Jigariyaa

Jigariyaa is a 2014 Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film co-produced and directed by Raj Purohit and introduces Harshvardhan Deo and Cherry Mardia in lead roles. Set in the 80s in the intricate lanes of Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, Jigariyaa is a timeless love story that captivates the audiences with its traditional charm and evokes a feeling of retro-bollywood nostalgia.

Harshvardhan Deo portrays the character of Shyamlal Gupta (Shaamu), an idyllic, poetry-loving boy who leads a simple life in the serene old city of Agra. Influenced equally by the lives of Mirza Ghalib and his beloved grandfather, Shaamu is an innocent, starry-eyed, dreamy lad whose world changes when he comes across the enchanting Radhika.

Radhika, played by Cherry Mardia, is the charming and vivacious daughter of the local MLA and is brought up in a very protective and conservative atmosphere. Despite her protected upbringing, she embodies courage and conviction and chooses to follow her heart’s desires. With a smile that can lighten up hearts and a presence that commands attention, Radhika becomes a muse for the love-stricken Shaamu, inspiring him to pen poems and to aspire for eternal love.

Jigariyaa beautifully captures the innocent, pure and refreshing essence of first love. The film is a narration of the journey of young, pure, and devoted love in the heartland of India. The charm of the young actors, Harshvardhan Deo and Cherry Mardia, coupled with their innocent love and adorable chemistry, makes the film more than just a typical love story.

The films' cinematography by Sriram Ganapathy plays a crucial role as it beautifully captures the vibrant lanes, colorful bazaars, and historic monuments of Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, making these locations seem more like portraits which are rich in emotions. The art direction by Sumit Mishra equally complements by bringing an authentic touch to the overall ambiance of that era be it the characters' house settings or clothing, everything is detailed keeping in mind the '80s rural India.

Composed by Raj-Prakash, the film’s music has a strong flavor of traditional Indian folk and classical music which uplifts the narrative. The lyrics written by Arun Kumar are exceptional, perfectly complementing the essence of first love that is central to the film.

Director Raj Purohit does a commendable job in effectively portraying the characters' feelings and experiences, managing to make the audience feel a part of their journey. His skillful storytelling ensures that the audience can engage and empathize with the characters as they experience the beautifully unpredictable journey of love.

Among the other actors, Deepak Chaddha, who plays the father of Radhika, brings an excellent performance. He encapsulates the character of a protective father with an air of strictness, yet his love for his daughter shines through. Other supporting actors have also played their parts well, enriching the overall narrative with their well-rounded performances.

The film Jigariyaa doesn’t shy away from showing the intense emotions often associated with first love, from the initial hesitation, overwhelming infatuation, and immense joy to the inevitable heartbreak. It successfully recreates the atmosphere of the '80s with its background and sets, and manages to stay grounded and real throughout.

However, despite its raw emotional appeal and successful recreation of the '80s milieu, it is the film's depiction of the purity of young love and the authenticity with which the characters of Shaamu and Radhika have been portrayed that truly sets it apart. The film manages to retain an old world charm and simplicity that is becoming increasingly rare in the movies of today.

In summary, Jigariyaa is a heartwarming tale of first love, and it effortlessly takes you back to the beauty, innocence, and raw emotions of youth. The movie beautifully encapsulates the essence of love as something pure, innocent, and overflowing with deep emotions. It`s a journey of love that is hard to forget and a movie that will surely touch your heart.