'JAGAT' Movie Review

When we were born, we were like a white piece of paper. Pure and untainted. Then, reality happens. Every individual we meet in our daily life, leaves an impact on that paper. Our families, friends, teachers, and the society at large draws something on that white piece of paper. That white piece of paper is now stained with drawings of multiple colours and shades. These drawings can represent an inspiration, a story, a memory or even a pain – and eventually determines our beliefs, fears and expectations of life.

It was the same for Appoy, the main character of JAGAT. The core story revolves around this innocent yet extraordinarily intelligent 12-year old that grows up in a poor family, living in the squatter area. In JAGAT, we surely have our hearts stretched out to Appoy as JAGAT tapped into a 12 year-old’s innocence, confusion and yearning, which reflected well through his eyes. As the story progresses, that once innocent beautiful soul turns rebellious – influenced by the men he grows up watching. For this very reason Harvin Raj was a perfect fit to portray Appoy.

Growing up with a disciplined father, ignorant mother, detached uncles, egoistic teachers, and school bullies, Appoy often kept his frustrations and feelings buried within him. He had no one to go to, and was always restrained from voicing out his concerns and questions…or worst still, even his creativity.

His only solace was his uncle Bala (played by Senthil Kumaran), who was an ex-gangster and has undergone drug rehabilitation. Bala’s analogy of the magic mirror to Appoy was an analogy to life itself. What you believe in is what you become. This scene was one of the most notable scenes in JAGAT – definitely a directorial touch of Shanjey Kumar.

Then, we have Maniam, Appoy’s father (played by Kuben Mahadevan). Practically forced out of the estate after his father sold off their land, he’s settled for a minimum wage job at a small factory. Frustrated by poverty and brothers who have gone awry, Maniam had his own emotional baggage and disappointments to vent out for. Maniam strongly believed that only education will elevate them out of poverty. This caused Maniam to constantly push Appoy to study. Maniam’s character mellows from being hostile to caring towards the end of JAGAT. Kuben Mahadevan showed this transition so beautifully, reaffirming us of his acting versatility.

Durai aka Mexico, played by Jibrail Rajhula, is also Appoy’s uncle. Initially working in a car workshop, Durai turns to crime believing that power (and the money that comes with it) is the answer to his family’s poverty. Having a depthful voice, tough outlook and sharp eyes, was definitely Jibrail’s plus points to successfully act out an impactful Durai. The revelation scene of the family’s true poverty condition involving Maniam and Durai will put a burden in your heart and tears in your eyes. Mind you, this scene had no dialogues, only heart-wrenching expressions!

In short, JAGAT boldly reveals the dark chapter of Indians, who left the rubber estates for survival opportunity, only to be trapped in poverty and crime. Being left out of any Government incentives, they practically had to fend for themselves – in whatever way. Whether these main characters are able to surface out of their adversities or will they be washed away by circumstances, forms the crux of JAGAT.

JAGAT clearly defined the socio-economy status disparity of the different community in three tiers –labourers or henchmen, owners or mafia leaders and the ones in authority.

The story moved harmoniously from one scene to another, beautiful crafting the story behind the pain and reasoning of each character. Some scenes had no dialogues, and only expressions stood alone to narrate the story. There were no lengthy dialogues, unwanted scenes or untimely songs to spoil the flow of the movie. Although a crime thriller, JAGAT proved that we don’t need to showcase excessive shoot-outs or fighting scenes to keep audience engaged and at the edge of their seats. JAGAT, though laid back, had the appropriate speed of narration to get audience curious enough to find out what is in store for them in the coming scenes.

Each cast enacted their characters naturally. They practically lived their characters. It was refreshing to see many new faces in JAGAT. The team definitely need to be applauded for introducing and nurturing such new talents.

JAGAT was a period attempt, set in the early 90s – something that our local Tamil movie industry has yet to venture or experiment. To intensify the effects of the 90s, the visual quality had a yellow-hue shade to showcase the community and a dark Gotham City theme to showcase the mafia involved scenes. Kamal Sabran was brought in to compose the background score for JAGAT to fit the 90s theme. The BGM theme was a mixture of various modern and traditional instruments like the Tabla, Sitar, Gambus and Guitar. The background music blended so beautifully with each scenes, as JAGAT consciously going against the current trend of having keyboard-breaking or screaming scores.

JAGAT’s promotional song “Naan Nalla Paiyen” was a catchy piece definitely. It was composed and sang by Lawrence Soosai and lyrics penned down by Coco Nantha. The slow rock concept of this song took us back to the 90s nostalgic times of the Awie and Ella era. No one can deny that they didn’t tap their foot to the rhythm, sang or swayed along, especially for the chorus portions. The guitar portion at the start of the song would be enough to keep one hooked.

JAGAT offers audiences more than one social message to take go back home with, from economic disparity, to parenting, to the dangerous wages of gangsterism and drug abuse.

Appoy was an extraordinary student and would have been someone if he was guided the right way. He somehow was growing up believing that all his creativity, talents and ability to imagine were actually wasteful. No one stopped to recognise or appreciate his talents. From his father to his teachers, they were only interested in forcing their beliefs and expectations on him. We will cringe at the thought of how many extraordinary students like Appoy at that era (or even now), would have been misled due to surrounding circumstances and mentality they grow up in. By losing Appoy, we would most probably have lost a scientist!

Education or knowledge is the symbol of development in any society. However, education no longer seems about acquiring knowledge. Education is somehow now measured by exams, marks, and the ability to memorise. That must change! 

Parents can dream for their kids, but never force it on them. Insulting children by labelling them lazy, no good or stupid can cut to the heart. It hurts them far more than you may realize. It won't inspire them to be better – it will have the opposite effect. If you're hitting your children, you are teaching them that hitting is acceptable behaviour when it’s actually not! You can be firm in your discipline without hurting your children. Set boundaries with your kids by being kind, gentle, respectful and firm. The results will be much more positive and they won't end up crying to themselves in silence. Parents must strike the balance between love and discipline.

If you enjoy movies with a strong story line, deep social message, and is food for your thoughts…JAGAT is a definite soulful treat. You will come out inspired and convicted.

JAGAT… definitely critically acclaimed!


Article By: Ms. Tavetha Tannarsu (Mannin Mainthan Malaysia)

Posted in: Mannin Mainthargal News, Rajhula