“Jigarthanda” is a captivating Tamil-language movie that blends the genres of action, drama, and black comedy in a brilliant way. Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, the film was released on August 1, 2014. Known for its unconventional storytelling and gripping narrative, “Jigarthanda” quickly became a cult classic. This review takes a closer look at what makes the movie stand out, from its engaging plot to its impressive technical execution.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
The story follows aspiring filmmaker Karthik, who dreams of making a sensational gangster movie. To achieve authenticity, he decides to follow and document the life of a notorious gangster, Sethu. Karthik’s attempts to study Sethu’s underworld operations lead to unexpected twists and turns, making for a thrilling and darkly humorous narrative. The film beautifully captures the dynamics between a creative artist and a hardened criminal while exploring themes of ambition, fear, and redemption.
What’s Good?
Direction and Screenplay
Karthik Subbaraj’s direction is one of the strongest aspects of the film. His ability to seamlessly blend intense action with humor keeps the audience engaged throughout. The screenplay is tight, with unpredictable twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Acting Performances
Siddharth delivers a compelling performance as Karthik, portraying the struggles and determination of a budding filmmaker with authenticity. However, it is Bobby Simha who steals the show as the menacing yet charismatic gangster Sethu. His portrayal earned him widespread acclaim and several awards, including a National Film Award.
Cinematography
The cinematography by Gavemic U Ary is visually stunning. The gritty portrayal of Madurai’s underworld and the vibrant frames of everyday life create a visually immersive experience.
Music and Background Score
Santhosh Narayanan’s music and background score add immense value to the film. The songs are memorable, and the background score perfectly complements the tension and humor of the narrative.
Editing
Vivek Harshan’s editing is sharp, ensuring a well-paced film that never drags. The seamless transitions between different tones—from comedy to thriller—are a testament to his skill.
Dialogues
The witty and impactful dialogues contribute significantly to the film’s appeal. They effectively convey both humor and intensity without feeling forced.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Innovative Storytelling: The film breaks away from traditional Tamil cinema narratives, offering a fresh and bold approach.
- Character Development: Both the protagonist and antagonist are well-developed, with layered personalities that evolve throughout the story.
- Engaging Twists: The unpredictable plot twists keep the audience guessing until the very end.
- Memorable Performances: Bobby Simha’s portrayal of Sethu is unforgettable.
Weaknesses
- Pacing in Certain Scenes: While the film is generally well-paced, a few scenes in the second half could have been trimmed to maintain tighter momentum.
- Niche Appeal: The dark humor and unconventional storytelling might not resonate with all viewers.
Target Audience
“Jigarthanda” is ideal for:
- Action Lovers: Those who enjoy intense gangster dramas with a twist.
- Cinephiles: Viewers who appreciate innovative storytelling and strong performances.
- Comedy Fans: The film’s dark humor will appeal to those who enjoy unconventional comedy.
- Not Suitable for Young Kids: Due to its violent content, it’s best suited for mature audiences.
Box Office Details
The movie was made on a budget of approximately INR 10 crores and became a commercial success, grossing over INR 35 crores worldwide. Below is a table summarizing the box office collection for the first five days:
| Day | India Collection (INR) | Overseas Collection (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 3 crores | 1 crore |
| Day 2 | 4 crores | 1.5 crores |
| Day 3 | 4.5 crores | 1.2 crores |
| Day 4 | 2.5 crores | 1 crore |
| Day 5 | 2 crores | 0.8 crores |
The film’s strong word-of-mouth and critical acclaim contributed to its sustained success at the box office.
Recommendation
“Jigarthanda” is a must-watch for anyone seeking a unique cinematic experience. With its brilliant performances, gripping narrative, and technical excellence, it stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of Tamil cinema. Highly recommended for fans of bold and innovative storytelling.
Genres:
Action, Comedy, Crime
Rating:
7.389/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Siddharth | Karthik |
| Bobby Simha | “Assault” Sethu |
| Karunakaran | Oorani |
| Ramachandran Durairaj | Rasu |
| Guru Somasundaram | Muthu |
| Lakshmi Menon | Kayal |
| Vinodhini Vaidyanathan | Ganga |
| Bagavathi Perumal | Cinematographer |
| Vijay Sethupathi | Young Sethu / Himself |
| Senthil Kumaran | Sounder |
| Aadukalam Naren | Sundar |
| Ambika | Kayalvizhi’s Mother |
| Soundara Raja | Ponram |
| Sangili Murugan | ‘Petti Kadai’ Pazhani |
| Nassar | Mukil |
| Thennavan | Sekhar |
| Delhi Ganesh | Subramani |
| Bala Singh | Sandhanam |
| Ajay Rathnam | Police Officer |
| Rajkumar | Karthik’s Friend |
| Jigarthanda Senthil | Senthil |
| Anthony Daasan | Vettu Kumar |
| Gajaraj | Journalist |
| Bombay Gnanam | Sethu’s Mother |
| Tiger Thangadurai | Henchman |
| Leo Sivadass | Henchman |
| Vetrimaaran | Self |
| Aadukalam Murugadoss | Self |
| Nalan Kumarasamy | Aspiring Director |
| Pykara Kaalayan | |
| Baba Baskar | Self (Special appearance in the song “Baby”) |
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