Jackpot movie review: Jyotika takes a mass hero avatar with this mindless comedy
Director: Kalyaan
Cast: Jyothika, Revathi, Anand Raj, Motta Rajendran, Yogi Babu
Gulebhagavali 2 would have been an apt title for Jackpot. Director Kalyaan who narrated a story of treasure hunt in his earlier flick with Prabhu Deva starrer Gulebhagavali, has this time around replaced the conman PD for Jyotika in Jackpot. The common thread in both the films is Revathi who plays a thief Maasha.
After playing a serious teacher in Raatchasi, Jo takes a mass hero avatar in Jackpot getting a massy colorful intro song. She rides a bullet and a jeep, bashes up a dozen goons with bare hands while mouthing punch lines (of course borrowed from many Rajini, Kamal films and the famous dialogue ‘Ongi Adicha Ondrai Ton’ from her hubby Suriya’s Singam)
The story begins in 1918 and then moves to 1999 and finally reaches the present 2019. Maasha (Revathi) and her niece Akshaya (Jyotika) are two con-women on the hunt for an Akshayapatram (an inexhaustible vessel) that's buried in a cowshed in the local politician and gangster Manasthan’s (Ananda Raj) house. The latter is not aware of the copper vessel, and there is a hitch to reach it. A fierce Kangeyam bull named Pinky tied in the shed inadvertently becomes the protector of the vessel. The two ladies who by hook or crook want to steal the Akshayapatram take the help of a mechanic called Bhai (Motta Rajendran), a dealer of stolen vehicles, taking advantage of his fondness for Maasha. Meanwhile, Rahul (Yogi Babu) joins them. And there's yet another comical thug (Mansoor Ali Khan) as well. Whether they succeed in their attempt forms the rest of the mindless comedy.
Jyotika and Revathi appear in over-the-top characters and it does seem intentional. Yes, Kalyaan is very clear about this effort. Don’t expect a story or logic of any sorts, but Jackpot is meant to be a fun-filled entertainer. Having said that, Jyotika does what is expected out of her as an action heroine. Her action blocks are impressive. Veteran Revathi also pulls it off with consummate ease. It is Anand Raj in a dual role of a comical brother and sister (cop) who gets the maximum screen space and he utilizes it fully. Like any other film featuring Yogi Babu, this film too resorts to cringe worthy body shaming jokes and the actor’s appearance is made fun of.
Technically, Vishal Chandrashekar’s music reminds us of 80s action films and Anandakumar’s vibrant visuals are worth a mention.
