Arjun Talwar (Shahid Kapoor), an unemployed middle-aged father who passionately loves cricket. His son shares the same dream and requests a jersey from him. While Arjun struggles to fulfil this seemingly small wish, his wife Vidya (Mrunal Thakur) wants him to reclaim his old job. However, Arjun is determined to rekindle his long-lost dream of cricket.
Upon deciding to embark on a new journey, Arjun faces a difficult choice presented by Vidya. The film explores whether Arjun will pursue cricket and if Vidya will support his decision. Amid fragments of an unfulfilled promise, the movie revolves around a father’s pursuit to restart his life, and the subsequent events that unfold define “Jersey.”
In this film review, “Jersey” retains the original director from its Telugu version, ensuring a seamless adaptation. The story follows the classic sports film formula, but it delves deeper into family dynamics, the bond between a father and son, and the inner transformation of a man seeking redemption. Director Gowtam Tinnanuri crafts well-developed characters, particularly Arjun, making the film’s 170-minute duration engaging and emotionally impactful.
The cinematography by Anil Mehta captures both the emotional and sporting sequences effectively, enhancing the storytelling. Shahid Kapoor shines as Arjun, effortlessly portraying both the father’s struggles and the cricketer’s passion. Mrunal Thakur’s portrayal of Vidya adds depth to the film, showcasing the toll of their shared challenges on the family. Pankaj Kapur delivers a standout performance as Arjun’s coach and father figure. Gowtam Tinnanuri’s direction effectively blends emotions from different narratives, broadening the film’s appeal. The background score by Anirudh complements the scenes, while the songs by Sachet-Parampara enhance the overall experience.
“Jersey” showcases Shahid Kapoor’s impressive performance and offers a compelling blend of drama, sports, and emotions, making it a standout addition to his filmography.
Rating: 8/10