Jan Neta REVIEW: CM Thalapathy Vijay Bids Adieu To Films In A Grand And Massy Manner

Film:
Jan Neta

Director: H. Vinoth

Writer: Anil Ravipudi (Story), H. Vinoth (Screenplay)

Cast: Thalapathy C. Joseph Vijay, Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol and Mamitha Baiju, alongside Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain, Priyamani

Runtime: 183 Minutes (3 Hours, 3 Minutes)

Platform: In Theatres

Jan Neta Review

Everything works out for the best and that’s exactly what can be said for Tamil Chief Minister, Thalapathy C. Joseph Vijay last film Jana Nayagan, aka Jan Neta in Hindi. The film’s core story is of highest relevance today given the multiple on-going protests across the nations. But is it worth a watch? Our answer is a solid yes. Read on to know why

The H Vinoth directed political thriller tells the story of an extraordinary man, Thalapathy Vetri Kondan (Vijay) who – in 2013, is imprisoned at Madurai Central Jail. During his time behind bars, several attempts have been made the kill him, however, he manages to survive everyone due to his impecable fighting skills. While there, he not only builds himself a loyal following/army but also forms a stong bond with the jail’s newly appointed jailer, Srikanth (Gautham Vasudev Menon) and his daughter Viji (Mamitha Baiju).

Srikanth – who temporarily releases Vijay on bail to meet his dying mother (Revathy), is soon suspended from his job. Immediately after his release, Thalapathy goes to meet Srikanth – as he feels responsible for his predicament. Alas, Srikanth dies hours later in a road accident, leading to Thalapathy feeling responsile for Viji and raising her as his own daughter.

At the same time, we also meet John Himler (Bobby Deol). Unlike Thalapathy, John is imprisoned in Swasnia after being held responsible for the death and mayhem he’s caused there. With hours of his arrest, Himler brutally escapes from prison, killing several inmates, police and event the Prime Minister in the process. Aided by Roja Rangaswamy (Prakash Raj) – an influential politician in Tamil Nadu, John aims to attack India and take control of it by creating communal tension.

Will John and Roja be successful in their sinister plans? How do John-Roja and Thalapathy’s stories intertwine? Will Thalapathy be able to stomp over their plans and save the nation? To know the answers, you would need to watch Jan Neta and here’s our review of Thalapathy Vijay’s final outing in cinema.

What Works

Thalapathy Vijay’s screen presence is the biggest plus of the film. Some other aspects that may impress is the film’s music from time to time and a couple of action sequences. The film’s dialogues also deserve a round of applause as they clearly elevate Vijay’s heroism and aura. You will be left clapping and whistling at a couple of one-liners delivered by actor-turned-politician.

What Doesn’t Work

John Himler’s villain story seems a little superficial and hence difficult to digest. The film’s VFX isn’t consistent and appears outdated and substandard at some points. The film’s runtime may deter some while watching.

Technical Analysis

Direction

H Vinoth has done a considerably good job in delivering a product befitting a legend like CM Thalapathy C Joseph Vijay. He’s managed to capture the actor-politician’s aura like never before and give fans something they never knew they wanted or needed.

Story & Screenplay

Anil Ravipudi’s story, penned by Vinoth maybe a little too much to take in but it helps the actor showcase a range of emotions. It touches upon some very important and relevant topics such as political corruption, secularism, patriotism, women and children’s safety, family, love and more. While the screenwriting isn’t the best of the best, it still manages to capture the essence of the story beautifully, especially the hunger strike one.

Music

Anirudh Ravichander music is on-point. The musical genius has managed to beautifully weave the songs into the narrative and make them feel in place even when you think their placement maybe absurd. The catchy music will even get you vibing in your seats.

Action

The film’s action is good and in some sequences even better than good. However, while the choreography hits the mark, it’s not something we haven’t seen in the past. Really hoped they sgave ‘Lord’ Bobby some better action scenes.

Editing & Cinematography

Sathyan Sooryan’s cinematography is beautiful and nothing to complain about. However, Pradeep E. Ragav’s could and should have tried to reduce the film’s runtime by at least 15 minutes. The editing also fails to land when Vijay’s character is shown fighting with a sword covered in blood.

Star Cast

Vijay bows out of films with a great performance. The actor – known globally as Thalapathy, delivers a terrific performance that will make you whistle and calp. His screen presence is electrifying, and his signature swag is enough to increase the film’s vibe and impact rises. The manner in which he delivers hard-hitting dialogues is impressive despite the lines being cringe.

Mamitha Baiju delivers an impactful performance and manages to showcase but the vulnerable and powerful sides of Viji beautifully. Pooja Hegde as Kayal is a screen stealer. She looks drop dead gorgeous and lends support to both Thalapathy and Vijay. Aside from that, she could have been better used.

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Bobby Deol once again plays an antagonist and doesn’t eliver anything new. We’ve seen the same thing for the last couple of years. Prakash Raj kills it as a baddie (despite being a pookie IRL) and he knows it. He delivers a performance that can be considered among his bests.

Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani, Revathy, Nassar, Sunil, Narain and Teejay Arunasalam deliver fair performances given their limited screen time. The actress who plays Porkodi leaves an impact.

Conclusion

If you are a Thalapathy Vijay fans, do go to theatres only to celebrate the actor-turned-Chief Minister’s legacy. This 3-hour-long political thriller is very relevant to what happening in the nation today. Jan Neta – or Jana Nayagan, is an apt farewell to this legend the world knows as Chief Minister Thalapathy C Joseph Vijay.

Watch the trailer of Jan Neta here:

Also Read: Ikka REVIEW: Sunny Deol, Akshaye Kha

Grinell Jacinto

With nearly 10 years of experience, Grinell Esther Jacinto is the Desk Head of Bollywood Bubble. Her interests lie in everything that is kaleshi and she loves to dig deeper into the lives of B-town actors. She has a problem though – she loves horror films but will have chills the minute the theatres lights dims. She’s previously worked with Koimoi, UrbanAsian and SpotboyE.