Jigra might not have been a big hit at the box office, but it is creating a buzz on Netflix.
I chose to watch it because Alia Bhatt’s movies are usually interesting, so I decided to give it a try. It was fine, even good, as it showcased the bond between siblings.
However, there are also some negatives because many mysteries were left unsolved, and several things felt missing.
Jigra features Alia Bhatt as Satya, a strong and determined woman on a mission to rescue her brother Ankur, played by Vedang Raina, from a high-security prison. Ankur is accused of drug trafficking in a fictional country called Hanshi Dao, where laws are extremely strict, and the punishment for drug-related crimes is death by electrocution.
The country is undergoing a revolution, but strict laws are still in place. How will Satya manage to achieve the impossible?
Jigra is a must-watch for several reasons. If you’re having trouble deciding what to watch this weekend, give this one a go. The first half of the movie might be a bit slow, which is why it might not have impressed cinematic reviewers, but the second half picks up remarkably well.
The story is set in the fictional land of Hanshi Dao, and filmed in Singapore, a country known for its strict drug laws. The characters speak with a Singaporean accent, making the setting feel authentic. Satya finds allies among the people of Hanshi Dao, but the real challenge is rescuing her brother.
Jigra’s storytelling is both predictable and riveting. We knew Ankur would get into deep trouble, but his ordeal was anything but predictable. Satya’s determination to rescue her brother, without relying on any typical Indian movie tropes, makes the film stand out.
The film includes powerful moments like the classic Bollywood song ‘Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka’ played during an action scene, adding an emotional touch. Alia Bhatt’s physical fitness is impressive, especially in intense fight scenes. The action is well-executed, making Jigra a thrilling ride.
The character of OIC Hansraj Landa, played by Vivek Gomber, adds to the conflict and tension in the story. The film also explores interesting storytelling techniques, often revealing backstory after a scene unfolds.
However, the movie has its share of flaws. The story begins with the suicide of Satya and Ankur’s father, but the film never explains why this happened. This crucial detail is left out, leaving viewers with unanswered questions.
Ankur, who is shown to be naive enough to get trapped in a false drug case, seems inconsistent considering his strong and savvy sister, Satya. It is hard to believe that Satya, portrayed as very capable, would not have taught her brother how to deal with such situations.
Moreover, the film does not reveal who framed Ankur, which leaves a significant plot point unresolved. The absence of this detail detracts from the film’s overall impact.
Another missing element is the response of the local police after Satya kills ex-police inspector Muthu. Given the strict law enforcement depicted in the fictional land of Hanshi Dao, it is surprising that there is no police reaction shown in the film. This oversight weakens the believability of the story.
Despite these shortcomings, Jigra hooks you till the end. The film’s strength lies in its female lead, delivering a full-on action thriller without a traditional male lead. Alia Bhatt’s performance is a game-changer for Bollywood, proving that female actors can lead action-packed dramas with panache.
The film is your one-stop Netflix action thriller, perfect for thrill-seekers who crave action, drama, and great performances. It’s not entirely bad, though. I would rate it 3 out of 5 stars. It’s worth watching once, especially over the weekend if you haven’t seen it yet.
Jigra first released in cinemas in October 2024. It is directed by Vasan Bala. It has been available for streaming on Netflix since December 6, 2024.
