Review: Jhund packs in a perfect balance of drama and emotions in an authentic setting

Now that the cinemas have opened their doors once again, diversified content is ought to flow. After the embarking and magnificent entry of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi, another biopic, Jhund, helmed by director Nagraj Manjule is here to ooze out simplicity and unostentatious vibes.

Witnessing megastar Amitabh Bachchan on the big screens after a long time has its own kind of excitement. And before you figure out whether or not it's worth your while, let us tell you what does the film deliver in its 2 hours 57 minutes.

The Plot 

Transcending us into the slums of Nagpur, the Gaddi Godam area, the story revolves around professor Vijay Barse, played by Amitabh Bachchan, who is nearing the days of his retirement and has zeal in his eyes to do something great. His house is adjacent to a shanty lawn, where the slum kids are depicted in their typical rowdy and dismissive personas. He watches some impoverished children playing football with a makeshift football one day. 

Soccer is one of the most popular and widely played sports all across the globe. It's more than a sport - a feeling that connects the hearts of millions. It was then that he saw the influence of football among the country's citizens. This scene inspires him to coach the children and bring them to its next tier.

The storyline then follows the shift of getting the riotous gang of slum kids to love the game, identify their potential and fight all the odds of discrimination followed in our country to make a name and fame for themselves with the assistance of their beloved Vijay Sir.

Performances

Amitabh Bachchan as Vijay Barse has everything that the person would be in his actual life. With the passion, the emotions, the sense of humour, and the rage, Amitabh blends it all in perfect proportions and gets it flawlessly on the screens. As demanded by the script as well as the audience, the actor delivers an influential monologue during the 2nd half of the film that will give you goosebumps and put you into thoughts for seconds.

Rinku Rajguru as Monika is an underprivileged girl, who is a great football player. With the innocence in her eyes and the happiness that she will get to represent India in a World Cup, she keeps it natural. Ankush Gedam, who plays Don, has kept it completely raw and natural. From showing the rough and righteous side to the lost and emotional one, his screen presence will captivate your attention and make you resonate with his personality. All other members including Priyanshu Kshatriya, Allen Patrick (Allen), Rishabh Bodhile (Khatmal), Jaspreet Singh (Aman), Aakash Thosar (Sambhya), Rajiya Kazi(Rajiya), Bhushan Manjule (Rajiya's husband), Chhaya Kadam (Vijay's wife) have all nailed it in their respective roles.

The Setting

Nagraj Manjule and Sudhakar Reddy Yakanti have done a commendable job with the cinematography and setting. This isn't the first time we've been shown around the slums. With so many A-listers working on it and Gully Boy receiving such high praise, it somehow raised the standard. The depiction of a run-down neighborhood with on-point ingenuity, flowing raw sewage, drunk men lurching on the streets, children doing handyman work, women washing clothes near wretched surroundings, railway tracks, and backyard area provides a higher sense of what it takes for people coming from such circumstances to dream big.

Direction and Music

Nagraj Manjule has woven simplicity to deliver something extraordinary. It doesn't really feel like a camera is put in front of the various slum kids played by Ankush Gedam(Don), Priyanshu Kshatriya (Babu), Jerico Robert (Jerry), Yogesh Uikey (Yogesh), and others, and that they are compelled to deliver the dialogues when said action. The ingenuity and the authenticity drawn in every scene makes it more relatable and one can feel connected to the storyline. Nagraj has played with detailing and has used elements to give a wider perspective to things. From focusing on the suppression shown by the school authorities on the underprivileged kids to highlighting the red-tapism that the villagers go through while extracting documents, have all been got to the screens flawlessly.

Ajay–Atul composed the film's music, and Amitabh Bhattacharya and Ajay–Atul wrote the lyrics. The theme song, Aaya Ye Jhund Hai, is full of energy and will make your feet tap when it plays in the backdrop, radiating great spirits.

The Verdict

Just like any other sports biopic film would do, this one has it all, the drama, the emotions, highs, and lows in the character arc, authentic setting, and the fierce personality of Amitabh Bachchan in his usual sense. There might be moments when the plot might seem like it is taking a dip, dragging your attention away, but most of the times, the balance is maintained keeping you hooked to the intensity of the sport as well as the character development. This one is a must-watch in cinemas if you are a sports fanatic.

Ratings: **** stars (4/5)