Jigarthanda Double X Movie Review

 

Title: Jigarthanda Double X

Release Date: November 10, 2023

Review: Karthik Subbaraj’s Heartfelt, Most Political Film Dazzles with Duality

Rating: Not Provided

Directed by: Karthik Subbaraj

Starring: Raghava Lawrence, SJ Suryah, Naveen Chandra, Nimisha Sajayan, Shine Tom Chacko

Music by: Santhosh Narayanan

Cinematographer: Not Mentioned

Editors: Not Mentioned

Overview:

"Jigarthanda Double X," directed by Karthik Subbaraj, is a sequel that doubles up on everything associated with the 2014 film "Jigarthanda" and more. Starring Raghava Lawrence and SJ Suryah, the film brings together the soul of the original and the spirit of a spaghetti western, presenting a 'political masala western' that surprises and impresses. The narrative revolves around an innocent man forced to masquerade as a filmmaker to kill a gangster aspiring to become Tamil cinema's first dark-skinned hero.

Positive Aspects:

Pandyaa Western Aesthetics: The film embraces the aesthetics of a 'Pandyaa Western,' offering a unique visual experience that complements the hero's journey and the heart of the story.

Unique Premise: The film introduces a compelling premise involving a handheld Canon 8mm camera, a tribal boy named Allius Caesar, and the transformative power of cinema as a 'weapon.'

Duality and Dual Worlds: Karthik Subbaraj explores the theme of duality, interconnecting two drastically different worlds—one set in the streets of Madurai and the other in the forests of Kombai Sambala. The exploration of dualities, both visual and thematic, adds depth to the narrative.

Tributes and Pop-Culture References: The film pays homage to Tamil cinema with hat-tips and references, creating a rich tapestry of details that engage the audience. References like Bava Chelladurai's character as a veena-playing filmmaker named SB Chandar add nuance.

Powerful Performances: SJ Suryah and Raghava Lawrence deliver spectacular performances, with Suryah portraying a character facing moral dilemmas, and Lawrence impressing as a ruthless gangster. Their chemistry and character depth stand out.

Areas for Improvement:

Excessive Details: The film, with a runtime of 172 minutes, packs in a lot of details, leading to occasional exhaustion for the audience. The initial 30 minutes may feel impatient with the introduction of lead characters in a rapid sequence.

Tonally Shifting Moments: While the unexpected tonal shift is praised for its conviction and heart, some tonally shifting moments, unnecessary weddings, and melodrama are noted as hiccups in the narrative.

Unexplained Flaws: Some flaws, like an unexplained wedding and moments of unnecessary melodrama, are mentioned, but the film's overall impact and strengths outweigh these shortcomings.

Technical Aspects:

Creative Direction: Karthik Subbaraj's direction is praised for its maturity and ambition, bringing out the most heartfelt film of his career. The film's unique approach and exploration of dualities showcase the director's growth.

Music and Score: Santhosh Narayanan's terrific score is highlighted as a crucial element, enhancing the film's emotional impact and making up for occasional flaws. The music fittingly complements the narrative.

Verdict:

"Jigarthanda Double X" stands as Karthik Subbaraj's most heartfelt film to date, blending the soul of the 2014 original with the spirit of a spaghetti western. The film's exploration of duality, powerful performances, and unique premise contribute to its success. While some tonal shifts and occasional flaws are noted, the overall experience is described as explosive, vivid, and a one-of-a-kind love letter to cinema. "Jigarthanda Double X" transcends comparisons and ambitiously becomes a Double X of "Jigarthanda."