Get ready for a rollercoaster of quirkiness and missed opportunities as we dive into “Jayeshbhai Jordaar,” the 2022 film directed by Divyang Thakkar. With a mission to tackle gender stereotypes, disparity, and female foeticide, this movie takes a hilarious and satirical approach. However, the execution miserably falls short of its noble intent. Despite Ranveer Singh’s magnetic performance, the film’s uninspiring writing and superficial portrayal leave us wanting more.
In the land of regressive traditions, Gujarat’s fictional village becomes the battleground for Jayesh, a docile and helpless husband played by Ranveer Singh. With his wife Mudra (Shalini Pandey) and their feisty daughter under threat from his patriarchal parents (Boman Irani and Ratna Pathak Shah), Jayesh must summon the courage to challenge societal norms and empower the women in his village. This sort of plot requires careful and sharp writing. But unfortunately, the makers drown in their own swamp of balancing these themes with humor.
While the film addresses crucial issues like gender inequality and female foeticide, it struggles to deliver the powerful impact it aims for. The writing often opts for quirky entertainment over profound social commentary, diluting the intended messages. The lackluster execution fails to provide the necessary emotional resonance needed for such sensitive topics, leaving us with a bittersweet taste in our mouths.
Ranveer Singh is the only silver lining amidst the script’s shortcomings
However, in the midst of Jayeshbhai Jordaar’s flaws, one thing remains unquestionable—Ranveer Singh‘s talent and charisma. His portrayal of Jayesh is a high point, showcasing his ability to bring characters to life. With infectious energy and unwavering dedication, Ranveer captures Jayesh’s transformation from a timid husband to a determined fighter. His performance carries the film, making it somewhat enjoyable despite the script’s limitations. But even his magnetic presence cannot fully compensate for the film’s weaknesses. The script’s shortcomings restrict his ability to shine consistently, leaving us yearning for stronger material that matches his talent and enthusiasm.
A tale of superficial approach and missed punchlines
The movie ends up with an accidental visual feast of flashy designer wear in its attempt to create an authentic rural setting. Jayeshbhai Jordaar falls short of creating an authentic setting and believable characters. However, the portrayal often feels superficial and pretentious, lacking the depth necessary for believability. Characters seem more like fashion statements than relatable individuals, which dampens the film’s impact.
Moreover, the film misses several opportunities to explore the complexities of the issues it seeks to address. Instead of delving into the nuances of gender politics, the storytelling relies on shallow portrayals and lacks the necessary depth to make a significant impact. The writing fails to provide the cleverness and depth required for effective social commentary, resulting in missed chances to truly engage the audience.
Though the film aims to deliver a powerful message, it struggles to strike the right balance between humor and gravitas. Opportunities to explore the depth of its themes are missed, resulting in a film that feels more like a missed punchline than a poignant social commentary. While the film tackles important social issues, its execution falls short of expectations. Ranveer Singh’s magnetic performance injects life into the film, but the uninspiring writing and superficial approach prevent it from reaching its full potential.
