Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mindless romantic comedy about soccer; some language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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Jaadugar
What's the Story?
In JAADUGAR, Meenu (Jitendra Kumar) grew up in the shadow of his soccer-playing late father's greatness. As an adult, he's willing to help out with the local team that his uncle coaches, but he associates soccer with his father's untimely demise -- in a traffic accident on the way to a game. Meenu's passion is magic, and he's gained some skills. In a flash of love, he falls for Disha (Arushi Sharma), an ophthalmologist, and creepily starts following her around. Her father, a professional magician, doubts Meenu's love and makes him prove it by performing a miracle: somehow making his uncle's last-place soccer team get to the championship finals. Can he pull it off?
Is It Any Good?
Jaadugar is silly, unfunny, and far too long. Fans of Bollywood romances in which people stop to burst into song may find something to enjoy here, but this caters to a specific taste. The internal logic is baffling. Meenu claims to be madly in love with Disha, but he's known her only a month. Her father says Meenu can marry her, but only if he manifests a miracle -- that is, if he arranges for his floundering team to win the championship. How this impossible and pointless feat demonstrates love is not made clear.
Beyond that, it may be cultural differences that make this hard to follow. A team member is disqualified for not living in the right area, and then suddenly he's not disqualified. When did that bureaucratic adjustment occur? In 167 minutes, was there not a spare moment to explain? Seeming nuggets of wisdom are frequently espoused, but what is the wisdom in "A magician wins your heart"? (Only magicians can be loved?) How about, "A magician's life is always in his parrot"? Or, "Only the one who truly loves can perform a miracle." If you don't love either India, mediocre soccer, or magic, this may not be for you.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes good comedy. How does this one compare with other movies about inept or underdog sports teams?
A father demands that his daughter's suitor perform a "miracle" before a marriage can take place. Does this seem reasonable? Why, or why not?
The movie equates love with magic but implies that only a magician can create love. Does this sound reasonable? Why, or why not?
Have you seen any other Bollywood movies? How does this one compare?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 15, 2022
- Cast : Jitendra Kumar , Arushi Sharma , Jaaved Jafferi
- Director : Sameer Sarkar
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 167 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : August 13, 2022
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