A song titled “I Got the Fire” plays as Satya (Alia Bhatt) plots her brother Ankur’s (Vedang Raina) prison break using fire. The film throws in a cheeky Amitabh Bachchan reference, making it entirely believable that a petite Alia can kick some serious butt. Jigra is a highly self-aware thriller that stands out as one of the best Hindi thrillers in recent years, with emotion driving the plot.
The story follows Satya, who, after being orphaned young, has always been fiercely protective of her younger brother, Ankur. They live with a wealthy relative, where Satya works as staff. Ankur, an engineer, pitches a business idea to their uncle, who agrees to invest—on the condition that his son becomes a partner. They travel to Hanshi Dao (a fictional country reminiscent of North Korea) to meet an investor. While speeding, they’re caught by police, and Ankur’s cousin is found with drugs. Both are imprisoned, and Ankur faces the death penalty for drug possession, framed by his cousin and lawyer. With just three months left until his execution, Satya rushes to Hanshi Dao but is met with no legal assistance. Determined to save her brother, she takes matters into her own hands, and the rest is a gripping ride.
What Works for Jigra
The film is a tight thriller with a precise pace, expertly controlled by director Vasan Bala. The shift from India to Hanshi Dao is seamless, and the narrative remains engaging throughout. There’s some slight monotony in the second half as the escape plan, devised by Satya, Bhatia (Manoj Pahwa), and Mithu (Rahul Ravindran), hits snags. Yet, Vasan injects humor at the right moment when Bhatia quips, “Yeh bauhaut complicated hai, isko aasaan bana,” and Mithu responds, “Yeh masala movie thodi hai, yeh complicated hai.” A clever touch!
Expect to feel emotional too. The sibling bond is powerful, and the performances elevate it to another level.
Performances
Alia Bhatt shines as Satya, embodying vulnerability and audacity (the essence of “jigra”) in her desperate race against time to save her brother. She also co-produced the film, adding to her commitment. The chemistry between Alia and Vedang is palpable, with Vedang’s relaxed, natural performance complementing her intensity. Manoj Pahwa is an unexpected delight, delivering more than just comic relief—his character is key to the story.
A special mention to Achint Thakkar, whose gripping background score elevates the tension and emotion throughout the film.
Final Verdict
Jigra is a well-crafted thriller that, while predictable in some parts, doesn’t disappoint. Satya’s fierce courage will make you wish you were under her protection.
cinema manishi