There are many things to admire about Gowtham Tinnanuri’s second film Jersey. The biggest compliment I can give the film is that they have taken a tried and tested template and presented in a fresh way. Yes, we do know what is going to happen but the way it happens is nice to see. A big part of this is due to the performance of Nani and there is one scene in particular that will stay in the minds of people for a long time. For a man who spends most of the film in a restrained manner, the outpouring of emotion at the railway station is a joy to behold. We scream with Nani and we are happy for him like we have achieved something. That is the power of good cinema.
In that one stretch of action, we can see so many things being said about the society we live in. People who suppress their emotions will strongly relate to that scene and given the way society has conditioned us, I wouldn’t be surprised if that was most of us. Here is a man who has achieved something that no one thought he could, yet somehow he has managed to do it. In the grand scheme of the film, we know that he is going to do this but it is exhilarating to see the outpouring of emotion from Nani. Jersey works because it has an inherently realistic tone that is spiced with some cinematic elements. The train scene could be considered by some to be cinematic but I think it is one of the more realistic parts of the film. I myself have wanted to scream in anger or pain but haven’t been able to. Perhaps I should start going to the railway station more often. The train scene comes at a crucial moment in the film helps ground the film in reality. From then on, what happens is just part of the journey and we are happy to be along for the ride.
Until next time, bye.
Films & Frames 