“Jigiri Dosthu” Movie Review
In the realm of cinema, a title like “Jigiri Dosthu” featuring three inseparable friends typically suggests a light-hearted exploration of camaraderie and human connections. However, Aran V’s directorial debut defies such expectations, transforming this apparent comedic setup into a thriller. The film introduces us to three bosom buddies, portrayed by Shariq Hassan, Aran V, and VJ Ashiq, initially presenting itself as a conventional buddy movie before swiftly transitioning into the suspenseful terrain of a thriller. Regrettably, “Jigiri Dosthu” falters in its attempt to excel in either the comedic or thriller genre, succumbing to the burdensome expectations it imposes upon itself.
Despite its shortcomings, the film does boast some commendable elements. Ashwin Vinayagamoorthy’s background score, in stark contrast to the film’s shortcomings, successfully creates an atmosphere that persuades the audience into believing the on-screen events are more riveting and tension-inducing than they truly are. Notably, VJ Ashiq delivers a standout performance as Loki, the ostensibly least heroic of the trio, yet leaving an indelible impression.
A more restrained approach could have significantly enhanced the overall experience. The film’s attempt to extract humor from a distraught woman’s conversation with her gangster boyfriend falls flat due to its forced and exaggerated execution. This sense of contrivance permeates the entire narrative, contributing to the film’s ultimate downfall.
Compounding its issues, “Jigiri Dosthu” suffers from stereotypical and caricatured characterizations. The use of clichés, such as a man incessantly concluding every sentence with “bro” or a bickering young couple, renders the characters generic and formulaic. The film becomes a repository of familiar tropes, featuring terrifying goons, less-intimidating goons, power-hungry politicians, and corrupt police officers, all contributing to an overarching sense of predictability.
In essence, “Jigiri Dosthu” revolves around three friends—Vicky, Rishi, and Loki—who embark on a perilous journey to rescue a kidnapped girl. Despite its intriguing premise, the film’s inability to strike a balance between comedy and thriller, coupled with its reliance on caricatures and stereotypes, results in a cinematic venture that falls short of its potential.
Rating…3.5/5