‘Jack’ review: A fun ride with plenty of flair
After the blockbuster success of Tillu Square, Siddhu Jonnalagadda returns with Jack, a high-concept action-comedy directed by Bhaskar. Co-starring Vaishnavi Chaitanya and supported by a promising ensemble, the film aims to deliver a mix of thrills and laughs with a patriotic twist. As the film hits theatres, let’s see how it fares at box-office.
Story:
Jack follows a spirited young man who dreams of becoming a RAW agent but refuses to settle into a regular 9-to-5 job. Convinced he has cracked the RAW selection process, Jack dives into an undercover mission to thwart a terrorist attack. Meanwhile, real RAW agents are in a race against time to apprehend a dangerous terrorist. How Jack inserts himself into the mission and becomes a pivotal force in saving the nation forms the crux of this entertaining tale.
Performances:
Siddhu Jonnalagadda is undeniably the life of the film. His witty one-liners, expressive body language, and boundless energy keep the narrative engaging throughout. Even in emotionally lighter or illogical moments, Siddhu’s charisma holds the fort. Naresh adds charm with his comedic timing as Jack’s father, and their father-son chemistry is fun to watch. Prakash Raj, though underutilized, delivers a dependable performance, while Vaishnavi Chaitanya’s role, though brief and less impactful, adds to the narrative's lighter beats.
Technicalities:
Director Bhaskar brings in a novel idea of a local guy aiming for RAW, but the execution wavers, especially in the second half. The production values are impressive, with the film showcasing an aesthetically appealing RAW setup and strong visuals—particularly in the chase and action scenes set in Charminar. However, BVSN Prasad’s music lacks a memorable tune, and the background score doesn’t elevate high-stakes scenes. The editing in the latter half feels inconsistent, and VFX could have been tighter. The dialogues, however, pack a punch and play to Siddhu’s strengths.
Analysis:
While the premise promises intrigue, Jack ultimately stands tall because of its lead actor’s vibrant screen presence. The narrative tries to juggle action, comedy, and patriotism, occasionally losing grip on logic. Yet, the humor, especially in the first half, lands well. The film’s soul lies in Siddhu’s ability to uplift every scene with his flair, making the story enjoyable even when it strays from realism.
On a whole, Jack may not be a perfect thriller, but it’s a light-hearted entertainer driven by Siddhu Jonnalagadda’s magnetic performance. Watch it for him—he’s the jack of all trades here.
