Post SAJJAN SINGH RANGROOT, this is the second sincere attempt of making a WAR drama in Punjabi Cinema, and is based on the life instances of Subedar Joginder Singh, who bravely fought on his post along a courageous battalion, sacrificing their lives together during the Indo-China war in 1962.
Directed by Simerjit Singh, the film decently begins from the war-front, which straight away raises the expectations assuming it to be a completely focused film on its well-chosen subject. But just after the introduction, it sadly goes back to the typical Indian format of a War film, wherein the family and personal background of a soldier captures the major part of the script and the war sequences get added towards the climax. So following this set pattern, you get to see extensive attention given to the backstory, affair and marriage of Joginder Singh including a few (good but unrequired songs) in its first hour, that (strangely) even continues post the intermission. And then as usual, the final 30 minutes get completely devoted to the war, thankfully becoming the best part of the film, ending on a tragic, emotional note.
In other words, what goes in favour of the film is its performances including Gippy Grewal and many well-known names of Punjabi music and film industry (along a few debuts) giving their best shot. Though the supporting cast doesn’t get any focused attention, the actors still do a fine job in their given scenes, especially in the war-sequences. On the other hand, what doesn’t go in favour of the film is an avoidable focus on forced comedy, romance and songs including back to back tracks that easily could have been edited in the final cut.
The cinematography, background score and sound is more than fine adding to the overall impact of the war sequences, but the director appears to be too keen to make something similar to Hindi blockbuster BORDER, visible in his several identical scenes including the song Chithhiyan and a sad one coming right in between the war (why we still do that?). Besides the choice of an actor and portrayal of the Chinese Chief (with untidy hair throughout) could have been much better, adding more depth to the fight put up by the Indian soldiers.
In all, SUBEDAR JOGINDER SINGH is a noble intentioned, decent attempt, which once again cannot be called anything outstanding or exceptional as exactly was the case with SAJJAN SINGH RANGROOT. Moreover it all depends upon what you individually expect from a War movie or a film based on the life of a brave Indian soldier? Do you wish to see songs, dance and romance revolving around his personal backdrop or everything talking about War and various strategies planned in the action field? The decision is all yours.
Rating : 2.5 + 0.5 / 5 (with the additional 0.5 for the entire crew and the producers, spiritedly working and backing such a mega project)
(Note: The article was first published on UC-News Mobile App on 8th April 2018)
Tags :
Subedaar Joginder Singh (Punjabi) Review by Bobby Sing at bobbytalkscinema.com, Punjabi Movies Reviews by Bobby Sing, New Punjabi Movies Reviews by Bobby Sing, Gippy Grewal War Film, War Films in Punjabi Cinema
