Though a subject that is often deemed ideal for TV audiences, writer, director Divyang Thakkar braves to speak against an age old social stigma on the big screen. Ranveer Singh, Shalini Pandey and child artiste Jia Vaidya make for a formidable Gujarati family.

By Mayur Lookhar

Tackling social issues in India was once deemed fit for TV audiences, as Indian cinema, in particularly Hindi cinema (popularly known as Bollywood) veered more towards mass entertainers. Bollywood though has undergone a sea change in the last few years, with even massy stars not afraid to take up a noble social cause. Ranveer Singh took up the cause of humble rap artistes in Gully Boy [2019]. Three years later, he plays his maiden feminist role in actor turned writer-director Divyang Thakkar’s Jayeshbhai Jordaar [2022]. As often, Singh derives great pleasure in adapting to a certain physicality for his roles. While quite a few of his earlier roles required him to be brawny, Singh embraces the feeble, frail nature of his titular character in the upcoming Yash Raj Films feature.

Traditional Gujarati men are short and frail, posing a not-so-sexy moustache. The trailer of Jayeshbhai Jordaar, that was released today [19 April], portrays Singh as this archetypal feeble frail Gujarati man with a simple moustache. This look alone makes Joyeshbhai so likable,

Thakkar hails from the Kutch district of Gujarat that is usually deemed very traditional and conservative, at least those who come from the villages. We presume Thakkar has set his film in the same region. Jayeshbhai is the son of a very conservative sarpanch (elected village head) – played by seasoned actor Boman Irani. Jayeshbhai’s parents [played by Boman Irani and Ratna Pathak Shah] are confident that their second grandchild will turn out to be a son. However, initial medical reports suggest that it is likely to be a second grand daughter for them., The grandparents are heard saying they will take care of it [girl child] subtly hinting towards the illegal and evil act of female infanticide. Though no direct endorsement, but the film surely endorses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular Beti bachao, beti padao andolan [save girl, educate girl movement].

The son, who all along obediently followed his parents, musters the courage to flee with his wife, daughter and the unborn child. Thakkar takes the satirical route to expose this social evil. More than the story, what gets going for the film instantly is its able cast. Singh has proven to be the most versatile actor in the recent years, and Jayeshbhai Jordaar looks like another feather in his illustrious cap.

Jabalpur-born Shalini Pandey makes the switch from South India to Bollywood with Divyang Thakkar’s maiden directorial. The trailer stands out for the chemistry between Singh, Pandey and child artiste Jia Vaidya, who plays their feisty daughter. It must be said that it is the daughter who inspires her parents Jayeshbhai and Mudra [Pandey] to take the right stand. Vaidya and Pandey look par for the course with the former displaying the confidence of a pro.

All through the trailer, Singh comes across as this meek guy who gingerly finds his courage and isn’t prepared to douse this flame of feminism easily. He has no qualm in embracing his frailties, and in one scene he hilariously dares to cut off his private parts if his wife and the unborn child is harmed. It might be a fight in the family but through their grit, Jayeshbhai, Mudra and their daughter surely take the fight to patriarchy at large. One doesn’t need a cape, brawn any superpowers to be a super hero in life. Jayeshbhai Jordaar, Mudra and their daughter is no less than any super hero.

The fun-filled trailer holds greats promise for the film. Watch the trailer below. Jayeshbhai Jordaar is set to be released in theatres on 13 May.