Jaat Movie Review: Sunny Deol’s Massy Comeback Packs a Punch, Even When the Plot Wavers

Cast: Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda, Viineet Kumar Singh, Saiyami Kher
Director: Gopichand Malineni
Rating: ★★★☆☆

It’s 2025, and Hindi cinema still struggles to find convincing action stars. Enter Sunny Deol—67 years old and still swinging fists like it’s 1990. With Jaat, he proves once again why he remains the original man of mass appeal, effortlessly carrying a genre that’s seen better days.

But Jaat is more than just a star vehicle. It’s also a reminder that action films need more than muscle—they need story, style, and smart presentation. Where Salman Khan’s Sikandar faltered, Jaat gets it right.

The Story

The plot is familiar territory: Tunga Rana (Randeep Hooda) rules over villages with terror, aided by his twisted brother Somulu (Viineet Kumar Singh). His wife Bharathi (Regina Cassandra) and mother are part of his empire of fear. Enter Sunny Deol—his character unnamed till the second half—and the showdown begins. While the premise is predictable, the ride to that inevitable clash is packed with style and surprises.

Direction & Execution

Making his Hindi debut, director Gopichand Malineni (known for his Telugu blockbusters) brings his Southern sensibilities to the North. The film leans into the larger-than-life “Madras Cut” aesthetic—slow-mo entries, exaggerated stunts, and punchlines that land hard. As Sunny’s character says, “Is dhai kilo ke haath ki goonj North ne suni hai, ab South sunega.” The first half is tight, fast-paced, and surprisingly funny, with a screenplay that knows exactly where it’s headed.

However, the second half loses some steam. The film juggles too many themes—social messages, real-life nods, women empowerment—and the clutter shows. What starts as focused storytelling becomes scattered. The beheadings (yes, plural), though censored, begin to feel excessive rather than impactful.

Performances

Sunny Deol is in top form. His action scenes, full of flying goons and thunderous punches, hit with nostalgic force. He plays to his strengths, and fans will love every second of it.

Randeep Hooda delivers a chilling performance as the antagonist—quiet, brutal, and magnetic. It’s a shame the script doesn’t explore his backstory more deeply. Viineet Kumar Singh is a wild card as the unhinged sidekick, and continues his strong run this year (Chhaava, Superboys of Malegaon, and now Jaat). Regina Cassandra brings gravity to her role, while Saiyami Kher, playing a cop, feels underused. Jagapathi Babu too leaves little impression.

Technical Highlights

Thaman S’s background score is the heartbeat of Jaat. Every slow-motion shot, every fight sequence, every punch is elevated by the booming score, creating an immersive theatre experience.

Verdict

Jaat isn’t perfect—but it’s pure entertainment. It thrives on star power, slick presentation, and action that’s actually fun to watch. The flaws in the second half don’t undo the high-impact first. This is a big-screen film, best enjoyed in a theatre with popcorn in hand and a crowd cheering every punch.

Final Word: If you’re a Sunny Deol fan, this one’s a treat. And even if you’re not, Jaat delivers enough masala to make it a worthwhile watch.