Jilla

Jilla is a Tamil-language action-drama film that hit the screens on January 10, 2014. Directed by R.T. Neason, the movie blends elements of family drama, action, and romance, delivering a wholesome entertainer. Starring two powerhouses of South Indian cinema, Vijay and Mohanlal, the film created a buzz even before its release. With its engaging narrative and larger-than-life performances, Jilla promises to be a treat for fans of masala cinema.

In this review, we will explore what makes Jilla stand out, discuss its strengths and weaknesses, and provide insights into its box office performance.

Plot Summary

Jilla revolves around the complex relationship between Sivan (Mohanlal), a powerful and morally ambiguous don, and Shakthi (Vijay), his adopted son. Sivan’s dominance in Madurai makes him a feared yet respected figure, while Shakthi grows up under his shadow, inheriting his father’s principles and strength. However, a series of events forces Shakthi to question his loyalty and values, leading to a dramatic clash of ideologies.

The story weaves action-packed sequences with emotional moments, keeping the audience invested throughout. Without revealing too much, the narrative builds up to a high-stakes climax that explores themes of family, justice, and redemption.

What’s Good?

Stellar Performances

One of the biggest highlights of Jilla is the powerhouse performances by Mohanlal and Vijay. Mohanlal’s portrayal of Sivan is commanding, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Vijay’s energetic performance as Shakthi adds a youthful charm to the film. Their on-screen chemistry is electric, making every shared scene memorable.

Direction and Screenplay

R.T. Neason’s direction brings a balance between action and drama. The screenplay, though not entirely unique, is engaging and ensures that the pace doesn’t dip. The dialogues are impactful, particularly in the emotional confrontations between the lead characters.

Music and Background Score

D. Imman’s music is another strong point of Jilla. The songs are catchy and well-placed within the narrative, with tracks like “Verasa Pogayile” and “Kandangi Kandangi” becoming instant hits. The background score elevates the intensity of the action scenes and emotional moments.

Cinematography and Action Sequences

Ganesh Rajavelu’s cinematography captures the vibrant essence of Madurai, blending rustic charm with grandeur. The action sequences are choreographed with flair, offering a visual treat for action lovers. Vijay’s stunts, in particular, are executed with finesse, adding to the film’s entertainment quotient.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Star Power: The combination of Vijay and Mohanlal ensures a massive appeal across Tamil and Malayalam audiences.
• Engaging Narrative: The mix of action, drama, and comedy keeps the audience entertained.
• Music and Visuals: D. Imman’s music and Ganesh Rajavelu’s cinematography enhance the overall cinematic experience.

Weaknesses

• Predictable Storyline: While the execution is commendable, the plot doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking.
• Length: At 182 minutes, the film feels a bit stretched, with certain scenes that could have been trimmed for better pacing.
• Limited Female Roles: Kajal Aggarwal, despite her charm, has a limited role that doesn’t add much to the story.

Target Audience

Jilla is a quintessential masala entertainer, making it ideal for:

• Fans of Vijay and Mohanlal.
• Action movie enthusiasts who enjoy high-octane stunts.
• Families looking for a wholesome entertainer with a mix of drama and comedy.
• Music lovers who appreciate foot-tapping numbers and soulful melodies.

Box Office Details

Budget and Collections

Jilla was made on a budget of approximately INR 50 crore. The film performed exceptionally well at the box office, grossing over INR 125 crore worldwide.

Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas)

• Day 1: INR 12 crore (India), INR 3 crore (Overseas)
• Day 2: INR 10 crore (India), INR 2.5 crore (Overseas)
• Day 3: INR 9 crore (India), INR 2 crore (Overseas)
• Day 4: INR 8 crore (India), INR 1.5 crore (Overseas)
• Day 5: INR 7 crore (India), INR 1 crore (Overseas)

The film’s strong opening weekend set the tone for its success, with steady collections in subsequent weeks. It also garnered significant revenue from its Malayalam-dubbed version, given Mohanlal’s immense popularity in Kerala.

Recommendation

Jilla is a must-watch for fans of commercial cinema. While it may not break new ground in terms of storytelling, the stellar performances, engaging narrative, and high entertainment value make it worth your time. Whether you’re a fan of Vijay’s charisma or Mohanlal’s gravitas, Jilla delivers on its promise of an action-packed family entertainer.

Genres:

Action

Rating:

5.8/10

Cast:

Actor	Character
Mohanlal	Siva
Vijay	Sakthi
Sampath Raj	Aadhi Kesavan
Kajal Agarwal	Shanthi
Mahat Raghavendra	Vignesh
Nivetha Thomas	Mahalakshmi
Soori	Gopal
Pradeep Ram Singh Rawat	DC
R. K.	Mahalakshmi’s father-in-law
Thambi Ramaiah	Ramiah
Poornima Bhagyaraj	Sivan’s Wife
Vidyullekha Raman	Police Constable
Ravi Mariya	Paandi
Jangiri Madhumitha	Police Constable
V. I. S. Jayapalan	Periyavar
Joe Malloori	Veerapandi
Surekha Vani	Nun
Krishnamoorthy
Muthu Raman
Charandeep	Police Officer Saran
Thavasi
Vinodhini Vaidyanathan	Vinodhini
Scarlett Mellish Wilson	Special Apperance in song “Jingunamani”
Hazel Crowney	Special Apperance in song “Jingunamani”
Raveena Daha
Saran Shakthi	Young Sakthi

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