Jawan begins with a bang. Before one can process the sequence, the narrative moves to another exciting and terrific episode. Writer-director Atlee peppers these scenes with lots of entertainment and also adds an important social message. In fact, this is Shah Rukh Khan's most political film in years and it's brave of a superstar like him to back such a script, that too, in today's times. The second half is also great. But the film goes on a high in the first half and the post-interval scenes don't match up to it. There are some loose ends and cinematic liberties and moreover, a lot of scenes give a been-there-done-that feeling. Another minus point of the film is the music. Speaking of performances, Shah Rukh Khan is simply phenomenal. We have never seen him in such a role and that adds to the fun. Nayanthara looks stunning and rocks the show. Her love story, however, is weak. Vijay Sethupathi is okay initially but shines later on. Deepika Padukone is lovely as expected. From the women's squad, Priya Mani (Laxmi), Sanya Malhotra (Eeram) and Lehar Khan (Kalki) leave a huge mark. Seeza Saroj Mehta (Suji) is adorable. Others who do well are Girija Oak (Ishkra), Sanjeeta Bhattacharya (Helena), Sunil Grover (Irani), Omkar Das Manikpuri (Kalki's father) and Naresh Gosain (Agriculture minister). Sanjay Dutt is rocking. Sumit Arora's dialogues are clapworthy. All in all, Jawan is a wholesome entertainer that works thanks to the entertainment quotient, message and above all, Shah Rukh Khan's never-before-seen avatar.

My rating - *** ½ out of 5!