Review of Jailer

Jailer (I) (2023)
7/10
Jailer - mix of dark humor, action,heroism, exhilarating soundtrack and missed opportunities.
10 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The movie kicks off with introduction of the villain in a violent yet humor-laden scene that's classic of director Nelson's style. It paints the antagonist as someone with minimal patience, resorting to violence to drive his point home.

Enter Superstar Rajini, portrayed as an ordinary middle-class man who cherishes his family. While family scenes can often feel mundane, the narrative's sprinkling of humor elevates them, transforming them into an enjoyable watch.

The real action begins when Rajini's character is thrust into the fray after his son, a cop handling a high-profile case, is either killed or kidnapped. The movie takes a revenge-driven turn, but it's the clever infusion of humor through the character Yogi that truly shines. Rajini's use of Yogi as a tool for revenge adds a comical twist that keeps the audience chuckling.

Although the revenge plot isn't groundbreaking, the director's deft execution keeps us engaged which ultimately pits Rajini against the main villain, and while this premise isn't novel, the slick direction and exciting soundtrack maintains our intrigue.

The plan Rajini concocts to safeguard his family, involving a doctor, comes across as rather absurd. The ensuing sequences pique our curiosity about Rajini's true character. As he assembles a team of muscle-bound allies and takes on the antagonist's empire.

The leverage he gains seems promising, but this facade won't hold, especially when the villain dispatches goons to target Rajini's family.

And then comes the intense interval sequence-a well executed blend of dark humor and gripping music and heroism that leaves us craving for more. It's undoubtedly the standout moment of the movie, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing second half.

The movie's second half delves into Rajini's past as a jailer at Tihar Jail. This sequence sets the stage for a commercial payoff, portraying Rajini as a well-connected man who uses his influence to come out on top. The villain's stature diminishes in comparison, showcasing Rajini as an unmatched powerhouse. However, the story's progression hits a snag here as the villain is too weak to challenge rajini.

Subsequent scenes show the villain leveraging crucial information to coerce Rajini into participating in a heist. Rajini's decision to comply, despite his immense power, seems implausible and marks a tonal shift with the introduction of characters Sunil and Tamanna, which derails the movie, making it predictable and also diminishing the impact of the lackluster action set piece during the heist.

A twist emerges involving Rajini's son, yet the film fails to establish a compelling emotional bond between them, rendering the twist a mere distraction. The cameos by Mohanlal and Raj Kumar serve as a desperate attempt to elevate Rajini's heroism but contribute little to the plot. Nonetheless, the soundtrack and the director's visual style salvage the climax to some extent.

Had the director crafted a more emotionally resonant backstory between Rajini and his son, or introduced a formidable antagonist to challenge Rajini, while omitting the Sunil subplot, the second half could have made a substantial difference in enhancing the movie's overall impact.
7 out of 10 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed