Jawan (2023)

Jawan (2023) – Full Movie Review | Shah Rukh Khan’s Boldest Political Action Drama Yet

Theatrical Release Poster 

Directed by: Atlee

Starring: Shah Rukh Khan (dual role), Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Deepika Padukone (special appearance), Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra

Runtime: 169 minutes

Language: Hindi

Genre: Action | Political Drama | Thriller

Release Date: September 7, 2023

Quick Summary

Jawan is more than just an action film. It’s a loud, stylized cry for justice, packed with political commentary, social outrage, and Shah Rukh Khan at his most versatile. With themes like corruption, farmer suicides, healthcare scams, and military betrayal, this film dives deep into the fractures of modern India — while still giving us whistles, stunts, and superstar charisma.

Plot Breakdown (Spoiler-Free)

Azad (Shah Rukh Khan) is a jailer — but not an ordinary one. He leads a band of fierce women who expose corruption and bring justice in their own Robin Hood style. But his real identity, and his reason for taking the law into his own hands, are part of a larger, personal vendetta.

In a parallel narrative, we meet Vikram Rathore (also Shah Rukh Khan), a ghost from the past who holds the key to Azad’s origins and trauma.

At the center of the conflict is Kalee (Vijay Sethupathi) — a corrupt arms dealer whose business has destroyed countless lives. When Azad takes him head-on, it’s not just about revenge — it’s a revolution.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Best Double Role?

Yes. This is SRK like you’ve never seen him. He’s charming, terrifying, funny, intense, vulnerable, and angry — sometimes all in the same scene.

As Azad: He’s tactical, calm, progressive — the face of new justice.

As Vikram Rathore: He’s rugged, explosive, a symbol of old-school bravery.

Their chemistry, even though they are the same actor, is masterfully portrayed. In many scenes, it feels like they’re two entirely different people.

The Women of Jawan

One of the film’s most progressive elements is how it gives power to female characters. The prison girls — played by Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Girija Oak, and others — aren’t sidekicks. They’re fully formed, each with backstories tied to real Indian issues: acid attacks, farmer debts, medical negligence, etc.

Nayanthara as Narmada, a sharp NSG officer, brings both emotion and edge. She’s not just a love interest but a moral compass.

Deepika Padukone, in a cameo as Vikram Rathore’s wife, leaves a surprising emotional mark. Her scenes in flashbacks are brutal yet beautiful — especially when she fights off military betrayal to protect her child.

Vijay Sethupathi – A Deadly Villain with a Satirical Edge

Kalee isn’t just a gun-runner. He’s a symbol of corporate evil disguised in power suits. Vijay Sethupathi plays him with dark humor, arrogance, and unpredictability. His dialogues feel like they're mocking not just the characters — but the system itself.

Deleted Scenes That Might Return on OTT

According to crew rumors and fan forums, several key scenes didn’t make it to the theatrical cut:

A longer sequence of Azad’s training under tribal guerrillas

A flashback explaining the full story of Vikram Rathore’s final mission

A courtroom monologue by Narmada explaining the failure of the system

Extended Deepika scenes post-tragedy

If these land in the OTT release, Jawan could gain even more emotional depth.

Symbolism & Style

The bald look: Azad’s bald get-up represents stripping away identity and fear. It's his most dangerous version — raw and unfiltered justice.

Red color: Used to show both rage and revolution — from Nayanthara’s sari to jail jumpsuits.

Train sequence: The train is a metaphor for a corrupt system always moving but going nowhere.

Father-son legacy: Much like in Animal, Jawan explores how a father’s silence or pain can shape a son’s rage.

Dialogue Power

“Bete ko haath lagane se pehle, baap se baat kar.”

– This became a nationwide goosebumps moment. It’s not just about fatherhood, but about power reclaiming its voice.

Social Impact

Jawan doesn’t hide its intentions. It takes shots at:

Political indifference

Corporate exploitation

Broken healthcare and education systems

Farmers’ suffering

Corruption in law enforcement

And it does so with big-budget action sequences, choreographed chaos, and emotional punches.

Music & Background Score

“Zinda Banda” and “Chaleya” are hits, but it’s the background score during action scenes that elevates the adrenaline.

The orchestral cues during flashbacks are haunting and cinematic.

Atlee’s Direction – A Massy Vision with a Message

Known for blending style with soul (Theri, Mersal), Atlee ensures Jawan is never boring. The transitions are slick, the fight scenes are choreographed like dance, and the emotional moments linger.

He uses Shah Rukh Khan as both myth and man — a mass hero who also cries, bleeds, doubts, and evolves.

Flaws?

A few. Sometimes the pacing dips, especially in the second half with too many subplots. And while most social issues are treated respectfully, some might feel the movie tries to handle too many themes at once.

Final Verdict – A Necessary Mass Film

Jawan is not just a Shah Rukh Khan film. It’s a statement, a movement, and a mirror held up to India’s soul.

It's the kind of film where whistles meet tears, where dialogues become protest slogans, and where a superstar becomes a storyteller of the people.

Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

Must Watch For: SRK fans, action lovers, social justice seekers, and anyone who believes cinema can start conversations.