserably. Characters break out of their established personalities, and the film loses all moral grounding, embracing and glorifying war and terrorism. The once-grounded brother-sister story becomes over-the-top and comical, with characters inexplicably mastering military weapons and vehicles with no prior experience. It really feels like it went big, for the sake of going big. You can count plot holes on both hands and still run out of fingers.

The first half is exceptional, with few sequences that rank among the best this year. But the jarring finale completely undermines the journey that led upto it.

Vasan Bala is not gonna live down the comments he made about how his unfinished script of Jigra was sent to Alia by Karan Johar because this feels like an in-between draft that needs rewrites. I was excited about Vasan Bala and Alia Bhatt combo but was surprised that this looked nothing like his previous movies. After watching this I feel like Vasan Bala should stick to the quirky style of his previous two films.

Jigra is not a bad film but just very underwhelming considering the people involved. It doesn't really have anything new to offer. Vasan Bala's penchant for including so many references from 70s Bollywood to modern Hollywood is present here too. Direct references from Zanjeer to Only God Forgives, and people wearing all kinds of pop culture merchandise were fun. But do they really match the tone of this movie? Although, got to give it to them that they did match the color tones of such merchandise with the cinematography that really does a lot for the movie. Overall, the filmmaking is way better than the script and the performances were all solid. At this point we expect Alia to carry the movie and she does it. But the script is very underwhelming for such a story told in two and a half hours.

There are just too many questions that are not given importance in the movie because it's supposed to be all about the brother-sister bond. But the movie lingers around the prison break plot a lot, and most of it doesn't end up anywhere. On the whole, the movie doesn't have a clear focus. It even tries to paint the main characters as grey but doesn't commit to it because they are at the end of the day, the "heroes" of the movie. Despite all my issues with it, it's an okay movie that is very well made.

The moment I watched the trailer of Jigra, I decided to watch this film with my sister. And I really did. Went to Delhi, booked tickets and watched it with my younger sister. And it was worth it because she loved it.

Directed by Vasan Bala who already has interesting movies like Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota and Monica O My Darling in his resume, Jigra is something different. It more of an emotional kind of drama supported by a fair amount of action sequence in the later half. Though one would find the story quite predictable, but still the movie has its moments.

A Jailbreak thriller in which Alia tries to spring her brother from a high security prison in a fictional Asian state after he's framed by their rich relatives. Alia is magnetic and badass and is surely capable of running movie on her own. The only negative part was Vedang Raina's performance that seemed a bit unconvincing for a guy who's on death sentence.

Jigra showcases moments of brilliance, particularly through Alia's remarkable performance but things could have been better with a better screenplay and stronger narrative.

"Jigra" showcases Alia's exceptional talent in a gripping thriller that unfortunately falls short in its emotional impact. While Alia delivers a powerful performance and the film boasts a compelling premise, it struggles to create a deeper connection with the audience.

Alia shines as Satya, a determined sister who embarks on a dangerous mission to save her brother. Her portrayal of a woman driven by fierce love and unwavering resolve is both captivating and convincing. The film's action sequences are well-executed, and the suspenseful narrative keeps you engaged throughout.

However, "Jigra" lacks the emotional depth needed to truly resonate with viewers. While the central theme of sibling bonds is evident, the film fails to fully explore the emotional complexities of the characters and their relationships. The narrative prioritizes plot over character development, leaving the audience feeling somewhat detached from the emotional core of the story.

Despite its shortcomings, "Jigra" is an entertaining and watchable thriller elevated by Alia's stellar performance. If you're seeking an action-packed film with a strong female lead, "Jigra" is worth checking out. However, be prepared for a narrative that prioritizes thrills over emotional depth.

Jigra, starring Alia Bhatt and directed by Vasan Bala, is a major letdown, missing the mark on almost every level. Despite the potential for a moving, emotionally charged drama, the film falls flat in its execution. Both the direction and Alia Bhatt's performance, which usually promise excellence, leave much to be desired. Sadly, this film will likely be remembered as one of the weaker points in Bhatt's otherwise stellar career.

On a technical level, Jigra is equally disappointing. The cinematography lacks creativity and flair, failing to provide any visual interest or elevate the narrative. The same uninspired tone extends to the film's music, which is forgettable and doesn't add anything to the story's emotional beats.

In the end, Jigra is a film that struggles to find its footing. Both Alia Bhatt's performance and Vasan Bala's direction miss the mark, resulting in an emotionally shallow and ultimately forgettable film. Despite the talent involved, Jigra never rises to the occasion.

Verdict: Jigra fails to deliver on its promises, with Alia Bhatt's lackluster performance and weak storytelling making it a disappointment. This is a film that's easily skipped.

The trailer had me hyped for a masterpiece, but the movie is just decent.

Pros:

1. Mesmerizing Cinematography: The lighting and camerawork were phenomenal, especially during the jailbreak sequence. It smoothly elevated the tension around Satya, and the climax was visually stunning.

2. Score by Achint is Top-notch: Achint's music was like a climber's rope, holding the film together. His captivating score perfectly complements the tension and supports Vasan Bala's screenplay.

