Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan: A Film With A Powerful Social Message
'Jawan' starring SRK, Nayanthara, and Vijay Sethupathi is more than just a mass-entertainer.
2023 has been a monumental year for Shah Rukh Khan. The last decade was a forgetful one for the actor as he starred in several box office duds such as 'Fan', 'Zero', 'Jab Harry Met Sejal', among others. Several media publications then came up with articles saying how SRK is past his prime and he will never enjoy the same level of success he had in the 1990s and early 2000s. Fans of other actors mocked SRK for his movie choices, and how he had not been able to deliver at the box office.
After the debacle of 'Zero' at the box office in December 2018, SRK decided to take a break from acting, and no one knew when he would come back to the big screen.
The actor finally returned to the big screen in January this year with 'Pathaan'. The new Hindi movie directed by Siddharth Anand, which also starred Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, smashed all records left, right, and centre. The movie went on to become the highest-grossing Hindi film in India, with a collection of Rs 543 crore.
When it comes to new Bollywood movies, 'Pathaan' was a complete masala entertainer with over-the-top action sequences. SRK was wearing his stardom on his sleeve, and every scene was just an ode to the superstar.
However, several fans were not impressed with 'Pathaan' and the storyline of the movie, and they quickly started writing on social media about how SRK's next two movies -- 'Jawan' and 'Dunki' will be much better.
Now, let's talk about the real topic -- 'Jawan'. In the latest Bollywood news update, the movie directed by Atlee was in the making since 2019, and everyone knew that the movie would present SRK like never before. South directors have a knack for packaging mass and class, and giving the viewers a unique experience. If you don't believe us, then just go and watch movies like 'Baahubali', 'RRR', 'Pushpa', 'Jai Bhim', and much more.
In new Bollywood news, 'Jawan' was initially slated to release in June 2023, but just days before the actual release date, the makers announced the postponement. The new release date was revealed as September 7, 2023. A smashing prevue was unveiled in July, and it generated the right kind of noise surrounding the movie. However, August started off on a bad note as the songs of the movie did not strike a chord with the audience. Tracks like 'Zinda Banda', 'Chaleya', and 'Not Ramaiya Vastavaiya' were appreciated by just die-hard fans of SRK.
In latest Bollywood news update, the trailer of 'Jawan' was released just one week prior to the release of the film, but boy, oh boy, it set the ball rolling for the movie. The ‘Jawan’ trailer promised a never-seen-before spectacle, and even we cannot remember how many looks of SRK were revealed in the trailer itself.
Everyone in the star cast got a moment to shine in the trailer. Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, Deepika Padukone, Sanya Malhotra, and Priyamani were the clear standouts.
Finally, the film was released in theatres on September 7 and there was a festive mood all around. The release date fell on Janmashtami, and the audience flocked to the theatres to catch the latest SRK film on the first day. The reviews started pouring in, and 'Jawan' opened to favourable word-of-mouth from all corners. The box office numbers have been unprecedented ever since, and it has already made more than Rs 400 crore in just the Hindi version.
Talking about new Bollywood movies, everybody expected 'Jawan' to be a mass entertainer, just focused on providing entertainment every step of the way. Yes, all the Atlee troops are there in the movie with over-the-top action sequences, numerous flashbacks, and yes, a double role.
SRK plays the roles of Azad (son) and Vikram Rathore (father) in the film. But if you just focus on the movie a little bit, you will notice how Atlee and SRK managed to make a subtle political commentary while addressing several issues that have been troubling the country for a long time.
From here on, this article would be a spoiler-filled discussion of 'Jawan', and if you have not seen the movie yet, and you are planning to watch it in theatres, please stop reading, like right now!
Here are some of the key social issues explored in Shah Rukh Khan's 'Jawan':
Farmers' Suicides
The movie starts off with a bang with the character of Azad hijacking a metro train in Mumbai, and he asks the police officer played by Nayanthara, to call the agriculture minister at the earliest. When he shows up, Azad, played by SRK, asks him certain questions, like how many farmers have committed suicides in the last year, who will get a loan at the highest interest rate between someone wanting to buy a tractor and someone wanting to buy a Mercedes car.
