by In FILMSTARTS’ review, “Mission: Impossible 7” received a full five stars. But for FILMSTARTS editor Daniel Fabian, another cracker has the upper hand when it comes to the hottest action of 2023…
…and it’s not “John Wick 4”, “Fast and Furious 10”, “Plane” or any other Hollywood production. Rather a megahit from India that perfects the over-the-top spectacle (and thus shows the dream factory what they seem to have forgotten a bit about there): “Jawan“.
The nearly three-hour action epic starring superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the title role is not only one of the most expensive films in Indian history, but also one of the most successful, with a global box office grossing over $140 million (only four Indian films have earned even more). What am I particularly happy about? That the film was also released in local cinemas and provided German film fans with a penchant for escapism an extraordinary cinematic experience. And what makes me even happier? ‘Jawan’ is now available on Netflix just two months after its theatrical release last September!
Well, you can only find a movie on the streaming platform with a little trick – changing the language in your Netflix profile to English – but adapting pays off, at least in the short term. Because This is the perfect opportunity to finally catch up on this great action piece or just watch it again and again. as in my case. Because “Jawan” offers such an extensive and diverse package of action that, at least for me, even after three viewings, I never felt bored for a moment…
‘Jawan’ on Netflix: Robin Hood Meets Ethan Hunt and…
Director Atlee Kumar (“Spark – Theri”) tells the story of a man (Shah Rukh Khan) who decides to fight against injustice in society. Bad deeds should be punished, and anyone who acquired his wealth illegally should give something to the poor in return. But one day his past catches up with him and his campaign for justice threatens to derail…
It basically sounds like a classic Robin Hood story – and that’s exactly what “Jawan” is. Ultimately, the action cocktail also included many other stylistic influences, both narrative and directorial, that evoke memories of “Mission: Impossible,” “300” and many other contemporary Hollywood blockbusters – and finally something Make It Your Own.
With great courage in the good old “More is more!”
“Jawan” begins with the opening scene that appears in the book. Because with the attack on the village and the atrocities of the attackers, Kumar hits the nail on the head from the very beginning – not only in terms of emotions, but above all in terms of the delight of the action. The first appearance of Shah Rukh Khan, which was warmly applauded by almost the entire audience not only during my cinema viewing, not only instantly made the main character the ultimate hero, but also created the mood of a visually exaggerated fireworks display that seems to have no no limits set.
I asked the Hollywood star his name – and his reaction was simply golden!
When the title character grabs the spear and quickly defeats the first opponents in super slow motion, it most resembles Zack Snyder’s “300”. Sure, cynics will probably chalk this up to the first reason for the excessively long running time, which is quite normal by Bollywood standards – but there’s no denying the show value of the opening. All the more so because these shots not only make the most spectacular images a little more spectacular, but are also deliberately used in the narrative – for example, to clearly present the main characters as such. Sometimes people get out of the car in slow motion, step on the ground, or just clap their hands.
Atlee Kumar’s joy in directing is just a pleasure and he always makes even moments feel like action scenes that aren’t action scenes at all, which makes the film extremely entertaining. From the sophisticated drone shots that are currently very popular in Hollywood, through brilliantly directed and brutally staged martial arts sequences, to hilariously staged chase scenes – ‘Jawan’ delivers everything an action fan’s heart desires…
…and it goes a step or two further, where American films pull the handbrake. Because yes, even over-the-top knock-offs like “John Wick” and the like, which aren’t exactly top-notch in terms of logic and authenticity, always insist on some basic level of realism – and that’s how they stand out from the crowd of Hollywood blockbusters. 90s, who often turned up the heat according to the principle “more is more” and took their audience to another world with pure escalation. Back then, people were satisfied with the realism that prevailed outside the cinema – and sometimes it is enough for me today.
What ultimately sets SRK’s hit apart is the fact that it nevertheless loses none of its emotional impact. A feat that no film ever achieves – and, in fact, almost cannot achieve. However, despite the exaggerated images, Kumar manages to tell a story that, despite the clichés, is universal. It addresses social issues and sheds light on the fate of family, which is certainly an important topic in India, but which is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent in the rest of the world.
Combined with the entire range Twists that keep fueling the tension and the questions arise, how the hell are things going to continue and what will happen next, “Jawan” is a thoroughly successful, unbridled cinematic experience – and for me, by far the most important action film of the year.
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