Review of the Gujarati Film “Jagat”
Newz Daddy Gujarati Movie Review
Newzdaddy Review in one line: “The exciting story of ‘Jagat,’ a movie that entertains and makes you think, staying with you long after it’s over.”.
Newzdaddy Ratings: 3.5/ 5
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller, Suspense
Lead Star Cast: Yash Soni, Chetan Dhaiya, Riddhi Yadav,
Written & Directed By: Harshil Bhatt
Produced By: Nilay Chotai, Dipen Patel, and Krishnadev Yagnik
Background Score: Andrew Samuel
“Jagat” is an absorbing and emotionally gripping Gujarati film directed and written by debutant director Harshil Bhatt. The movie is starred by talented actors such as Yash Soni, Chetan Daiya, and Riddhi Yadav in leading roles. Produced by Nilay Chotai, Dipen Patel, and Krishnadev Yagnik, “Jagat” presents a gripping narrative centred around the mysterious disappearance of a 12-year-old boy and the relentless quest for truth by police sub-inspector Jagat Pandya and Bhavik Vyas.
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The Plot
The film opens with the tranquil scenes of a bustling city awakening to a new day. However, this tranquillity is shattered when news breaks of a young boy, on his routine journey to school, going missing without a trace. Enter Jagat Pandya, a seasoned police officer known for his sharp wit and unwavering dedication. What seems like a straightforward missing person case soon reveals hidden layers of deception and danger lurking beneath the surface. Jagat’s journey to unravel the truth becomes a race against time, with every clue leading him closer to a sinister reality he never anticipated.
There is no waste of time to start the story, the story will start to grip you from the very beginning and keep you hooked to your seats till the climax. The climax is nearly unpredictable and heart-touching.
The Storyline
“Jagat” boasts a compelling storyline that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. The narrative unfolds methodically, allowing the audience to piece together clues alongside Jagat as he navigates through the complexities of the case. The film masterfully blends elements of suspense, drama, and emotion, creating a captivating experience that transcends mere entertainment. The one-liners are excellent and keep you smiling during the serious scenes also, that is a good way of writing the script, full marks, to the new writer and director Harshil Bhatt.
The Acting
Yash Soni’s portrayal of Inspector “Jagat Pandya” is nothing short of exceptional. He embodies the character’s determination and inner turmoil with authenticity, making Jagat a relatable and compelling protagonist. He has proven that he is a versatile actor, he can be as good as a comedy policeman in his movie “Danny Jigar” and also very much beyond the best in the very serious role of a policeman in this movie “Jagat”. The facial expressions, body language, and voice tone of both the inspectors Danny Jigar and Jagat Pandya are different and that is the proof of Yash Soni’s versatility as an actor.
Chetan Daiya as usual in every role he performs, he very skillfully fits himself in any role effortlessly. He has given the audience one more chance to praise him for his acting. His comedy oneliners, his serious scenes, and his emotional scenes will compel you to applaud him. Whenever he is on the screen he has made his presence felt.
Riddhi Yadav as the mother of the missing boy shines in her role as well, adding depth and dimension to the story. The chemistry between these actors elevates key scenes, intensifying the emotional impact of the story.
The Direction
Harshil Bhatt’s direction in “Jagat” is commendable, showcasing his prowess in storytelling and visual narrative. One would not believe after watching this film that he is a debutant writer-director. The pacing is well-maintained, allowing crucial moments to unfold organically while building tension and intrigue. Harshil Bhatt, the writer-director skillfully balances the investigative aspects of the plot with character development, ensuring a holistic viewing experience that resonates long after the credits roll.
The Cinematography
The cinematography in “Jagat” is noteworthy for its ability to capture the essence of urban life very close together with the darkness of the unfolding mystery. Wide shots of the cityscape provide a panoramic view of Jagat’s investigative journey, while intimate close-ups convey raw emotions and pivotal moments with clarity. Lighting and framing choices enhance the film’s mood, amplifying the tension during crucial sequences.
The Screenplay
The screenplay of “Jagat” is a standout element, very tight and to the point during the movie, however, at some point, I felt it was too long. It could have been a bit more short. The film weaves together intricate plot threads seamlessly. Dialogues are excellent, meaningful and engaging, driving character interactions and plot progression effectively. The film strikes a balance between suspenseful moments and poignant reflections, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level beyond the central mystery.
Positive Points:
- Strong performances by lead actors, especially Yash Soni’s portrayal of Jagat Pandya and Chetan Dhaiya who always performs his roles diligently and dedicatedly.
- The engaging and well-paced storyline keeps viewers hooked.
- Skillful direction by Harshil Bhatt, balancing suspense and character development.
- Captivating cinematography that enhances the film’s atmosphere and mood.
- The BGM of the film is also very good creating more excitement and anxiousness during the critical scenes.
- Well-crafted screenplay with meaningful dialogues and plot twists, especially the one-liners during the serious scenes, which kept the audience very anxious and smiling together.
- No song in the movie to break the story is one of the positive points.
Negative Points
- There is not much character development of any character, the movie starts from the very first scene.
- Some viewers may find certain plot twists predictable, impacting the element of surprise in the narrative.
- At some point, I felt a bit bored and thought these scenes were too long, the movie is long for around 10 minutes.
- Pacing in certain scenes could be perceived as slow for audiences expecting more rapid developments.
- I personally felt more comedy punches should have been added to make the film more engaging and entertain
Conclusion:
“Jagat” emerges as a standout Gujarati film that blends suspense, drama, and mystery with finesse. Harshil Bhatt’s direction, coupled with strong performances from the cast, elevates the film to a compelling cinematic experience. While it may have minor drawbacks, such as predictable moments, the overall impact of “Jagat” resonates positively with audiences seeking a gripping narrative filled with twists and emotional depth. It cements its place as a noteworthy entry in Gujarati cinema, showcasing the talent and creativity of its filmmaking team.