Jaat (2025) Movie Review: A Thunderous Return to Old-School Action with Sunny Deol’s Explosive Star Power
Released on April 10, 2025, and now streaming on Netflix as of June 4, 2025, Jaat marks a fiery return to the kind of larger-than-life action cinema that defined Bollywood in the '90s. Directed by Gopichand Malineni in his Hindi film debut, this action thriller brings together a powerhouse cast led by Sunny Deol, with Randeep Hooda, Regina Cassandra, and Saiyami Kher in pivotal roles. Produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, Jaat has already made waves, grossing nearly Rs 50 crore in its theatrical run, but it’s not without its controversies. Let’s dive into what makes this film a mass entertainer—and where it stumbles.
Plot and Setting: A Classic Good vs. Evil Saga
Set in a lawless village where violence reigns supreme, Jaat follows Brig. Baldev Pratap Singh (Sunny Deol), a lone warrior who steps into the chaos to confront the tyrannical rule of Ranatunga (played with menacing flair by Randeep Hooda). The villagers, haunted by oppression, find a glimmer of hope in Baldev, a man of few words but relentless action. The story is straightforward—think classic Bollywood tropes of a hero rising against injustice—but it’s executed with a raw, visceral energy that keeps you hooked, especially in the first half. The screenplay, also penned by Malineni, doesn’t aim for depth or innovation, instead doubling down on high-octane drama and mass-appealing moments that cater to Sunny Deol’s loyal fanbase.
Sunny Deol’s Electrifying Presence
Sunny Deol, fresh off the blockbuster success of Gadar 2 (2023), is the heart and soul of Jaat. At 67, the actor proves why he remains Bollywood’s go-to action hero. His entry scene—uprooting a massive fan and wielding it as a weapon—is the stuff of legend, perfectly captured in the first-look poster released on his birthday in October 2024. Deol’s character, Baldev, is a stoic, no-nonsense soldier whose every punch and roar shakes the theater (and now your living room via Netflix). Bollywood Hungama’s review, which gave the film 3.5/5 stars, rightly calls his presence “electrifying,” and it’s hard to disagree. Whether he’s taking on an army of goons or delivering a fiery monologue, Deol commands the screen with an intensity that’s both nostalgic and thrilling.
Supporting Cast and Performances
Randeep Hooda as Ranatunga is a standout, bringing a chilling intensity to the antagonist’s role. A particular scene inside a church—where Hooda stands beneath a crucifix amidst a praying congregation—became a lightning rod for controversy, but more on that later. Hooda’s ability to steal scenes, even opposite a titan like Deol, cements his status as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors. Regina Cassandra and Saiyami Kher, while competent, are underutilized, their roles reduced to emotional anchors for the male leads. The ensemble cast, including Jagapathi Babu and Ramya Krishnan, adds gravitas, but the script doesn’t give them enough to do beyond supporting the central conflict.
Direction and Action: Malineni’s Mass Appeal
Gopichand Malineni, known for Telugu blockbusters like Veera Simha Reddy (2023), brings his signature style to Hindi cinema: action, attitude, and adrenaline. The action sequences are the film’s biggest strength, choreographed with a raw, gritty edge that harkens back to Deol’s Ghayal days. From bone-crunching hand-to-hand combat to larger-than-life stunts—like Deol wielding that iconic fan—the film delivers on its promise of “paisa vasool” entertainment. The first half, in particular, is a rollercoaster of mass moments, with sharp editing and razor-sharp execution keeping the energy high.
However, the second half falters, as the pacing slows and the plot leans heavily on clichés. Malineni’s reliance on formulaic storytelling—complete with a predictable redemption arc and a romantic subplot that feels tacked on—prevents Jaat from rising above its genre constraints. As Hindustan Times’ Rishabh Suri noted in his 3/5 review, the film “reinforces why the big-screen experience remains unmatched,” but it’s clear that innovation isn’t Malineni’s goal here. This is a film for the masses, not the critics.
Music and Soundtrack: A Mixed Bag
The soundtrack, composed by S. Thaman, has its highs and lows. Tracks like “Touch Kiya (Sorry Bol)” and “Oh Rama Shri Rama” were chart-toppers before the film’s release, and the “Jaat Theme Song,” choreographed by Ganesh Acharya and sung by Amrit Maan, is a high-energy banger that perfectly captures Deol’s explosive avatar. However, as IMDb’s review points out, the music is largely forgettable beyond the theater. The background score, while effective in action scenes, doesn’t linger, missing the kind of iconic themes that defined Deol’s earlier films.
The Church Scene Controversy
No review of Jaat can ignore the controversy that erupted shortly after its theatrical release. A scene depicting Randeep Hooda’s character in a church, surrounded by praying congregation members amidst violence, drew backlash from Christian groups, who called for a ban. The sequence, which showed Hooda standing beneath a crucifix, was deemed insensitive, sparking a broader debate on religious representation in cinema. On April 18, 2025, the filmmakers issued an apology and removed the scene from the theatrical and digital versions. This incident, reported by Filmibeat, highlights the delicate balance filmmakers must strike between artistic freedom and cultural sensitivity—a lesson Bollywood continues to grapple with, as seen in past controversies like Padmaavat (2018).
Final Verdict: A One-Time Watch for Action Fans
Jaat is a film that knows its audience and delivers exactly what they want: a larger-than-life hero, bone-rattling action, and a villain you love to hate. Sunny Deol’s fans will find plenty to cheer for, and Randeep Hooda’s performance adds a layer of intensity that elevates the film. However, for those seeking depth, innovation, or emotional resonance, Jaat falls short. Its reliance on outdated tropes and a forgettable soundtrack hold it back from being a true game-changer in the action genre.
At 800 words, this review captures the essence of Jaat as a thunderous, if flawed, entertainer. Streaming on Netflix as of June 4, 2025, it’s worth a watch for action aficionados and Deol devotees, but don’t expect anything groundbreaking. As Bollywood Hungama put it, Jaat is “an explosive paisa vasool entertainer”—and sometimes, that’s enough.
Rating: 3.5/5
A nostalgic trip for fans of old-school action, powered by Sunny Deol’s unmatched charisma, but marred by a lack of depth and a controversial misstep.
A nostalgic trip for fans of old-school action, powered by Sunny Deol’s unmatched charisma, but marred by a lack of depth and a controversial misstep.