Released on April 10, 2025, Jaat marks a fiery return for Sunny Deol in a quintessential Bollywood action drama, directed by Telugu filmmaker Gopichand Malineni in his Hindi cinema debut. Co-starring Randeep Hooda as the menacing antagonist, this high-octane film is a throwback to the 90s mass masala genre, blending raw action, larger-than-life heroism, and a classic good-versus-evil narrative. Backed by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, Jaat has ignited both fan frenzy and critical debate, making it a significant cinematic event of 2025.
A Tale of Valor in Motupalli
Set against the rugged backdrop of Motupalli, a coastal village in Andhra Pradesh, Jaat unfolds as a battle between righteousness and tyranny. Randeep Hooda plays Ranatunga, a Sri Lankan immigrant who has risen to become a feared crime lord, ruling the village through terror, black money, and violence. His iron grip is challenged by Brigadier Baldev Pratap Singh, known as Jaat (Sunny Deol), a formidable soldier from the Jaat Regiment. Jaat arrives with a mission to dismantle Ranatunga’s criminal empire, setting the stage for an epic showdown framed as a modern-day Ram-Ravan clash.
The film’s setting is brought to life through authentic locations in Hyderabad, Bapatla, and Visakhapatnam, capturing the gritty essence of coastal India. With a runtime of 153 minutes, Jaat is a rollercoaster of action sequences, dramatic dialogues, and a pulsating score by S. Thaman, which amplifies the film’s larger-than-life tone.
Stellar Performances Amid High-Octane Action
Sunny Deol, at 67, delivers a performance that reminds audiences why he’s an action icon. As Jaat, he channels the raw energy of his 90s roles, delivering bone-crunching action and iconic dialogues like, “Yeh dhai kilo ke haath ki taaqat poora North dekh chuka hai, ab South dekhega.” His commanding screen presence, especially in scenes where he single-handedly takes on hordes of enemies, evokes nostalgia and cheers from fans of classic Bollywood heroism.
Randeep Hooda is equally captivating as Ranatunga, portraying a villain who is both terrifying and charismatic. His cold-blooded demeanor and devilish laugh make him a worthy adversary, adding depth to the film’s conflict. Vineet Kumar Singh, playing Ranatunga’s brother Somulu, brings intensity to his role, while Regina Cassandra, as Ranatunga’s wife, makes the most of her limited screen time with a fiery performance. However, actors like Saiyami Kher and Jagapathi Babu are sidelined, their characters failing to leave a lasting impact.
Gopichand Malineni’s direction caters to mass audiences, prioritizing spectacle over subtlety. The first half is a gripping ride, with tight pacing and adrenaline-pumping action, including a standout train sequence. However, the second half falters with repetitive fight scenes and a lack of emotional resonance, making the film feel overly long. Malineni’s attempt to merge Telugu-style mass entertainment with Bollywood’s dramatic flair is ambitious but doesn’t always gel seamlessly.
Mixed Reception and Cultural Backlash
Jaat has elicited a polarized response. On X, fans have celebrated it as a “paisa vasool” entertainer, with Deol’s action sequences and Hooda’s villainy earning widespread praise. However, critics have been less kind. The Times of India rated it 3/5, calling it a “nostalgic joyride for Sunny Deol fans,” while The Indian Express gave it 1.5/5, slamming its “predictable plot and excessive violence.” On Rotten Tomatoes, it sits at a 45% approval rating based on 11 reviews.
The film courted controversy with a scene involving Hooda’s character in a church, which offended Christian sentiments. After protests, the scene was removed, and the makers issued a public apology on April 18, 2025. An FIR was filed in Jalandhar against Deol, Hooda, Malineni, and the producers under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for hurting religious sentiments, casting a shadow over the film’s release.
Box Office Performance and Lasting Impact
At the box office, Jaat started strong, collecting ₹9.5 crore on its opening day and crossing ₹57 crore in its first week. However, its run was hampered by competition from Raid 2 and Kesari Chapter 2, ending with ₹87.04 crore by its 22nd day. While it didn’t replicate the success of Deol’s 2023 hit Gadar 2, Jaat found its audience in single-screen theaters, particularly in mass belts like Rajasthan and Bihar.
Jaat is a film that wears its heart on its sleeve, delivering a no-holds-barred action spectacle that celebrates Sunny Deol’s enduring appeal. Despite its flaws—formulaic storytelling, a lack of depth, and pacing issues—it succeeds as a crowd-pleaser for those who crave unadulterated masala entertainment. As it gears up for its Netflix premiere, Jaat reaffirms the timeless allure of Bollywood’s action heroes, proving that Deol’s “dhai kilo ka haath” still resonates with audiences.
