WATCH Jawan: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus No.1 Action Thriller

Jawan, the much-anticipated Indian Hindi-language action thriller, is set to hit the big screens on September 7, 2023. Helmed by renowned director Atlee in his first Hindi film, Jawan has garnered attention for its star-studded cast and high-octane action sequences. Produced by Gauri Khan and Gaurav Verma under Red Chillies Entertainment, the film boasts a budget of ₹300 crore, promising a visual spectacle for audiences.

Premise: A Commando’s Quest for Justice

The film’s premise revolves around Vikram, a commando portrayed by Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role. Determined to rectify societal wrongs, Vikram embarks on a mission to bring about change, with the support of a group of resilient women.

Star-Studded Cast: Shah Rukh Khan Leads the Pack

Jawan features a star-studded cast, led by Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role. Nayanthara, known for her impressive performances in Tamil cinema, makes her Hindi cinema debut as the female lead opposite Khan. Other notable cast members include Vijay Sethupathi, Deepika Padukone (in a special appearance), Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Sunil Grover, and Yogi Babu, among others.

The Journey of Production: From Rumors to Reality

The journey of Jawan began with rumors circulating in late 2019 about a potential collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and director Atlee. The project was officially confirmed by Atlee while promoting Bigil. Production commenced in September 2021, with filming taking place in various locations across India, including Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Rajasthan, and Aurangabad.

Casting Marvel: Shah Rukh Khan’s Dual Avatar and More

Mukesh Chhabra played a pivotal role as the casting director, assembling a remarkable cast. Shah Rukh Khan takes on a challenging dual role, portraying both a father and a son, showcasing his versatility. Nayanthara’s inclusion as the female lead added an exciting dimension to the film. Additionally, Priyamani, Sunil Grover, Sanya Malhotra, and Yogi Babu joined the ensemble, with Vijay Sethupathi stepping into an antagonist role initially offered to Rana Daggubati.

Captivating Filming Locations and Schedules

Principal photography commenced in Pune in September 2021, with Shah Rukh Khan and Nayanthara leading the first 10-day shoot. The film holds the distinction of being the first to shoot at the Pune Metro. Subsequent schedules took the crew to Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, and Rajasthan, capturing a wide array of locales for the film’s visual narrative.

A Symphony of Music and Visual Effects

The film’s music, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, marks his solo debut as a Bollywood composer. The soundtrack’s first single, “Zinda Banda,” shattered records by amassing over 46 million views within 24 hours of its release. The post-production phase, involving intricate visual effects and computer graphics, began in January 2023, with the film boasting a team of skilled technicians and supervisors to bring the director’s vision to life.

The Road to Release: Anticipation Peaks

Jawan underwent several release date changes, initially scheduled for June 2, 2023. Following delays due to post-production work, the film was eventually confirmed for release on September 7, 2023. The film will grace theaters in various formats, including standard, IMAX, and 4DX, simultaneously releasing dubbed versions in Tamil and Telugu.

Distribution and Global Reach

The film’s distribution is a global affair, with various production houses acquiring rights for different regions. Pen Studios secured theatrical rights for North and West India, while Red Giant Movies, Sri Venkateswara Creations, and Showbiz Studios secured rights for Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala, respectively. The film’s overseas theatrical rights were secured by Yash Raj Films, further amplifying its global reach.

Production and Development: From Rumors to Reality

The journey of Jawan from rumors to reality was a compelling one. In late 2019, whispers about a potential collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and director Atlee started circulating. The project gained traction when Atlee confirmed it during the promotion of Bigil. In May 2021, reports surfaced indicating that filming would commence shortly. The official confirmation came on June 3, 2022, when Red Chillies Entertainment publicly announced the project. With a substantial budget of ₹300 crore, the stage was set for a grand cinematic endeavor.

