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Allu Entertainment, Dil Raju Production, Sithara Entertainments and Brat Films’ Jersey (UA) is the story about a failed cricketer and his endeavour to try again because his little son wants him to play the game.
Arjun Talwar (Shahid Kapoor) is a fantastic batsman, and his coach, Bali (Pankaj Kapur), swears by his batting. However, he can’t make it to the Indian cricket team. Dejected, he quits the sport and takes up a job which he loses for no fault of his. His son, Kittu (master Ronit Kamra), considers his father a hero when he plays cricket. Arjun dotes on his son and can go to any lengths to make him happy. One day, Arjun decides to start playing all over again because he sees that his son is the happiest when he (Arjun) plays cricket. Does he succeed as a cricketer despite age not being on his side?
Gowtam Tinnanuri’s story is as much about cricket as it is about a failing marriage or about a father-son relationship. The story begins on a weak note because it moves at a very slow pace, almost testing the audience’s patience. However, it picks up steam once the real family drama begins. Gowtam Tinnanuri’s screenplay engages the viewers once the pace picks up. The screenplay is full of scenes which move the audience emotionally. The weak-hearted will shed tears not once or twice but at a minimum of four-five points in the drama. The scene in which Arjun slaps his loving son and what follows thereafter (first in the birthday party, and then, after the party is over) is outstanding and will choke the emotional audience. The scene in which coach Bali breaks some good news to Arjun is also tear-jerking. The scenes of tension between Arjun and his wife, Vidya (Mrunal Thakur), are also very well written. Likewise, the scenes between Arjun Talwar and his son have been brilliantly conceived. The entire climax sequence comes like a shock to the viewers. The highpoint of the climax, of course, is the jersey (what about the jersey is not being revealed here lest it spoils your fun). In fact, the climax will also find many among the audience unable to control their tears. All in all, the first few reels may be a dampener but the drama thereafter moves in a manner that it sucks the audience in. Light moments are few; the screenplay could’ve done with more humour. Siddharth-Garima’s dialogues are lovely and add to the emotional power of the drama.
Shahid Kapoor is outstanding. He gives such a mature performance that one can’t help but admire him for it. He gets into the skin of the character and makes Arjun so endearing that the viewer simply roots for him. He looks wonderful and acts with absolute ease. He conveys the emotions of guilt, disgust, sadness, frustration, joy, fun, exuberance, etc. at various points in the drama with a rare confidence. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that had his performance been lacking, the drama wouldn’t have had the impact on the viewers as it does. Mrunal Thakur lends a fine dignity to her character with a lovely performance. She has internalised the pain and anguish of Vidya and has used that in her performance to great advantage. Pankaj Kapur is endearing as coach Bali. He is very easy in front of the camera. Master Ronit Kamra is supremely confident and cute as Kittu. As the grown-up Kittu (Ketan Talwar), Prit Kamani stands his own and delivers a sterling performance in a special appearance. Gitika Mahendru makes her presence amply felt as Jasleen Shergill. Abhishek Madrecha has his moments as cricketer Viru. Anjum Batra is likeable as Arjun Talwar’s friend, Amrit. Sunil Saraswat (as Lovely), Babbar Khan (as Puneet) and Shivam Sharma (as Rajinder) lend decent support as Arjun’s friends. Raja Sharma has his moments as the bald coach, Amarnath Ratti. Rituraj Singh lends wonderful support as Mahesh Karmarkar. Ajay Mehra (as the heart specialist), Shaikh Jabbir (as the Karnataka cricket team player who blocks Arjun Talwar’s way every now and then on the field), Sanjeev Chopra (as Hussain Shaikh), Rajendra Sharma (as Arjun’s friend, Ardaas, who is an aspiring singer), Vinay Verma (as Vidya’s dad), Sachin Kathuria (as lawyer Gulati), Akansha Juyal (as lawyer Gulati’s assistant), Seerat Kapoor (as Riya), Anjali Verma (as Tara), Jagdish Sachdeva (as Viru’s coach), Naresh Gosain (as shopkeeper Tandon), Karan Singh (as coach), Mannat Singh (as Summi, the loudmouth-wife of Arjun’s friend), Ashok Salaria (as the Punjab coach), Prince Kohli and Tarun Kumar (boat as cricket commentators), Deepanshu Madan (as the commentator), Sushil Dahiya (as Ronit Ghosh, the speaker at the gathering in the climax) and the others lend adequate support.
Gowtam Tinnanuri’s direction is superb. It would not be an exaggeration to say that like Shahid Kapoor, Tinnanuri is also a hero of the film. Sachet-Parampara’s music is melodious. The Mahiya mainu song is very tuneful and has the potential to become a hit number. Mehram is another very tuneful number. Baliye and Jind meriye are appealing songs. Shellee’s lyrics are weighty. Song picturisations (by Bosco-Caesar and Vijay Binni) are appropriate. Anirudh Ravichander’s background music is impactful. Anil Mehta’s cinematography is splendid. Manohar Verma’s action and stunt scenes are realistic. Shashank Tere’s production designing is of a good standard. Navin Nooli’s editing is tight but could’ve been a bit more tight in the first few reels.
On the whole, Jersey is an entertaining family film which will keep its target audience happy. It may have opened slow but it definitely has the potential to grow by positive word of mouth which will emanate because of the film’s inherent strength and emotional quotient. However, it must be added that the ‘fractured’ release of the film (lesser than optimum number of cinemas and shows due to K.G.F. Chapter 2 (dubbed) going super-strong in single-screen cinemas and multiplexes) will adversely affect the overall business in the final tally.
Released on 22-4-’22 at Inox (daily 8 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PEN Marudhar Cine Entertainment. Publicity: good. Opening: dull. …….Also released all over. Opening was on the lower side at most of the places.