Jigra review: Alia Bhatt emulates Amitabh Bachchan’s intensity; Vasan Bala’s thriller doesn’t let you down

Alia Bhatt’s latest release Jigra has been a highly anticipated film, and for good reason. Directed by Vasan Bala, who is known for his unique brand of cinema, this thriller explores themes of family, guilt, redemption, and vengeance, all woven into a narrative that grips the audience from start to finish. Alia Bhatt delivers a powerful performance, channeling an intensity that draws comparisons to Amitabh Bachchan’s classic roles, while the film’s direction and screenplay ensure that Jigra doesn’t falter in delivering a compelling thriller experience. At the heart of Jigra is a stellar performance by Alia Bhatt, who continues to solidify her position as one of the finest actors of her generation. In the film, she plays a character grappling with a dark past and an even darker present, caught between personal demons and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. The emotional range she brings to the character is commendable, as she portrays both vulnerability and steely determination with equal conviction. In Jigra, Alia Bhatt’s intensity has drawn comparisons to none other than Amitabh Bachchan, known for his towering performances in films like Deewar and Zanjeer. Just like Bachchan’s iconic ‘angry young man’ roles, Bhatt imbues her character with a simmering rage that is palpable throughout the film. Yet, she balances this with a deep emotional core, making her character relatable despite the extreme situations she faces. Her portrayal of inner turmoil and external strength is a fine line that she walks with great skill, making her one of the standout aspects of the film. Director Vasan Bala is known for his offbeat style and penchant for genre-bending narratives, as seen in his previous works like Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota and Monica, O My Darling. With Jigra, he shifts to a darker and more intense tone, yet his trademark style shines through. Bala doesn’t just make a straightforward thriller; he adds layers of complexity, making the film as much about the psychological state of the characters as it is about the unfolding events. The pacing of the film is well-executed. Bala carefully builds tension throughout, creating a palpable sense of unease that keeps the audience on edge. He also avoids the clichés that often plague thrillers, opting instead for a narrative that subverts expectations. The plot unfolds in a way that keeps the viewer guessing, with enough twists and turns to keep them engaged without feeling contrived. Bala’s direction ensures that the story never loses its focus, maintaining a consistent tone and atmosphere that complements the film’s dark themes. Visually, Jigra is striking. Bala uses shadow and light to create a noir-like aesthetic, lending the film a sense of mystery and danger. The cinematography, combined with a haunting background score, amplifies the film’s mood, making it an immersive experience. Bala’s eye for detail is evident in every frame, as he skillfully creates a world that feels both familiar and unsettling. The tight editing also helps maintain the film’s intensity, ensuring that it never lags despite its complex narrative. Without giving too much away, Jigra revolves around the life of Alia Bhatt’s character, who is thrust into a situation that forces her to confront her past. The film is built around the idea of vengeance—both the kind that is sought and the kind that is feared. Bhatt’s character finds herself at the center of a web of deceit and danger, with the safety of her loved ones hanging in the balance. As she navigates the treacherous path ahead, she is forced to question her own moral compass and the choices she has made.