Jayeshbhai Jordaar (2022/ Comedy/ Drama/ Cinema Release)
Director/ Writer – Divyang Thakkar
Cast – Ranveer Singh, Shalini Pandey, Jia Vaidya, Boman Irani, Ratna Pathak Shah
Analysis
Every man doesn’t need to be Jordaar in the typical over-powering masculine way.
Every film doesn’t need to be jordaar in the larger than life format.
Jayeshbhai Jordaar is a film trying to break stereotypes, makes many points at a time and strikes a chord emotionally.
Hats off to Ranveer for playing a hero who cries, never raises a hand or voice, can’t even stand up to his misogynistic father and yet achieves so much.
Even it seems over the top at times, sheer number of issues it manages to rake up, all wrapped in humour, while keeping you engrossed and entertained, is worth appreciating.
First half is full of chuckling moments and fag end offers many overwhelming teary eyed moments.
If a film manages to move me to tears, it’s a winner for me.
Female infanticide is the centre of it all but there are so many issues it rakes up. Gender equality, gender stereotypes, misogyny, domestic violence, regressive rural diktats, child marriage, loveless marriages, taboo of physical intimacy etc. Despite all this being woven in the story, there is not a single heavy moment.
The film does get preachy a couple of times but mostly it’s sarcastic and laced with humour.
With a run time of just 2 hrs, it’s over before you realise it.
Performances
Ranveer is brilliant. In such an adorable understated role, he wins all hearts. He is someone who always aces at dialects and that is evident here too. His ability to slip into the characters (that includes his form and body language) and the conviction with which he plays them is admirable.
Shalini Pandey as Mudra looks perfect with her innocence & naïveté.
Jia Vaidya as Siddhi is a fire cracker just like her favourite number in the film.
Boman Irani and Ratna Pathak are great as Jayeshbhai’s parents.
An important note –
Remember that the aspect that we were most doubtful about, the offbeat image of our central protagonist, specially in case of a heart throb like Ranveer, is the very statement that the makers want to convey. Hats off to our firebrand actor who never shirks away from a role whether abhorrently negative or so damn non-heroic.
Recommendation
With its heart in the right place, its humour quotient, overwhelming portions, and the relevant social message, the film wins all hearts. Throw in a great cast and I think the film is definitely worth a watch!
Score 3 on 5
BHAVNA TALKIES 