Jaanwar (1999) User Reviews (16)

Could have been a nice vehicle for Kumar

[Peter_Young · 5/10 · 23 December 2021]

Okay, an action film with Akshay Kumar, which is not bad at all. Right, it's not a great film but it is slightly watchable and, well, personally, most Akshay Kumar films even the very bad ones are at least not unwatchable, even if in parts, due to his effective presence. I may well be biased as I might be a bit of a fan of his screen persona of that time, but that's the way it is anyway. Jaanwar gives Kumar an opportunity to do what he had longed to do for years - a seemingly different role. Sadly, it is a melodramatic fare which doesn't really ring true, so not much could have been done here.

Kumar's role is that of a past goon who collects and adopts a kid from the street. His role goes somewhat along the lines of Mamohan Krishna's unforgettable role in Yash Chopra's social classic Dhool Ka Phool (1959). Now please don't get me wrong, this one is nowhere close to being the quality of Chopra's gem, but there's a fair attempt on the part of the director and particularly Kumar himself, who was already making some improvements in his career with Sangharsh, as well as other films that would be released later, including Hera Pheri.

Sadly, it is not enough - the film is really badly written. In one scene, Shilpa Shetty gives Kumar's little boy (who is actually her lost son, how predictable) a gift toy, and Kumar gives it back to her. This scene is one of the most embarrassing I can imagine as Kumar breaks into a monologue that is so cliché and exaggerated it's almost funny. Kumar is good in the first half, and quite weird in the latter (the hairstyle change is ridiculous). Shilpa Shetty and Karisma Kapoor are stagy and so is the boy. The ending is really badly overblown, but the film is not one of Kumar's ultimate worst.

Akshay's Comeback

[superindrajit · 6/10 · 30 May 2011]

Akshay Kumar ended the 1990s period on a good note but most of his late 90s films were bad flops at the box office. Post Sapoot(1996), all his films started flopping. Those days, he wasn't much of a good actor and critics had written him of because of his loud comic performances that didn't do justice to his action image. Akshay needed a comeback and finally after 4 years of struggle(1996-1999), Akshay got Jaanwar(1999). Sangharsh(1999) released before but it was only critically successful.

Jaanwar is another typical action movie that contains a lot of melodrama and a few clichés but the action and dialogs save it from being a complete bore. Because believe me, in parts the movie is actually unbearable. The film tells the story of a young boy who is raised by a powerful criminal after his mom's death. The boy ends up becoming a thief, he succeeds and lives the proper life of a thief until he ends up brutally murdering a criminal who tried to get him arrested. He then finds a small kid and this kid eventually reforms and changes this guy to a responsible and caring man. He lives for the kid and gives up his criminal life only to be haunted by his past. His criminal stepfather and sidekick are still alive and want him back in the life of crime at any cost.

The film is extremely typical because it contains all the common ingredients of a Masala film. However, there are certain highlights that save this flick from being an overdone and boring action flick. The situations are well formed but certain scenes lack detail, the editing is decent. The film makes sense and scenes aren't just randomly put together. The only complaint I have with the film is the typical scenes where the heroines have to cry and irritate, these scenes just drag the movie and fail to actually add much detail to the film. The girls don't have to cry so much, the audience already understands the situation and the problem but the girls keep on crying, this becomes irritating after a while. The film does entertain with the power packed dialogs and raw action. Both are successfully utilized and benefit the movie. Some action scenes may be a little violent but it's still not a big issue.

Direction by Suneel Darshan is fairly good for the most part. He handles many scenes well properly depicting the life of a thief. The scenes where Akshay changes because of the child are well shown and the scenes involving Akshay and the child are good. The scenes where the actual parents of the child want him back are good but drag the film. The climax is hard hitting with a brilliant action sequence. Although the scene where the dogs torture the child could be avoided. Overall, a job well done, he handles a typical movie decently.

