Jilla Movie Review and Rating: Story, Public Talk, and Collections

Summary: "Jilla," a 2014 Tamil blockbuster, has been dubbed into Telugu and released with the same title. Featuring Vijay and Kajal Aggarwal in lead roles, the film hit the screens on July 24, 2015. This review delves into the storyline, performances, technical aspects, and overall impact of the movie, providing a comprehensive analysis of its strengths and weaknesses.

Storyline

The narrative centers around Divya (Mohanlal), a feared local gangster in Vijayawada. He adopts Shakti (Vijay), the son of his right-hand man who dies in a local skirmish. Divya grooms Shakti to become a police officer to further his criminal activities. However, Shakti undergoes a transformation, realizing the value of honesty and integrity. He attempts to reform Divya, leading to a clash of ideologies. The unfolding drama between Shakti and Divya forms the crux of the story.

Highlights

Strengths

1. Father-Son Dynamic: The emotional bond between Divya and Shakti is the film's cornerstone. The director skillfully portrays their relationship, especially in the pre-interval scenes.
2. Performances: Mohanlal delivers a stellar performance, adding depth to his character with his commanding screen presence. Vijay complements him well, particularly in the mass action sequences.
3. Twists and Turns: The second half of the film features several unexpected twists that elevate the narrative. The climax, in particular, is engaging and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

Weaknesses

1. Pacing Issues: The film's tempo drops significantly after the first half-hour, only picking up again before the interval. This inconsistency affects the overall viewing experience.
2. Character Development: The interactions between Vijay and Kajal Aggarwal lack depth, and Kajal's character is underutilized. The comedy track involving Brahmanandam and other Telugu actors also falls flat.
3. Abrupt Ending: The film's conclusion feels rushed and leaves several plot points unresolved, which may disappoint viewers.

Technical Aspects

Direction and Screenplay

Director R. T. Neason delivers a competent performance, though the screenplay could have been tighter. The emotional scenes are well-executed, but the film struggles with pacing and character development.

Music and Background Score

D. Imman's music is a mixed bag. While the background score enhances the film's dramatic moments, the songs are forgettable and do not add much to the narrative.

Cinematography and Editing

Cinematographer Rajavelu Ganesh captures the essence of the scenes beautifully, adding a visual appeal to the film. The editing by Shashank Vennelakanti is adequate but could have been more precise to improve the film's flow.

Verdict

"Jilla" showcases the powerful combination of Vijay and Mohanlal, which worked wonders in the Tamil version. However, the Telugu release falls short of replicating the same magic. Despite strong performances from the lead actors, the film is let down by its inconsistent pacing, weak romantic subplot, and subpar comedy. Overall, "Jilla" is a typical commercial entertainer that may appeal to the mass audience but lacks the finesse to make a lasting impact.

Interesting Stats

• Box Office Performance: "Jilla" grossed over ₹85 crores worldwide in its original Tamil version, making it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2014 (source).
• Critical Reception: The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising the performances of Vijay and Mohanlal but criticizing the screenplay and pacing (source).
• Audience Reaction: Despite its flaws, "Jilla" has a strong fan following, particularly among Vijay's fans, who appreciated his mass appeal and action sequences.

References

1. India Today - Jilla Box Office Collection
2. The Hindu - Jilla Review

For more updates on Telugu cinema, stay tuned to reliable sources like The Hindu and India Today.