Jaadugar Story :-
Meenu, a small-time magician with no athletic prowess, faces the challenge of winning an inter-colony football tournament to marry the love of his life. Can he win over hearts and prove his worth in this romantic tale with a magical twist?
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 15 July 2022 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Sport |
| Duration | 2h 46min |
| Cast | Jitendra Kumar, Arushi Sharma, Jaaved Jaaferi, Manoj Joshi, Rukshar Dhillon |
| Director | Sameer Saxena |
| Writer | Biswapati Sarkar |
| Cinematography | Soumik Mukherjee |
| Music | Nilotpal Bora |
| Producer | Amit Golani, Biswapati Sarkar, Sameer Saxena, Saurabh Khanna |
| Production | Posham Pa Pictures |
| Certificate | 16+ |
In the realm of Bollywood’s sports biopics like ’83’, ‘Saina’, and ‘Soorma’, Sameer Saxena’s ‘Jaadugar’ offers a refreshing departure. Rather than focusing on another biographical narrative, the film weaves a romantic story infused with magic. Its charm lies in the simple yet profound transformation of the protagonist from self-absorption to empathy. While the narrative may take its time to unfold, it captivates viewers with witty dialogues, endearing moments, and impressive magical performances.
Set in the lanes of Neemuch, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, the story revolves around Meenu (portrayed by Jitendra Kumar), a dreamer aspiring to follow in the footsteps of his mentor, Magician Chhabra (played by Manoj Navneet Joshi). His world changes when he falls for Dr. Disha (Arushi Sharma), who harbors her own troubled past. Meenu’s pursuit of Disha’s affection takes an unexpected turn when her father challenges him to win a football match for her hand in marriage. However, the odds are stacked against him—Disha doesn’t reciprocate his feelings, and his team hasn’t tasted victory in years.
Another storyline follows a ragtag team of underdogs, including office workers, shopkeepers, and teachers, as they prepare for a prestigious inter-colony football tournament. Led by Pradeep Narag (played by Jaaved Jaaferi), Meenu’s uncle and a former player, the team strives to fulfill a cherished wish by clinching the championship. But can they overcome their shortcomings and emerge victorious? Will Meenu win the heart of his beloved? These questions unfold over the film’s nearly three-hour runtime.
Writers Biswapati Sarkar and Sameer Saxena succeed in maintaining audience engagement throughout most of the film, although the pace falters in the second half, which could have benefited from tighter editing. While the first half brims with energy and humor, the latter part intensifies the drama, yet a better balance between the two could have enhanced the overall impact. Jitendra Kumar shines in his portrayal of Meenu, effortlessly embodying the essence of a small-town dreamer. However, the supporting cast, including Jaaved Jaaferi and Arushi Sharma, deliver expected performances without significant depth.
Though the film’s focus shifts from magic to sports, the music could have played a more prominent role, especially given its romantic undertones. While the songs fail to leave a lasting impression, the title track ‘Jaadugiri’ stands out for its hummable tune, particularly in the dream sequence where Meenu first encounters Disha.
Overall, ‘Jaadugar’ offers a blend of romance, magic, and sports, albeit with some pacing issues and underdeveloped character dynamics. Despite its flaws, the film manages to entertain, leaving audiences with a heartwarming tale of love and triumph against the odds.
