Jigra: Alia Bhatt & Vedang Raina shine in this sibling drama

Jigra offers a blend of gripping drama, emotion, and some heart-pounding action, all wrapped in a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The film is anchored by strong performances, an impressive supporting cast, and a brilliant musical score, even if you really have to suspend reality to believe in some of the sequences.

Alia Bhatt (expectedly) delivers yet another powerful performance, bringing a depth and intensity to her role that makes her character’s journey both relatable and engaging. She captures the emotional nuances of an elder sister, who is trying to get her brother to safety, while battling her own demons.

Vedang Raina, who we recently saw in the Netflix Archies movie, holds his own alongside Bhatt. His portrayal is earnest, and he manages to bring an understated charm to the screen, balancing out the intensity of the plot.

Together, their chemistry – a sibling duo that has survived all odds – adds a compelling dynamic that keeps the audience invested throughout the film.

The music in Jigra plays a pivotal role in enhancing the emotional core of the story. Each song is woven into the narrative thoughtfully, providing a reflective and evocative atmosphere that aligns with the film’s tone. The background score is particularly effective, heightening the tension during dramatic moments while offering softer, melodic pieces that help to anchor the film’s more introspective scenes. The sound design and musical choices serve as a bridge between the characters’ emotions and the audience, making the cinematic experience richer.

I have to admit, each time Jigra’s rendition of Ek Hazaaron Mein comes on, it’s like a punch to the gut.

The supporting cast in Jigra deserves special mention for adding layers to the story and giving it depth.

Manoj Pahwa breathes a fresh life into the film as Bhatia – a character that keeps reminding us of his gangster past, while being a pillar of support for Satya. Each scene that he partakes in, reminds us why he is indispensable to the film’s narrative.

Vivek Gomber (who I absolutely loved in Sir, Is Love Enough?) is the bad guy who is so good at being bad that you end up hating the character. I do wish that they have given some backstory to OIC Hans Raj Landa’s character as there were moments where he seemed unnecessarily one- dimensional.

While Jigra shines in its emotional and narrative elements, its action sequences leave room for improvement. The choreography of the action scenes occasionally feels exaggerated, with certain moments stretching believability (case in point Landa). The film would have benefited from a more grounded approach to its physical confrontations, which could have made the stakes feel more immediate and the scenes more engaging. A touch more realism in these moments would have made the overall storytelling even more compelling.

Despite a few shortcomings, Jigra succeeds in delivering an engaging and heartfelt story. Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina’s strong performances, combined with a well-rounded supporting cast and a rich musical score, make this film a rewarding watch. It’s a story that stays with you, even after the credits roll, offering moments of introspection and emotion. While the action sequences may not meet the same standard, they do not overshadow the film’s core strengths.

Jigra is worth a watch!

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