The most notable antagonist of Jaadugar is the protagonist themselves. Meenu's self destructiveness harms not only him but everyone he imposes his self-proclaimed 'true love' on. It is increasingly bothersome as the movie progresses because I personally grew to despise his decisions and need to achieve something with complete disregard for the people who care for him so unconditionally. He repeatedly uses them, ignores them, and shuns them except to benefit anyone but himself.
The performance of Jitendra Kumar as Meenu adds no flair to the character whatsoever. I guess I expected some kind of feigned emotional weight whenever he tries to deceive or inveigle someone. But it is so apparently obvious that he is faking it that even in the in universe characters catch it in one go. On top of that it is no joking matter whenever he attempts to manipulate someone. He consistently forces his love and how he perceives it and does everything in his way, which while reiterated several times in the movie that this in fact is not real love never gains enough momentum to thwart his methods. He eventually with his annoying persistence wins the girl and has it both ways despite the girl denying any real romantic interest in him and his dickish behavior with regards to his uncle and society. Jaadugar's writing does little to build Meenu's character but has notably strong side characters. His first girlfriend Ichha has a commendable resolve, his second girlfriend is a doctor who in a hilarious and completely justified way threatens him to never show his face to her again, which initially shows her as smart and independent and then immediately diverts to showing her being irresponsibly unpragmatic with respect to transport. His guruji assists him with advice and direction while simultaneously tasking him with the most controversial decision making challenges, which Meenu successfully manages to rob any emotional or will defining element from. And finally coming to the best part of the movie, Meenu's uncle, played by the exemplary Javed Jafri who overshadows Jitendra Kumar in every possible way. His acting combined with his determination for redemption and dedication to his sport and a sight to behold. Around him a whole squad builds character and becomes so likable you forget that his own biggest enemy throughout the movie is his own son (nephew). He also commands a stutter, which is displayed beautifully and the character himself has flaws but only ones that make him more natural and rarely unlikable.
If I had to say that I did in fact enjoy this movie for any reason at all, I would say that it is quite hilarious. Whether it picks those moments through being excessively cringy or by bringing out human characteristics in very individual which defines and shapes them all apart from each other. The writing can be appreciated in that it would have been very easy to make Meeanu, his uncle and his girlfriend central to the story and be done with it, however, it takes the effort to build each and every member of society involved. To the point that even his unreliable friend Lalli ends up having more credibility in character than Meenu himself.
Set in the small town of Neemuch quite close to my own hometown and while mentioning my own hometown in one dialogue, it does a spectacular job at building atmosphere and characters relative to the true environment. However, the protagonist has no chance to be likable by any sane and we do not have unconditional motives to forgive every mistake committed by a fully adult Meenu, in stark contrast to his forgiving and pathos uncle.
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