What Is the Story About?
Rajanna (Manikandan), a snake catcher is accused of robbing jewelry from a rich and higher caste man’s house. Police are under pressure all of sudden to nab Rajanna and they go all out torturing Rajanna and his entire family. And all of sudden, police announce Rajanna and two of his relatives have escaped from the police custody. Rajanna’s wife, Sinna Thalli (Lijo Mol Jose) takes the help of lawyer Chandru (Suriya) and approaches the high court with a habeas corpus petition. What happens next forms the rest of the story.
Performances?
Suriya plays the character of lawyer Chandru who goes to any extent to stand for the downtrodden. His styling looks perfect and he came up with a composed act. Usually, such characters are associated with loudness and over-the-top dialogues. But Chandru is composed and focused. That has added beauty to the character and Suriya sleep-walked through it effortlessly. We should appreciate the fact that he did allow the character to take over his stardom or the expectations that come with it.
Analysis
Jai Bhim is said to be a story inspired by the real experiences of Justice Chandru. The movie holds the mirror to the ugly side of caste discrimination in the country even today. The fact that many people languish in jails without an opportunity to prove their innocence and the way the system treats them is highly disturbing.
The first half of the film starts with the description of the lifestyle of the tribals. Director Gnanavel has shown their innocence, how they are deprived of a decent living and recognition, and how they are discriminated against in society. Once the crime scene starts, the police brutality is very disturbing and is certainly not for the faint-hearted.
Suriya enters the proceedings almost half an hour into the film but you do not miss him. Sinna Thalli narrates the story to him and that episode ends with a heart-warming scene. Chandru is disturbed by the fact how Sinna Thalli can not even sign the petition but it is immediately followed by a shot in which Sinna Thalli’s daughter writes her name on a slate. The scene indicates the fate of tribals and also carries a message that only education can change their fate.
The courtroom drama follows after that. If there is one drawback for the film, these are the portions. We expect courtroom drama to be intense from both sides. But then, the other side is so meek. It is although all the evidence walks up to Chandru and submits themselves. And, there are the culprit police who admit to everything with minimal grilling.
But then, we do not feel that or finish the movie with that feeling. The director constantly makes us feel the pain of the affected family and pulls the heartstrings with emotions. Lijo Mol Jose who played Sinna Thalli plays a crucial role here. She has put up a spectacular show so that audience will connect to her plight. Even though the climax is not spectacular, we connect to the cause and cherish the justice done to Rajanna’s family.
All in all, Jai Bhim is a Good watch on Amazon Prime Video. There are some issues if we magnify but then, by the time, we complete the film, they do not matter much. You will be left with a heavy heart throughout the film and that is where the movie wins.
Other Artists?
Jai Bhim is not a proper hero-centric film. Suriya is just like an important character in the story. Appreciations for him for letting it happen. The next two standout characters are not the seniors like Rao Ramesh and Prakash Raj. It is Manikandan and Lijo Mol Jose who played Rajanna and Sinna Thalli who were exceptional. Rao Ramesh and Prakash Raj were good in the roles they are given. We somehow feel Rao Ramesh’s characterization needs some more fireworks. Rajisha Vijayan is okay in a small role. The rest of the characters are fine to the extent they are expected to perform.
Music and Other Departments?
There are a few songs that do not disrupt the flow of the story. The background score is impactful. Again, it is good that it did not go over the top anywhere. The writing is very effective. The non-linear screenplay is used and it works well. The story is set in the 90s and the production design is good to portray it authentically. SR Kathir’s cinematography works brilliantly. The runtime is on the higher side. It is an issue but is not a showstopper.
Highlights?
Realistic Portrayal
Performances Particularly of Lijo Mol Jose
Drawbacks?
Length
Insipid Courtroom Proceedings
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Definitely.
Jai Bhim Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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