Review: JugJugg Jeeyo (2022)
Laughter and emotions are the two principal elements in Dharma Productions and Viacom 18’s latest, Jugjugg Jeeyo, which, after a relatively calm first half, dives into a uproarious second half crammed with revelations and concealments.
JugJugg Jeeyo is a story of 3 marriages - one that has lasted 35 years, another that is five years old, and a third that is days away from being solemnized.
The film, written by Rishhabh Sharma, Anurag Singh, Sumit Batheja, and Neeraj Udhawani, and directed by Raj Mehta is a story of 3 marriages - one that has lasted 35 years, another that is five years old, and a third that is days away from being solemnized.
The plot of the film sounds simple. But, Mehta and his writers rapidly throw one relationship issue after the other at you. As the two couples try to figure out the pros and cons of marriage, the institution's utility is at stake. Complications, misgiving, and mishaps hound them constantly.
A comedic twist is also given to every stereotypical Indian problem that is portrayed - from aunties hounding newlyweds for ‘good news’, to young girls not getting married for love, but to get ‘settled’. The film throws light on several issues softly, and always with a sense of humor. The characterization and making are not as nuanced, but commercial.
The film has the same tone and texture as Mehta’s previous directorial – Good Newzz (2019), which spoke about IVF births, also produced by Dharma Productions.
Varun Dhawan plays Kuldeep ‘Kukkoo’ Saini, husband to the gorgeous Kiara Advani, who plays Naina Sharma. Naina does well for herself, she is days away from a big promotion as the Vice President of Human Resources in a big firm in New York. On the other hand, Kukoo is a bouncer in a club in London.
Their marriage, which is in a whirlwind of complications reminded me of Karan Johar’s 2006 film, Kabhi Alvidaa Naa Kehna, which also presented a similar situation with a marriage slowly coming apart because the wife’s career soared as the husband became a bitter failure.
A still from JugJugg Jeeyo.
To celebrate the marriage of his sister Ginny (played by Prajakta Koli), the family gathers in their lavish Patiala home for the upcoming nuptial. However, within minutes, a slew of secrets begin to tumble out into the open.
The never-aging Anil Kapoor plays Bheem Saini, Dhawan’s father, and steals the show with his comic timing. He is more than ably supported by his son, Kukkoo, whose character in the initial half reminded me a little of Dan, his character in Soojit Sircar’s October. Along with them, is Maniesh Paul as the bumbling brother who contributes with his comic timing, PJs, and one-liners.
However, what puts this film together are the characters played by Neetu Singh and Kiara Advani. Singh carries her character with such ease and poise. Amidst all the high-pitched humor and high-pitched melodrama, it is she that tones it down. Advani puts effort in her character, and it shows. Watch out for her one fight breakdown scene she has with Dhawan in the second half - it feels too real.
Interestingly, in an interview with the two actors on a leading news site, I read that they would genuinely fight two-three times before attempting this scene, just to get into character and Raj had to stop them.
The runtime is slightly problematic and it could have been done with a tighter edit. However, what really draws you in are the powerful performances and quirky dialogues. And like every typical Dharma film – all’s well that ends well, as it will make you leave the theatre with a smile.
You can watch JugJugg Jeeyo in a theatre near you.