3. Alia Bhatt Steals the Show: Bhatt's character design is brilliant. She embodies a fierce cat, playful yet always alert. You're instantly convinced she'll stop at nothing to achieve her goals.

4. Fast-Paced Storytelling: The screenplay dives right into the story, creating thrilling moments with each scene.

Cons:

1. Morality's Gray Area:The film's moral ambiguity leaves a sense of incompleteness. It's a topic worth discussing, but it also creates a narrative gap.

2. Directorial Inconsistency: While Vasan Bala's direction is initially focused and on-point, it falters in the second half, This inconsistency is jarring.

3. Plot Holes in the Jailbreak: The second half introduces plot holes absent in the first. These feel like shortcuts simply to get the characters out of prison and conclude the film.

4. Limited Emotional Connection: While the characters are well-designed, the film struggles to create a strong emotional bond with them.

This film is an incoherent mess from start to finish. The plot tries to be complex but ends up convoluted, with poorly written twists that are predictable and unearned. The pacing is slow and drags, making the runtime feel much longer than necessary. Acting is bland, with lifeless performances from the leads. Direction is amateurish, and the cinematography is dull. Overall, the movie fails to deliver suspense, emotion, or intrigue, leaving viewers frustrated and disappointed. Not worth the watch.

At the end I would say don't waste your time by wasting your hard earned money. It's a trash nothing else.

JIGRA kicks off with an engaging setup but soon stumbles in pacing, particularly after Alia Bhatt's character meets Vedang Raina's. Despite this, Bhatt delivers one of her career-best performances, truly shining in the role of Satya. The film's technical aspects, from the background score to the cinematography, are top-notch, yet the screenplay doesn't keep up, making the runtime feel excessive. While it has its gripping moments, especially the pre-climax, JIGRA could have been a taut thriller but ends up as a stretched drama. A decent watch for the performances, but it could've been so much more with tighter editing.

Finally got around to watching Vasan Bala's new movie Jigra. Jigra, as the trailer gave away the entire plot, is a movie about a sister who goes to any extent to protect her younger brother. Satyabhama, played by Alia Bhatt, sets out on a jail break rampage in a fictional country of Hanshi Dao where her younger brother Anukr, played by Ankur Raina, is jailed, and waiting for execution for a crime that he did not commit. We all know what's going to happen in the movie. The question is how believable the "how" is going to be. This is where Vasan Bala who co-wrote this with Debashish Irengbam failed to make the stakes higher. The movie is filled with conveniences which appear like a walk in the park for the protagonist. The officer in-charge of the prison Hansraj Landa, played brilliantly by the National Award winner Vivek Gomber, poses a significant threat but in the end, even he is no match for Satyabhama.

Now, it is easy to say that if Satyabhama was a male protagonist somehow, it'd have all made sense. No. While Alia Bhatt poured her heart and soul into playing this role it is the ineffective screenplay that kills the emotional quotient, if any, in this movie. In the end Jigra feels like any other generic action thriller that is devoid of any logic.

Jigra is a lacklustre attempt at storytelling, failing to engage on nearly every front. The sluggish pacing drags the plot into a directionless mess, while the characters remain flat and underdeveloped. The dialogue feels awkward and forced, lacking both wit and emotional depth. Even visually, the film is uninspired, offering few memorable scenes. Despite an average soundtrack, the movie remains a forgettable experience, lacking the energy or creativity to hold the audience's attention. Overall, it's a tepid, uninteresting affair that fails to leave any impact. Avoid it and save some money....

Wow! Just watched it. Totally immersed in the raw emotions of siblings. Got blown away by her in Udta Punjab, Gully Boy & Gangubai Kathiawadi. This time, it was next level. She is a Lady Superstar. The Real Wonder Women. Her eyes alone speak infinite emotions.

Nobody, at least in current Bollywood scene, is close to her in sheer fearlessly risk taking talent. It is not the craft, but the courage that blows my mind everytime I see her in these kind of roles where she leave aside that Masala Film Category that is far far below her level.

Wish to see her as many times as possible. Don't dare to miss this if you want to see the epitome of talent i.e. Alia.

Turned her privilege into a blessing!

Jigra

A slow burning survival drama upholding the brother sister bonding and their fight for justice in a foreign land.

The plot of the story is about an orphaned sibling by circumstances who had to live at the sympathy of a close relative but had to surrender unwillingly to be the scapegoat for the well being of their affluent relative.

The director begins the story with a slow pace and attains momentum towards the end of the first half. The audience missed connection to the movie irrespective of a good script which shows the director slipped in setting a good background for the onwards progress of the story.

Alia Bhatt has effortlessly performed the role of a bold,brave & caring sister who goes to any extent for saving her brother. Impressive performances by Vivek Gomber,Vedang Raina,Ankur Khanna,Rahul Ravindran & Manoj Pahwa.

Good work by the DOP Swapnil S Sonawane & the art department. The film could have gone places with better promotional strategies and execution.

The movie will be a disappointment if you expect hight octane BGM's and action sequences.

A survival drama with a good story is worth a one time watch.

Rating - 3/5.