Vasan Bala’s Jigra, starring Alia Bhatt, is an ambitious jailbreak thriller that rides on the shoulders of the talented actress. In this film, Bhatt takes on the role of Satyabhama Anand, a determined woman on a daring mission to rescue her younger brother from a high-security prison in a foreign land. Although the film follows familiar rescue-drama conventions, Jigra distinguishes itself by placing a woman at the center of the action and exploring the bond between a sister and her brother.
The film’s screenplay, written by Vasan Bala and Debashish Irengbam, keeps the plot simple yet effective, balancing minimal exposition with stellar performances and strong technical execution. However, the film could have benefitted from sharper editing, as it runs about 20 minutes too long and slows down in certain sections.
Set in a fictional Southeast Asian nation governed by strict laws, Jigra follows the story of Satya, whose brother Ankur (played by Vedang Raina) is wrongfully imprisoned and sentenced to death for a drug possession case. Satya, determined to save her innocent brother, embarks on a dangerous mission to free him from the clutches of a merciless system. With only months before Ankur’s execution, Satya teams up with a jovial ex-gangster, Bhatia (Manoj Pahwa), and Muthu (Rahul Ravindran), a retired Indian-origin policeman, to devise an audacious prison break plan.
Alia Bhatt’s portrayal of Satya is intense and captivating, anchoring the film with her quiet strength and fierce determination. Her performance as a woman willing to go to extreme lengths for her family is both compelling and authentic. The chemistry she shares with Vedang Raina, who plays her vulnerable brother, adds depth to the emotional stakes of the story. Raina, in his role as the harried and tortured Ankur, brings out the anguish of a man caught in a hopeless situation but holding on to the faith that his sister will save him.
Manoj Pahwa’s Bhatia injects moments of levity and warmth into the film, portraying a father figure to Satya. His effortless performance is a highlight, while Rahul Ravindran, as the retired policeman Muthu, complements the ensemble well. Vivek Gomber, who plays the prison’s ruthless officer, Hans Raj Landa, offers a menacing presence that adds tension to the storyline.
Visually, Jigra is a dynamic thriller, with cinematographer Swapnil S. Sonawane capturing the gritty atmosphere of the foreign prison and the action-packed sequences with finesse. The film’s background score, composed by Achint Thakkar, enhances its intensity and gives the narrative a propulsive quality.
Despite some pacing issues, especially in the middle of the film, the final act delivers a high-octane action sequence that is both thrilling and visually spectacular. Although it strains credibility at times, the climax is executed with flair and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats as Satya’s mission culminates in a showdown inside the prison.
Jigra may not be a perfect film, but it is a gripping action drama that showcases Alia Bhatt’s ability to carry a film with her powerful performance. The film also stands out for challenging gender norms, presenting Bhatt as a “hero” in a role that subverts traditional expectations of women in action films. While Jigra may not reach the heights of some of Bhatt’s earlier work, it is a solid entry into her filmography and a testament to her versatility as an actress.
In conclusion, Alia Bhatt does full justice to Jigra, and although the film has its flaws, it delivers a thrilling and emotionally charged experience. Vedang Raina and Manoj Pahwa also shine in their supporting roles, adding layers to a story driven by love, loyalty, and the lengths one will go to for family.
Sources By Agencies