Akshay Kumar lives the role of the thief Baadshah, as Babu Lohar he also does a good job emoting correctly and timing the expressions properly. This was his comeback and his set of hit films started with this one. Karishma Kapoor is good in parts, but her crying is irritating, she has improved as an actress though. Shilpa Shetty doesn't have much to do, she just cries. Ashish Vidyarthi as the nosy cop is good, it's good to see him do positive roles for once. Ashutosh Rana's act starts with potential but slowly, his overacting gets on your nerves. Shakti Kapoor doesn't have much to do and he doesn't appear frequently in the film, but he fits the role of the main villain. The child actor and the others provide decent support the film needs.

On the whole, Jaanwar is a good action film despite the typical ingredients and the cringe worthy crying. The film could've been better in parts but the film still doesn't disappoint despite some clichés.

Lots of Cliches, But Pretty Good

[artikafitriaramadhani · 6/10 · 2 March 2023]

Jaanwar is not an extraordinary film, but I think that in terms of the film that was made almost twenty years ago when I wrote this review, Jaanwar is a pretty good film.

Raising the lives of poor people, Jaanwar tells the story of a man who is trapped in a life of crime after being orphaned. In his life journey, he experienced a series of events that changed his life. After meeting a child who survived a train accident, she is determined to leave the criminal world and live an honest life for the sake of her son's bright future.

This film depicts the life of the poor quite well. The characters in this film have a pessimistic outlook on life, but they still continue to have their hopes in God. The depiction of the lives of the characters is also well written. Maybe what's a bit odd is Karishma Kapoor's make-up. She looks very pretty for the role of a poor girl. Her make-up should have been made simpler to match her appearance with the role she was playing.

The plot is neatly written, but there are a lot of clichés from 90s Bollywood masala films. I love the dialogues in this film, which are written dramatically. Reading subtitles already feels like reading a novel LOL. But I like it haha. The dialogue at the opening of the film is the best.

For comedy scenes, I think the comedy in this film feels a bit "forced". I don't think there would be anything missing if the comedic scene was removed from the film. But I appreciate Johnny Lever with his comedic roles. He did pretty well.

I won't comment much on the acting of the players, because I'm not good at commenting on this part. But I don't like Shilpa Shetty crying too much here. What I remember most about Shilpa Shetty's presence in this film is her tears that kept coming out. I guess, to describe her grief over the loss of the son she loved, it was enough to tell her to continue to act gloomy and listless rather than telling her to continue crying. What is rather unfortunate is that Karishma Kapoor's role is not felt in the development of the story. In the second half of the film, I even forgot that he also took part in this film.

One of the aspects that I like about this film is the soundtrack. Songs from this movie are always on my on repeat playlist. The presence of the soundtrack is indeed quite entertaining, so this film, which has too many cliché scenes, doesn't feel so boring.

Well, this assessment is a bit biased because I wrote more about my feelings towards this film. But I hope this review can help those of you who might want to try watching this film but are a little hesitant.

Akshay's comeback however overrated

[silvan-desouza · 4/10 · 18 February 2014]

1997 till 1999 was the worst period for Akki he gave countless flops in a row, Jaanwar was his first hit after ages. The film directed by Suneel Darshan and paired him with Karisma with whom he worked before in Deedaar, Sapoot, Lahoo Ke Do Rang.etc The film starts off like a normal action film but when Akshay changes himself to take care of the kid things do get interesting but why has Akshay to have long hair for that? There are some good tender moments between Akshay and the kid but otherwise there is too much melodrama, typical formula.etc

Direction by Suneel Darshan is good in parts Music is good, Mausam ki Tarah is the best of the lot rest songs are okay

Akshay Kumar tries too hard and the effort shows and for some reason Suneel makes him ham too much yet he does well in several scenes. Karisma Kapoor is okay in a typical role We have Akshay's ex flame too Shilpa Shetty though not cast opposite her, she is okay, Mohinish Behl is good Shakti Kapoor is as usual, Ashutosh Rana is wasted. Aditya Kapadia is good as the kid.

Exciting.