Atlee’s involvement went beyond direction; he co-wrote the script with S. Ramana Girivasan, marking their fourth consecutive collaboration. Sumit Arora contributed to the dialogues. Retaining his core team, Atlee brought on board familiar names including cinematographer G. K. Vishnu, editor Ruben, art director T. Muthuraj, and stunt director Anal Arasu. Additionally, renowned stunt directors Spiro Razatos, Craig Macrae, Yannick Ben, Kecha Khamphakdee, and Sunil Rodrigues joined the team, enhancing the film’s action sequences. The film’s dance choreography was orchestrated by Farah Khan, Vaibhavi Merchant, Shobi, and Lalitha.

Casting Jawan: A Stellar Ensemble

The casting of Jawan was a noteworthy endeavor, with Mukesh Chhabra taking the reins. Shah Rukh Khan’s participation was a centerpiece, where he embraced the challenge of portraying a dual role as father and son, spanning six different looks. Nayanthara’s inclusion as the female lead added a fresh dynamic to the film, marking her Hindi cinema debut. Joining this ensemble were Priyamani, Sunil Grover, Sanya Malhotra, and Yogi Babu, who returned to collaborate with Khan after a decade, having last appeared with him in Chennai Express (2013). The antagonist role, initially offered to Rana Daggubati, eventually went to Vijay Sethupathi, adding depth to the film’s conflict. Deepika Padukone’s cameo appearance created a buzz, further elevating the anticipation for the movie.

Filming Odyssey: From Pune to Mumbai and Beyond

The filming of Jawan embarked on an odyssey that spanned various locations across India. Principal photography commenced in September 2021 in Pune, with the first 10-day shoot featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Nayanthara. The uniqueness of the project was evident as it became the first film to shoot at the Pune Metro. After a brief hiatus, the crew reconvened in Hyderabad, followed by a Mumbai schedule that Nayanthara joined post her marriage. This phase saw the capture of family sequences, enriching the film’s emotional dimension.

Chennai also played host to the production, with Deepika Padukone joining the team for her cameo appearance. The city witnessed intense action sequences between Shah Rukh Khan and Vijay Sethupathi, adding to the film’s adrenaline. Notably, the song “Zinda Banda” was shot within the confines of jail during this Chennai schedule, involving 1000 dancers and choreography by Shobi Paulraj. The film’s captivating journey continued with schedules in Rajasthan and February 2023, followed by Sanjay Dutt’s action-packed cameo. This was followed by the shooting of two distinct songs, one featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Nayanthara and the other showcasing Khan and Deepika Padukone, choreographed by Farah Khan.

Post-Production Marvel: The Art of Visual Effects

The post-production phase of Jawan was a marvel in itself. Commencing in January 2023, this intricate process spanned six months due to the film’s extensive use of visual effects and computer graphics. Editor Ruben lent his expertise to shaping the final product. Red Chillies VFX played a pivotal role in bringing the director’s vision to life, with Harry Hingorani leading as the visual effects supervisor and Keitan Yadav as the VFX producer. The film’s coloring was meticulously handled by Ken Metzker of Red Chillies Color, adding visual richness to the scenes. Sound designer Kunal Rajan ensured that the auditory experience matched the film’s grandeur, completing the immersive post-production journey.

The Musical Cadence: Anirudh Ravichander’s Debut

The musical composition of Jawan was a moment of anticipation for fans, with Anirudh Ravichander making his Bollywood debut as a solo composer. This Tamil industry sensation had previously contributed to projects like David and the background score of Jersey. The soundtrack marked a significant milestone, especially since A. R. Rahman was initially approached but later declined the opportunity. Anirudh stepped in, and the music rights were acquired by T-Series for a record ₹36 crore. The soundtrack’s first single, “Zinda Banda,” set new records, garnering over 46 million views within 24 hours of its release.

Conclusion: A Promising Blockbuster in the Making

Jawan holds the promise of being a cinematic extravaganza, with its star-studded cast, captivating storyline, and technical prowess. As fans eagerly await its release, the film is set to make a mark on the Indian film industry, offering an action-packed narrative and a visual feast for the audience. With Shah Rukh Khan leading the charge and Atlee’s direction, Jawan is poised to be a blockbuster that will leave a lasting impression.