Vasan Bala’s Jigra: A Gritty Escape Thriller Starring Alia Bhatt

Vasan Bala creates cinematic worlds that, while seemingly familiar, function on their own unique terms, filled with whimsy and intensity. Known for his cinephile influences, Bala’s previous works like Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota and Monica O My Darling have delighted audiences with their fresh storytelling. Now, with Jigra, his most ambitious project to date, Bala shifts gears into a darker and more serious narrative.

A Tribute to Amitabh Bachchan

Jigra is more than just a thriller—it’s a tribute to one of Bollywood’s greatest icons, Amitabh Bachchan. Releasing on Bachchan’s 82nd birthday, the film embodies his presence not just as inspiration but also in its cinematic language, attitude, and tone. Bala captures the simmering intensity of Bachchan’s early roles but cleverly flips the script by casting Alia Bhatt as the lead.

In this film, Alia doesn’t just channel Bachchan’s signature anger and intensity; she embodies his spirit as a fierce, determined sister on a mission to free her brother from a foreign prison.

Alia Bhatt in a Savage New Light

Alia Bhatt’s character, Satya, is driven by an unwavering belief in her brother’s innocence. After a tragic past that includes witnessing her father’s suicide and possibly surviving abuse, Satya becomes fiercely protective of her brother Ankur, played by Vedang Raina. This ‘helicopter sister’ dynamic plays a central role in the story as Satya stops at nothing to save her brother, even if it means resorting to Bachchan-esque heroics.

The sibling bond is evident in their lighthearted moments, referencing Kuch Kuch Hota Hai as they compete in a basketball rivalry, a nod to Karan Johar’s iconic film. However, when Ankur is sentenced to death in a foreign land that feels reminiscent of China, the film turns into a race against time, filled with action, suspense, and emotionally charged scenes.

A Thriller Without the Melodrama

While Jigra draws inspiration from Bollywood classics like Agneepath and Zanjeer, Bala chooses to forgo the melodrama and excessive violence typical of such films. Instead, he crafts a slick, taut thriller that focuses on the bond between Satya and Ankur, with every moment soaked in tension and dread.

The prison setting, complete with a strict warden played by Vivek Gomber, sets the stage for Satya’s desperate attempts to free her brother. With the help of fellow inmates, portrayed brilliantly by Manoj Pahwa and Rahul Ravindran, Satya devises an outrageous plan to break Ankur out. The film pays subtle homage to earlier prison-break films like Gumrah, but with Bala’s signature style, the melodrama is stripped away, leaving only raw, unfiltered emotion.

Cinematic Brilliance and Emotional Depth

Visually, the film is stunning. Cinematographer Swapnil S. Sonawane uses shades of dull orange and bleak blue to highlight the emotional struggles between the siblings. Achint Thakkar’s score adds to the tension, oscillating between sentimental and high-octane, keeping the audience on edge throughout.

Although Bala’s indulgences occasionally slow the momentum, his ability to challenge Bollywood’s traditional storytelling shines through. The film’s wild climax, with references to Zanjeer and cries of revolution, is a fitting end to an intense journey. Alia Bhatt’s powerful performance, coupled with Bala’s knack for creating fresh cinematic experiences, makes Jigra a must-watch for anyone craving a gritty, emotional thriller.