You know those movies jinhe dekhne ke baad you’re just silent for a while? Contemplating kya hua, kaise hua? And if you love that feeling, “Joram” is just the movie for you. It kicks off with a bang, immediately drawing you into an intriguing and intense world. Within the first few minutes, Manoj Bajpayee owns the screen as Dasru Karketta/Bala, a tribal caught up in a mess labeled both a killer and a Maoist. Director Devashish Makhija, who, by now probably has a Ph.D. in shedding light on the struggles of the underdog, nails it a little too well. Honestly, mujhe laga tha ki ye movie kinda sorta ek emo drama hogi, but there’s also a complimentary thrill factor, so gg.
Plot
The story takes place at the point where development and politics meet. The focus is on the upcoming building of Pragati Nagar. But what about the native people who live there? Cut to Dasru, a migrant worker, who is on the run with his adorable baby, Joram, dodging a system that has already labeled him as the “bad guy“. But hua kya? Why is Dasru running? Like peels of an onion, the movie shows us different phases of Dasru’s life and kaise who bechara socio-political forces ke web mein phasta chala jaata hai. There’s drama, there’s suspense, and there’s even a heart-pounding train chase. But be careful, cuz it is a slow burner. Pls apne attention spans theek karo aur isko patiently dekho. Chef’s kiss hai.
Performances
Manoj Bajpayee yaaarrr. What a freaking talented guy. It’s like he EATS his characters before portraying them on screen. Watch him in The Family Man, and then immediately switch to Joram, and you’ll be laughing in awe. From the first frame, where he convincingly embodies the tribal character, to the intense chase scenes, Bajpayee is just flawless all the way. Smita Tambe Dwivedi is also impressive as MLA Phulo Karma, giving us a cold-hearted character with unexpected emotional layers. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, as always, adds his touch of brilliance as Sub-Inspector Ratnakar, adding a dose of humanity to the mix. Starting a petition to get him bigger roles rtfn.
Direction and Writing
I really loved Devashish Makhija’s direction. The way he has juggled survival scenes, tribal life depictions, and the havoc wreaked by human greed is pretty impressive cuz all of it blends so smoothly. Also, the fact that there is no finger-pointing here; Makhija lays out the socio-political complexities without taking sides. Yes, it is Dasru and Joram’s story, but Makhija makes sure the audience sees what he really wants them to see. The non-linear screenplay will keep you hooked, unraveling the mystery while keeping the urgency intact. But my fav moments were those silent scenes. It is a genius move, forcing you to engage with the characters and their rollercoaster lives. Hugeeely impacted the experience fr.
Screenplay and Cinematography
Yaha pe people might start having issues. Cuz the survival thrill takes a back seat in the later innings, but the shift to socio-political drama adds layers to the plot. As a result, those who wanted more of the chase might be a lil disappointed. But try to go with an open mind cuz the film gets all emo with themes of exploitation, environmental chaos, and a lot more stuff into a captivating story. Oh, and Cinematographer Piyush Puty deserves all the appreciation for beautifully capturing tribal life, a desperate dad on the run, and the effects of industrialization on nature. The symbolism using cranes and barren trees might be bouncers for some, but koi baat nahi, YouTube pe “Joram Explained” type ki video dekh lena, lol.
So, at the end of the day, “Joram” isn’t your typical flick; it’s a wild and unforgettable ride that sticks with you. The film might deviate from the survival drama path, but who cares when the storytelling is this intense, and the performances are this powerful? Manoj Bajpayee, with his tribe of co-stars, turns “Joram” into a heartfelt exploration of the tightrope walk between nature and its indigenous guardians. It’s not just a movie; it’s a punchy take on human greed and the sacrifices we make for so-called progress. You don’t wanna miss this.
