“Karthik Subbaraj’s latest film is an absolute delight. Lawrence Master’s performance in this movie stands out as one of the best in his career. Subbaraj skillfully utilized his acting abilities to the fullest. The entry scene is amazing, and the setup is brilliantly executed. Lawrence portrays a completely different character, something never seen before. Despite multiple bad choices, his acting capabilities were never in doubt. ‘Kanchana’ was something; I still get chills when I see it. The way he performed was amazing and adrenaline-pumping. After the disastrous ‘Chandhramuki 2’, within a month, he has delivered what I would call the best of his career after ‘Kanchana’. In the first half, he played a dreaded gangster in Madurai with another emotional side revealed in the second half, both portrayed mind-blowingly, especially towards the climax. His dance steps, though different, were executed well. I genuinely hope he maintains this momentum as an actor and collaborates with talented directors like Subbaraj, giving life to fresh scripts. Credit goes to the director for utilizing him and creating a character like Assault Sethu that will be remembered for a long time.
SANA was saved this time from carrying the entire movie on his back. He portrayed a character with a completely different shade compared to his previous roles in ‘Maanadu’ and ‘Mark Antony’. His charisma and screen presence make him unique among actors. There are many internal conflicts happening inside his head about which side he should choose, especially in one particular scene where he introduces his character to Lawrence’s, which is mind-blowing. His delivery of long page dialogues is brilliant. Naveen Chandra’s cop character was truly intimidating; he was devilish till his last moment. Nimisha did a pretty good job, but it’s Lawrence Master and SJNA who steal the show and were the pillars of this movie.
One of the best aspects of Subbaraj’s movies is the subtle politics weaved into the multiple-layered stories. Be it ‘Jigarthandha’, ‘Mercury’, or ‘Iraivi’, each holds a strong message subtly delivered throughout the narrative. Here, Subbaraj shifts the narrative after an incredible first half and a banger of an interval scene. Slowly, the real essence of what he wants to convey emerges, subtly told from the first frame. The elephant VFX is top-notch, considering Tamil cinema’s standards. Cinematography by S. Thiru was exceptional, especially the shots in the forest area. It seems every department worked meticulously, understanding the director’s vision. Clint Eastwood has a spiritual presence throughout the movie; it’s a treat for his fans, with his presence felt till the climax.
‘Jigarthandha 2’ manages to break away from many gangster movie cliches, although there are some minor pacing issues, especially in the second half, which might be justified by the movie’s demands. The first half was a joy and a thrilling retro ride, while the second delves into a serious topic that warrants daily discussion. The art director deserves a bow; they transported us into the ‘70s era. The music from the first part gave me goosebumps, and the rest of the cast delivered solid performances, fitting their roles.
Sana deserves special mention for his exceptional work, especially in that one portion. His music and Lawrence Master were just perfect. This film presents a larger-than-life version of the first part and keeps you pumped throughout. However, the best shot for me remains the first establishing shot.
In short, screenplay Arakan Subbu Tarantino delivers again. Please do something soon with Vijayna. In essence, ‘Jigarthanda Double X’ is a love letter to cinema, a celebration of its ability to transcend boundaries, inspire creativity, and shape individual lives. It is a film that demands to be seen, not just for its cinematic brilliance but also for its profound insights into the human experience.”
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