After a tremendous amount of binge-watching at home, I finally headed outdoors to check out the latest release in cinemas, Jayeshbhai Jordaar. I was all revved up, but there were no more than five people inside the Audi to back the movie, which was quite shocking.
Morning shows are usually less crowdy than evening and night ones. However, I expected Ranveer Singh’s stardom to be more alluring for cinemagoers. If I had to state a reason for the less footfall, it would be the subject and the lack of mass appeal in the film’s pre-release buzz.
Nevertheless, a movie like Jayeshbhai Jordaar should be judged on its content and not promotions. Here’s a summary of my review of the Ranveer Singh and Shalini Pandey starrer.
For my non-Indian readers, Jordaar means ‘vigorous’ in literal terms; however, in the film’s title, it is used as a figure of speech to convey ‘spectacular.’ Therefore, the title translates into ‘The Spectacular Jayeshbhai.’
Jayeshbhai Jordaar Review Summary
Although the movie suffers intermittently from sloppy writing, it still offers ample entertainment to family audiences. Ranveer Singh’s versatile performance keeps you hooked till the very end. Moreover, it has several moments of emotional resurgence that work well.
But that’s not all; keep reading my Jayeshbhai Jordaar review to know more about how various aspects of the movie work.
Jayeshbhai Jordaar Synopsis
Set in a small Rajasthan village of Praveengarh, Jayeshbhai Jordaar is directed by Divyang Thakkar and stars Ranveer Singh (Jayeshbhai), Shalini Pandey (Mudra), Jia Vaidya (Siddhi), Boman Irani, and Rachna Pathak Shah in lead roles.
After suffering six miscarriages (Female infanticide) due to the want of a boy child who can carry forward the lineage of her in-laws, Mudra is pregnant for the seventh time with the child of Jayeshbhai.
Jayesh’s family makes Mudra go through countless medical and superstitious tests to know whether she is carrying a boy or girl.
If she gives birth to a female again (they already have a girl), Mudra will be tortured to emotional death. The onus to save her is on Jayeshbhai. Can he find a way to eliminate the overt misogyny and patriarchal mindset while protecting his wife and children?
What Works for Jayeshbhai Jordaar?
Family-entertainer
These days, we hardly have full-fledged cinematic releases to enjoy with family. It is precisely the reason why I feel Jayeshbhai Jordaar emerges as a people’s film rather than that of critics.
Moreover, the fact that Ranveer Singh, a mainstream actor, helms it is also praiseworthy. The movie goes into a regressive state of mind to bring about constructive changes that the Indian society needs to adapt.
Personally, I feel people in rural India should be motivated to watch Jayeshbhai Jordaar at the earliest and that too, with family.
Intentions
For me, creative work is more about the right intentions than business. I would rather watch a transformative but not commercial story than one that is regressive and business-oriented. Jayeshbhai Jordaar has an exciting concept at hand, and the makers almost succeed in executing it flawlessly.
The issue of female infanticide in India is older than ages. We are improving, but still, there is a lot to be done. However, the worst part today is the unacceptance of such an offense. Matters like these are stuffed under the table because we are into 2022.
The authorities and people need to understand that these crimes are going unchecked despite humans accomplishing the moon and modernity rising to an all-time high.
Performances
What should one expect from Ranveer Singh? There is no definitive answer to this question. The actor outshines himself in every new film of his. Most performers work according to the character, but in the case of Ranveer Singh, it seems like the character works for him.
There are scenes in Jayeshbhai Jordaar where Ranveer has to break down, and that too with extreme intensity. But does that bother him? No, he aces such moments perfectly. It is praiseworthy how Singh overhauls himself from a massy actor who can punch and kick simultaneously to someone quiet, calm, and innocent.
Yes, most artists can do that, but only a few can remain lively even when they have a lot of frenzy surrounding their real and reel life personalities.
Shalini Pandey, who plays Mudra in Jayeshbhai Jordaar, delivers an honest performance. Not much was asked of her because of her character’s physical state but, surprisingly, Pandey ushers a narrative through her acting that puts the limelight on Mudra.
The show-stealer for me was Jia Vaidya, portraying Siddhi, the daughter of Jayeshbhai and Mudra. Even if I don’t talk about her cuteness, there are still many things to like about the child actress. Firstly, she is brilliant at her job, honing both humorous and emotional sequences.
Her one-liners keep Jayeshbhai Jordaar moving in the right direction. Furthermore, the prop she is given, Sarla: The Voice Assistant, serves some tickling scenes.
Boman Irani and Rachna Pathak Shah are two of the most amazing veteran actors of Indian cinema. Both maturely guide the movie to its conclusion while ensuring all the loopholes in writing are kept at bay through their performance.
Ranveer’s pappi Monologue
I don’t know if I should mention this, but Ranveer has an interesting monologue relating to pappi (kiss) in the film. In India, a kiss is something that no elderly couple in the house would agree to effectuate. That’s more or less the case in the majority of Indian households.
It’s even more apparent in rural families, and that’s why when Jayeshbhai says at the beginning of the film that he has never kissed her wife even after 8 pregnancies, I didn’t feel shocked.
Normalize kisses to transport affection and feel loved. What say?
Portrayal of Patriarchy
Patriarchy is a bane for humankind. The craving to demand authority over others can never bring fruitful results. In one of the dialogues, Jayeshbhai says, hamaare yahaan power ki Parampara hai (we have a tradition of authoritativeness), and the movie’s plot reveals why he says so.
If you step into any Indian village or sub-urban locality, you will find how men take control over women without them realizing it. Any fall in their commanding position is considered a deplorable disrespect to their manhood.
Though things are changing, I feel the speed is too slow.
What Doesn’t Work for Jayeshbhai Jordaar?
Sloppy, in Patches
A gripping concept sparkled with humor and emotions is destroyed by sloppy writing in patches. After watching the film, you would feel things should have been more challenging for the couple.
Sometimes, the writers take desperate measures to achieve the desired goal. A little more time should have gone into making the story more believable and assertive.
The Visibly Fake Baby Bump
Why would a movie produced by Yash Raj Films choose to be so immature? They have completely ignored the positioning and size of the baby bump when Mudra is lying on the bed in the hospital. It looks more funny than authentic.
You can clearly draw that there’s nothing but a poorly stuffed pillow or another object beneath her dress.
Final Words
If you want to spend some quality time with your loved ones, Jayeshbhai Jordaar is the right choice. Those in the league of prioritizing superior writing over a feel-good experience may avoid it without a doubt.
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