In a cinematic journey that can only be described as a rollercoaster, Shah Rukh Khan’s latest offering, “Jawan,” has left audiences awestruck, albeit with mixed reviews from critics.
“Jawan” follows Khan’s recent crowd-pleasing success, “Pathaan,” solidifying his position as the benevolent King of Bollywood. However, where “Pathaan” adhered to established formulas, Khan’s latest venture stretches its creative boundaries, revealing glimpses of a unique vision. This film is undeniably pan-Indian, thanks to the infusion of South Indian cinema’s characteristic fervor and social awareness by director Atlee. It highlights regional issues, albeit with moments of apparent narrative turbulence.
The film’s central organizing principle revolves around Shah Rukh Khan himself, who artfully and cleverly portrays a range of diverse characters. From the enigmatic bandaged warrior liberating a village in the prologue to the gritty baldie laying siege to Mumbai’s metro and the tender-hearted prison warden seeking love’s redemption, Khan’s performance resembles a one-man Cloud Atlas. “Jawan” is an enigmatic puzzle where Khan himself becomes the puzzle, a testament to his extraordinary talent in effortlessly donning various personas.
However, the film’s surrounding elements are less seamless, comprising a whirlwind of ideas, some brilliant, others subpar, and a few that appear borrowed. It raises the question of whether this project would have benefited from more rigorous script editing. Atlee maintains a frenetic pace, which is necessary to divert attention from the occasionally ludicrous plot twists. Despite its flaws, “Jawan” manages to deliver thrilling highway-bound action sequences, rivalling the best of Hollywood. While it may not cement its place in the pantheon of Khan’s iconic films like “Pathaan,” it undeniably showcases his star power and offers a wild, if occasionally turbulent, Friday-night entertainment.
“Jawan” was released on 7th September in cinemas.
