Jigarthanda DoubleX Movie Review: Karthik Subbaraj returns to the mesmerizing world of Jigarthanda after almost a decade, pushing the boundaries of imagination even further in this action-packed period drama. While it takes time to acclimate to the narrative, Subbaraj’s visual treatment and captivating moments in Jigarthanda DoubleX provide thrilling highs then and there.
However, the frequent shifts in genre, particularly in the second half, where an abundance of ideas come into play, tend to disrupt the overall experience.
This film, akin to Jigarthanda, follows the tale of two central characters—a filmmaker and a notorious gangster—set against the 1970s backdrop, with the initial part unfolding in Madurai and the latter primarily situated in a forested area. Early on, the audience is introduced to Allius Caesar, a notorious gangster in Madurai and the head of the Jigarthanda Club. He’s an ardent fan of Hollywood actor Client Eastwood and exclusively screens Eastwood’s films in his theatre. Caesar aspires to become India’s first dark-skinned hero and create films in the style of Eastwood.
The plot introduces Ray Dasan (played by SJ Suryah), who presents himself as Sathyajit Ray’s assistant, and is appointed as the director of Caesar’s inaugural film. However, little does Caesar know that Dasan’s motives are much beyond being just a filmmaker.
As the story progresses and Dasan continues to document Caesar’s life, both characters uncover unexpected revelations, leading them to realise their true purposes through cinema and discovering facets they never anticipated before.
Karthik Subbaraj yet again tries to explore the influential power of cinema, but despite strong intentions and adrenaline-pumping moments, the narrative loses its cohesion after the intermission. Touching on various themes like tribal life and people, political power struggles, and the world of gangsters, the film’s ambition is commendable, yet it struggles to fully immerse the audience in its created world.
The sequences featuring Lawrence and SJ Suryah notably shine, and the intermission segment epitomizes Subbaraj’s signature style. However, the film’s duration could have been trimmed as it occasionally tests the audience’s patience. Two songs in the latter half only slows down the narrative. Nevertheless, the film’s saving grace lies in its exceptional visual treatment and Subbaraj’s unwavering commitment to craft, despite flawed writing.
While the second half attempts to evoke multiple emotions, it falls short of translating them effectively on screen. The film’s redeeming climax, though, is sophisticated and manages to advocate for both the film and the filmmaker.
Lawrence impresses as a gangster-turned-hero, particularly in the first half, while SJ Suryah delivers another outstanding performance, elevating several average moments in the film. However, the background score, except for the impressive ones in Jigarthanda (2014), comes across as overly loud and fails to significantly contribute to the story.
Other cast members like Tom Chacko and Nimisha Vijayan deliver what the film requires. In conclusion, Jigarthanda doubleX earnestly tries to replicate Jigarthanda but falls slightly short of achieving that feat.
