Film : Jaat

Cast: Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh, Regina Cassandra, Saiyami Kher, Ramya Krishnan, Jagapathi Babu, Zarina Wahab.

Director: Gopichand Malineni

Rating: 3 Moons

For Sunny Deol alone, it’s worth going back to the theatres. In ‘Jaat’ that quietly released today, you have him at 67 reminding you why you liked him so much in ‘Ghatak’, ‘Ghayal’ and ‘Gadar’. And that’s because of his action. Which is raw muscle power and red hot rage. Utterly believable. And that roaring, defiant voice. Sunny packs a punch like no actor does. Happily, ‘Jaat’ provides him the canvas to showcase these emotions in blazing action.

Story

It’s been told before. Flogged to death, in fact. Two ruthless killers enter India illegally and establish a reign of terror across 40 villages in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. Plundering and killing at will. Political and law enforcement agencies appear helpless before these deadly criminals who are known as Ranatunga and Somulu. Enter Balbir Pratap Singh who is an ex-Army veteran passing by. He stumbles upon the villagers’ suffering and realizes the deep-rooted corruption and menace in the district. Armed with the truth, he sets out to get justice for them in a thrilling and gritty series of confrontation with Ranatunga and his men.

Acting

Sunny Deol delivers a power-packed performance. At 67, he is grizzled and appears weary at times, but his presence commands the screen. Especially in the intense action scenes and when he is delivering powerful and stirring dialogues in a voice that will rattle the box office tills. Randeep Hooda, as Ranatunga, takes ‘Jaat’ to another high with his menacing screen presence. His performance is the perfect foil for Sunny. Vineet Kumar Singh as Somulu also shines in a villainous role. His scenes with Sunny are the film’s highlights. Regina Cassandra impresses as Ranatunga’s wife. Saiyami Kher as police officer Vijaya Lakshmi holds her own among seasoned actors, and Ramya Krishnan and Jagapathi Babu also deliver effectively.

Direction

Gopichand Malineni balances his star-studded cast well and brings out the best in Sunny Deol. The screenplay, co-written with Srinivas Gavireddy and Kundan Pandey keeps the narrative gripping. It’s clear that ‘Jaat’ was meant from the start to be a commercial entertainer. And that’s what it is.

Music

Thaman’s music complements the film. The songs are mass appeal, but it’s the powerful background score that adds the real punch to the high-octane moments. Watch out for Urvashi Rautela’s raunchy item number ‘Touch Kiya’.

Overall

‘Jaat’ is a treat for diehard Sunny Deol fans. At a time when Bollywood is struggling to hold audiences even for the opening weekend, this actioner comes with much promise.