A theatre in West Delhi's Rajouri Garden (known for its Punjabi population) is worth the number of tickets it sells for a Punjabi comedy—think the mega-successful Carry on Jatta (2012) and Jatt and Juliet (2011). The theatre where I watched the third part of Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa’s rom-com franchise, was no different. Scores of Rajouri Garden-families laughed their hearts out watching Jatt And Juliet 3.
Jatt and Juliet 3 Overview
Dosanjh and Bajwa reprise their iconic roles as Fateh and Pooja, serving a good amount of nostalgia garnished with feel-good romance and a crackling chemistry.
Split into a pre-interval ‘Punjab phase’ and a post-interval ‘London phase’, the film shows Fateh and Pooja get into a marriage of convenience. Adding tadka to this already complicated equation is Jasmine Bajwa who plays Daisy, a woman accused of fraud. As Daisy and Fateh bond, cracks began to appear between him and Pooja.
The Punjabi language in the film is, as they say, theth (Punjabi for pure/refined). SO in case you aren't well-versed in the language, opting for a screening with subtitles might help.
Jatt And Juliet 3 Performances
Both Diljit and Bajwa are a delight to watch but Bajwa is often overshadowed by Diljit not because of her acting chops but the writing which gives Dosanjh more screen space. The two spar, trade barbs at the police station—a Tom and Jerry-like dynamic plays out where the senior cop (Bajwa) creates trouble for her subordinate (Dosanjh).
Diljit, Internet's heartthrob is having one helluva year. He most recently appeared on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. It is hard not to like Dosanjh as Fateh, even though much of his comedy is borderline offensive—think jokes on colour of one's skin, weight and lack of education.
Jatt And Juliet 3 Writing And Direction
To make matters worse, there are also two stereotypical Punjabi characters, which seem loosely based on Santa-Banta jokes. It is quite ironic that a film meant for Punjabis is full of stereotypes targetting the very population it is catering to. The jokes have punchlines which go for the lowest hanging fruit. And of course, the humour is very silly at times.
Somewhere, the film also offers commentary on the immigration dreams of Punjabis, the unemployed youth and the many challenges faced by the policemen. I would have loved the film if this subtle commentary was supported by solid comic punches and humour—after all, J&J is a rom-com.
Also read: Diljit Dosanjh offers prayers at Gurdwara in Delhi, also participates in community services
Jatt And Juliet 3 What Works What Doesn’t
Directed by Jagdeep Sidhu, Jatt And Juliet 3 is one of those films for which you must “leave your brains at home”. Believe me, I tried not to use whatever little brain I carried with me. But some gags and jokes, which seemed like they are straight out of The Kapil Sharma Show' played spoilsport.
As much as I wanted to like Dosanjh, who was last seen in Imtiaz Ali's Chamkila, I wished the actor was more mindful of the characters he plays (and the dialogues they deliver). Bajwa does the best with the role she is offered as does Jasmine. If you are in for a silly rom-com (and are willing to leave your brains at home), Jatt And Juliet 3 might just be the perfect weekend watch for you.
Star rating: 2/5
Jatt and Juliet 3 is now playing in theatres.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
