Set approximately five months after the ‘Operation Blue Star’ in October 1984, which aimed to remove Damdami Taksal and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale along with their followers from the Golden Temple buildings, the movie delves into the aftermath of these events. The assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards triggered a wave of anti-Sikh riots, with Delhi being severely affected. The story revolves around Jogi (Diljit Dosanjh), a resident of Delhi who experienced the devastating effects of the 1984 riots. He not only managed to rescue people he knew but also strangers, forming the core of the narrative. Assisted by his friends, Police Officer Rawinder Chautala (Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub) and Kaleem (Paresh Pahuja), they embark on a secret evacuation plan, transporting hundreds of Sikhs from Delhi to Mohali amidst the chaos of the riots.
Ali Abbas Zafar collaborates with Sukhmani Sadana to craft a story that delves into the profound impact of the Anti-Sikh Riots from an individual’s perspective. The film presents a poignant commentary on this tragic episode, shedding light on the lives of innocent victims who were targeted based on their religion. Marcin Laskawiec’s cinematography and Julius Packiam’s background score effectively contribute to creating a tense and melancholic atmosphere that mirrors the harrowing events. However, the narrative occasionally shifts its focus from the massacre to Jogi’s personal journey, introducing some predictable twists. The screenplay loses some of its grip in the second half, particularly during the exploration of personal conflicts.
Diljit Dosanjh delivers a powerful performance as Jogi, showcasing his versatility and deeply connecting with the audience. His portrayal encapsulates the pain and struggles of the community affected by the riots. Kumud Mishra delivers a convincing performance as a corrupt politician, although his character lacks unexpected surprises. Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Hiten Tejwani, and Paresh Pahuja offer strong support, with Zeeshan’s character serving as a vital emotional anchor for Jogi. The character dynamics between Jogi, Lali (Hiten Tejwani), and Kaleem (Paresh Pahuja) could have been better developed to enhance the theme of unity amidst tragedy.
Ali Abbas Zafar’s direction balances the commercial and subtle aspects of the film, depicting the personal impact of the orchestrated chaos that disrupted societal harmony. Julius Packiam’s background score complements the narrative, emphasizing the emotional depth of the story.
In conclusion, “Jogi” poignantly portrays the aftermath of the 1984 riots, focusing on an individual’s journey through the turmoil. While the film has its moments of brilliance, it occasionally falters in maintaining its narrative strength. Nonetheless, it succeeds in highlighting the painful impact of manufactured chaos on a multicultural society.