[hsshmillenium · 10/10 · 26 June 2000]

because it is an Akshay Kumar film we expect it to be a fighting film. But this film is more than that. It covers almost every aspect of our interests, ie. romance, tragedy, action and of course Johny Lever's comedy. A wonderful storyline and performance by Akshay, karishma and shipla Sheety. A defintly must see film. The songs are one of a kind.

Father son relationship

[sanjeevvach · 8/10 · 9 February 2019]

This film was dedicated by akshay to his father whom he had lost recently

The song "tuzko na dekhu to ji ghabrata hai" has sealed the deal for me!

[coolakshay-32102 · 8/10 · 10 January 2021]

I have not seen a complete movie but I watched a song million times and that made me really emotional.. every time I watch that song brings tears.. chemistry between father and son has never been shown in the bollywood movies before.. watch this movie only for the song..

Best film ever

[zainn-98999 · 10/10 · 9 July 2022]

This film is so powerful in terms of message and it's songs are very iconic. The father and son relationship is what makes me tear up all the time and Babu's past as Badshah is also interestng. Golden and unforgettable movie.

Masterpiece Acting, Superb Direction

[asadharanasone · 10/10 · 7 December 2020]

"Janwar" film is undoubtedly the best film of Akshay Kumar. It was his Hit also after 17 consecutive flops.

Kudos to Director Suneel Darshan. Superb Direction, acting from supporting cast as wells as it's a Lead Actor Show...

Father-Dad Relationship will make you cry 😭

Action, Emotion, Song and Direction, this is a Masterpiece film of 90s Bollywood

[amitmcavoy · 8/10 · 16 February 2019]

Why would someone watch this movie. Coz this movie lets you dwell deep into the river of emotions. Even if your heart is rock solid, you will feel for the characters in the film. That is called awesome direction and scripting. This is a one unique type of film in 90s and ran in the theater for long enough to become Blockbuster movie of the year. For the First time Akshay looked so promising as actor, before this he was just a "Khiladi" of Bollywood. So powerful was the acting in the movie, every moment of this film lets u feel, that you are watching a real story, and real people on the screen. The story is one of a kind and the execution is phenomenal. The best scene of the film was when Babu Lohar was put in the cage and his kid was left for dogs. Every 90s film, would have shown some heroic flicks which might seem unbelievable, but the effort of the Babu Lohar to bend the Cage instead of breaking it. Justifies a top notch Directional skills. Loved the movie and Watched is many times.

Happy Ending this.......movie

[anasmiah · 10/10 · 25 April 2019]

This is the best happpy ending movie.This movies story line is father and son relation which is not measured by blue blood.

easily Akshay Kumar best performance ever

[drezzy-93774 · 10/10 · 1 August 2017]

Akshay kumar has many great movies and many flop movies, this movie was his transition from a action flicker/comedy actor to one of the best Bollywood actors today. this movie has everything that matters love,tragedy,family,betrayal and much more. if you are a Bollywood fan and want to watch a brilliant movie all around don't hesitate to watch Jaanwar.

Jaanwar Rating

[ankitkumar-63928 · 9/10 · 24 December 2020]

Akshay Kumar Gave One Of His All Time Best Performance In Jaanwar. No One Else Could Have Done The Role Of "Badshah" & "Babu Lohar" Better Than Him. He Had Put His Heart & Soul In This Movie In Action, Romance, Emotions & Everything. He Deserves Everything For This Movie 👌🔥❤😍

Highly emotional and educative movie....

[sujeetpatel · 10/10 · 24 December 2020]

This movie is for very generation... Awesome story..with perfect combination of songs... Akshay kumar nailed with his acting...

Masterpiece

[trishsuraj · 9/10 · 24 December 2020]

Action , emotion , songs in every gener it is a perfect movie . Specially the emotional scene between father and son

A Perfect Movie.

[deewanaakkika · 10/10 · 29 August 2020]

One of the best movies of Akshay Kumar. Good Direction, good songs. Impressive performance by Akshay Kumar & Ashutosh Rana. Must Watch.