To not give the entire spoiler, Azad gets his way in the movie, and then during a flashback scene, we are told how a gang member of Azad's team lost her father. The father character committed suicide because of not being able to repay a small amount. The father character was harassed and shamed multiple times, and finally, he lost all hope. This is where the movie portrays the harsh reality faced by farmers, who, burdened by debt, crop failures, and lack of support, find themselves in a state of hopelessness.
The film's portrayal of farmer suicides serves as a powerful reminder of the need for comprehensive agricultural reforms, improved access to credit, and mental health support for those in rural areas.
Corruption in Healthcare
When it comes to 'Jawan' movie review, another critical theme in the new Hindi movie is the corruption existing within the healthcare system. The movie exposes how certain individuals exploit the vulnerabilities of patients and their families, often leading to dire consequences.
This subplot in the movie revolves around Sanya Malhotra. The actress played the role of Dr Eeram in the movie, who ends up being charged with multiple child deaths. The plot revolves around how the character's hospital ends up running out of oxygen cylinders and multiple children die due to it.
Many people have said that the character of Sanya Malhotra was based on real life. For the unversed, pediatrician Kafeel Khan of Gorakhpur’s BRD Medical College and Hospital was arrested after 63 children and 18 adults lost their lives after the hospital allegedly ran out of liquid oxygen. The Uttar Pradesh state government had then later dismissed Khan from services.
This subplot in 'Jawan' further delves into the corruption that exists in the healthcare system in our country and it definitely is an eye-opener for the public.
Powerful monologue on the importance of 'vote'
During the climax of the movie, the Azad character wants to speak to the citizens of the country during a live broadcast. You can very well argue that it is SRK speaking to his fans while breaking the fourth wall.
Azad then, he goes on to deliver a strong two-minute monologue, urging the people to ask questions before deciding whom to cast their vote for. He tells them to not vote, depending on caste, religion, or gender, rather they should be asking the policymakers about what they will do for the country, education, unemployment, and health for the next five years. Azad says how people ask so many questions before buying wheat, rice, or mosquito coil, but they forget to ask questions before casting their vote.
This is the most powerful scene in the film as in real life too, there are certain people who have stopped asking questions, and they just cast their votes during elections based on hearsay or the popularity of certain policymakers. With this scene, SRK has done his bit to make the normal citizens of a country more aware.
'Jawan' also deals with issues such as a billionaire trying to fund the government. Another key point in the movie revolves around an impending election and electronic voting machines (EVMs). There are many subtle references to SRK's life as well. There is a specific reason why the dialogue "bete ko haath lagane se pehle, baap se baat kar," is getting the loudest cheers inside the theatre.
For the unversed, Shah Rukh Khan's eldest son Aryan Khan was wrongly arrested in 2021. The NCB official Sameer Wankhede is now facing corruption charges, and many believe that this dialogue was mouthed by SRK for none other than Sameer Wankhede, who had arrested Aryan.
This reference makes more sense when you hear a Lion King dialogue in the film. For the unversed, Shah Rukh Khan and Aryan Khan had voiced Mufasa and Simba in the Hindi version of the 2019 live-action remake. Within the norms of action mass cinema, Atlee and SRK managed to have self-expression.
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Conclusion
'Jawan' has it all. SRK slaying it in a double role (Azad and Vikram Rathore). Special shoutout to the swag of SRK as Vikram Rathore (still hearing the background music of massy, massy, massy). Apart from SRK, 'Jawan' has an unhinged villain in the form of Vijay Sethupathi, sizzling chemistry between SRK and Nayanthara, a Bane (Dark Knight)-styled billionaire, a girl-gang kicking a**, and the sizzling bond between SRK and Deepika Padukone.
'Jawan' can be seen as a significant film to come out of India in recent times. It is not easy to take a superstar in your movie and make strong political and social commentary, but Atlee managed to do it. It is also commendable that Atlee managed to package 'Jawan' as a mass entertainer, and address key issues of farmers' suicides, corruption in the healthcare system, and how a normal citizen needs to make full use of his vote.
The movie definitely acts as an eye-opener and it encourages the audience to reflect if they want to make India truly great. 'Jawan' is also striving to spark important conversations about the responsibilities of society, policymakers, and normal citizens of a country. For this small step in the right direction, the entire team of 'Jawan' needs to be lauded.
