'Jatt & Juliet 3' review: Diljit Dosanjh at your service with a clean family film
'Jatt & Juliet 3' review: Diljit Dosanjh at your service with a clean family film
There are two things about 'Jatt & Juliet 3' that attract you to the film even before you've watched it. First, the extensive popularity of its hero, Diljit Dosanjh. And second, the legacy that it upholds even if the last 'Jatt & Juliet' film was released a decade ago. Directed by Jagdeep Sidhu, the third film in the romantic-comedy franchise manages to stay true to its flavour. It's a simple love story where humour depends on the confusions and emotions in a new relationship. But, at the heart of it, the film remains a true blue family entertainer, a clean watch.
'Jatt & Juliet 3' rides high on the gorgeous screen chemistry between Diljit and Neeru Bajwa. Both the actors have managed to build a stronger screen presence over the years and their confidence is a big driver of 'Jatt & Juliet 3'. Diljit reprises his old character, Fateh Singh. Only this time, he becomes a young new recruit for the Punjab police who meets his madam, Senior Constable Pooja Singh (Neeru), on the first day and decides to play the cupid in his own love story. Pooja and Fateh have their own selfish reasons for marrying but they both pretend to use the ishq-vishq-pyar-vyar-trope and manage to convince each other that theirs is a perfect union of love.
The first half of the film is set in Punjab, where Fateh and Pooja are dealing with the initial days of romance. The spin on the love story comes when they travel to London on a work trip and find out about each other's true reasons for marrying. London also brings in 'adhyapak ji', a very charming Jasmin Bajwa as Daisy. Fateh and Daisy's friendship makes for funnier moments in the second half, as does Pooja's jealousy.
'Jatt & Juliet 3' is not your regular Punjabi romantic-comedy. The makers get Diljit and try to totally fetch his acting skills and his unmatchable charm. The director, who's also the writer of the film, gives him a character who has the large-heartedness of a romantic hero as well as the sincerity of a man who's seen a difficult childhood. The scenes featuring Fateh and his mother give you the taste of the most innocent screen experience. And right before the climax, Diljit's monologue gives you the best taste of his acting prowess. The scene justifies Fateh's unbecoming of the righteous lover, and you stop questioning his decisions and actions then.
Neeru is a delightful performer. She doesn't veer for attention in scenes. Rather, her performance is of a confident and a graceful actor. She let Diljit take the centre-stage, understanding his reach and capability as a co-star. Seeing both growing as performers together is the best thing about 'Jatt & Juliet 3'. The film has Diljit as this self-effacing hero who knows where to let his eyes talk, looking straight into the camera, with that piercing gaze. He plays Fateh with a certain sense of ease, with no desperation to achieve anything. It's an art when an actor can perform a loud character with stillness in his manner. Diljit seems to have mastered that.
The film could have been a little pacier with a crisp climax, but it doesn't disappoint. The director also make sure that there's enough for the story to look relevant in the current times, especially to the audience of Punjab. There are conversations on gender equality, poverty, dowry, politics and the brain drain phenomenon. Very smartly, you are told about your contribution to making rich, richer and poor, poorer. The supporting appearances by Nasir Chinyoti, Akram Udas, Rana Ranbir and BN Sharma add to the humour, and you are never left with a dull moment in the film. The music in the film is like fireworks. Most of the songs are by Diljit himself, and he takes you in a whirlwind of excitement with each beat.
Even with a dragged second-half, 'Jatt & Juliet 3' looks like a healthy Punjabi film that you wouldn't mind watching.