Alia Bhatt’s Commanding Performance Elevates ‘Jigra,” Making it a Decent Cinematic Experience
In a refreshing departure from Bollywood’s traditional portrayal of sibling relationships, “Jigra” underscores the strength of a brother-sister bond, often overshadowed in patriarchal narratives where male heroes endure strenuous ordeals to protect their “rakhi” sisters. Alia Bhatt’s portrayal of Satya redefines this dynamic, embodying the “sister-mother” archetype — a protective elder sister driven to rescue her brother from incarceration and the looming threat of the electric chair. This coming-of-age narrative empowers its female protagonist with agency and resolve, placing her at the heart of a high-stakes prison escape drama.
However, the film is not without its flaws. The caricaturization of the people, culture, and norms of the fictional Hanshi Dao, an island inspired by Southeast Asian nations, adds a layer of exaggeration that feels out of place. Despite this, “Jigra” carries a cautionary message for Indian youngsters heading to Malaysia or similar regions under the impression that “dopes and drugs” are acceptable in remote islands. With echoes of the song “Phoolon ka taaron ka sabka kehna hai; Ek hazaaron mein meri behna hai,” the film amplifies the theme of a sibling bond through its intense and action-packed narrative.
Prison Break Genre
Released in 2024 and now streaming on Netflix, “Jigra” is a Hindi action thriller directed by Vasan Bala and produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Alia Bhatt under Dharma Productions and Eternal Sunshine Productions. Alia Bhatt stars as Satya, a troubled young woman who must rescue her brother Ankur (Vedang Raina) from a foreign prison after he is wrongfully incarcerated. Unlike conventional prison escape films like “The Shawshank Redemption” or “Escape Plan,” which focus on technical intricacies and elaborate schemes, Jigra integrates emotional stakes, moral dilemmas, and shifting personal codes, creating a story that is both thrilling and poignant.
While the film retains the genre’s action-packed escape sequences, it delves deeper into the familial bond that drives Satya’s relentless quest. This emotional depth is reminiscent of films like Prisoners or A Hijacking, but “Jigra” carves its own identity by merging this with a bold feminist perspective.
A Complex Protagonist
Satya emerges as the story’s emotional and narrative anchor. Her character arc, shaped by the trauma of witnessing her father’s suicide and growing up under the care of indifferent relatives, reveals a fiercely self-reliant and uncompromising personality. Satya’s fierce determination and maternal protectiveness define her relationship with her brother Ankur.
Her journey to Hanshi Dao, a fictional island south of Malaysia, is marked by both physical and emotional challenges. Her willingness to confront perilous situations, from orchestrating a risky prison break to outmaneuvering dangerous adversaries, showcases her resilience. However, her actions blur moral boundaries — burning her uncle’s office, killing Muthu (a former prison guard of Indian descent), and sabotaging the prison grid reveal the extent of her desperation. Bhatt’s performance captures this complexity, portraying Satya as a relatable yet flawed hero.
Strengths
The heart of “Jigra” lies in its emotional core, particularly the deeply moving sibling bond between Satya and Ankur. This relationship adds a relatable and poignant dimension to the high-stakes action. Secondary characters like Bhatia, an ex-policeman (Manoj Pahwa), and Muthu, a prison guard who speaks in sing-song accent, present diverse perspectives on justice, sacrifice, and redemption. The cinematography, especially during the chaotic prison escape set against a local festival, is immersive, if not spectacular.
Shortcomings
Despite its ambitions, “Jigra” suffers from pacing issues, with its 153-minute runtime feeling overstretched in parts, particularly during the buildup to the escape. Furthermore, the narrative leans heavily on familiar prison break tropes — such as sabotaging the power grid and disguising as “Doctors Without Borders”—making parts of the plot predictable.The exaggerated portrayal of Hanshi Dao’s culture and laws also detracts from the story’s authenticity, verging on caricature. While intended as a cautionary tale for Indian youngsters, the depiction risks alienating viewers with its stereotypical representation.
Conclusion
“Jigra” is an ambitious addition to the prison break genre, distinguished by its focus on a sister’s unwavering devotion and moral complexity. Alia Bhatt’s commanding performance as Satya elevates the film, making it a decent cinematic experience. While it may lack the finesse of classics in the genre, the emotional strength of sibling relationships leaves a lasting impression.
With one foot in Huntsville, Alabama, the other in her birth home India, and a heart steeped in humanity, writing is a contemplative practice for Monita Soni. She has published hundreds of poems, movie reviews, book critiques, and essays and contributed to combined literary works. Her two books are My Light Reflections and Flow through My Heart. You can hear her commentaries on Sundial Writers Corner WLRH 89.3FM.