“Driver Jamuna” is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language thriller directed by P. Kinslin, featuring Aishwarya Rajesh in the titular role. The film delves into the life of a female cab driver who becomes entangled in a perilous situation involving contract killers. Released on December 30, 2022, the movie offers a blend of suspense and drama, highlighting the challenges faced by women in unconventional professions.
Plot Overview
The narrative centers on Jamuna (Aishwarya Rajesh), a resilient woman who takes up cab driving following the untimely death of her father, who was also a driver. Despite societal prejudices and familial objections, particularly from her aunt who believes that driving is unsuitable for women, Jamuna perseveres to support her ailing mother. One fateful day, she accepts a shared ride request, picking up three men who, unbeknownst to her, are contract killers on a mission to assassinate a former MLA. As the journey unfolds, Jamuna finds herself caught between the assassins and law enforcement, leading to a tense and suspenseful ordeal.
Cast and Crew
- Aishwarya Rajesh as Jamuna: Delivers a compelling performance as the protagonist, portraying a woman who confronts danger head-on while challenging societal norms.
- Aadukalam Naren as Maragathavel: Plays a pivotal role, adding depth to the narrative with his seasoned acting.
- Kavitha Bharathi: Features in a significant role, contributing to the film’s dynamic storyline.
- Abhishek Kumar: Portrays a musician and one of the passengers, adding layers to the plot.
- Sriranjani: Plays Jamuna’s mother, whose illness serves as a motivating factor for Jamuna’s choices.
The film’s music is composed by Ghibran, whose score enhances the suspenseful atmosphere. Cinematography by Gokul Benoy captures the claustrophobic and tense environment within the cab, while editor R. Ramar ensures a tight narrative flow. Produced by S. P. Chowthari under the banner of 18 Reels, “Driver Jamuna” marks a notable entry in the thriller genre of Tamil cinema.
Production Insights
Announced in January 2021, coinciding with Aishwarya Rajesh’s birthday, “Driver Jamuna” was touted as a crime thriller. Director P. Kinslin, known for his earlier work “Vathikuchi” (2013), helmed the project, marking his return to the director’s chair. To authentically portray the role of a cab driver, Aishwarya Rajesh engaged with numerous taxi drivers, observing their body language and daily routines. The film was shot primarily in Chennai, with production wrapping up efficiently.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, “Driver Jamuna” received mixed reviews from critics. Aishwarya Rajesh’s performance was widely lauded for its authenticity and depth. However, critiques were directed at the film’s screenplay and pacing.
The Times of India noted, “Aishwarya Rajesh tries her best to save this hastily written road thriller,” suggesting that while the lead’s performance was commendable, the writing lacked depth.
The New Indian Express commented, “The Aishwarya Rajesh-starrer is all over the place all at once,” indicating a lack of focused writing and cohesive storytelling.
Hindustan Times offered a more balanced view, stating, “For a thriller, it reserves most of its thrills for the last 10 minutes, and that’s a move that may not appeal to everybody,” acknowledging the film’s attempt to build suspense, albeit in a delayed manner.
India Today criticized the film for its logical inconsistencies, stating, “Driver Jamuna is a lacklustre film that suffers from logical loopholes.”
On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 5.6/10, reflecting a lukewarm reception from audiences.
Box Office Performance
“IMDb Rating” was produced on an estimated budget of ₹10 crores. The film was released across approximately 600 screens worldwide, with 500 screens in India and 100 overseas. On its opening day, it collected an estimated ₹1-2 crores. To be considered a hit, the film needed to gross around ₹15 crores overall. However, detailed box office figures beyond the opening day are not readily available, making it challenging to ascertain the film’s financial success.
Conclusion
“Driver Jamuna” presents a unique narrative within Tamil cinema, focusing on a female cab driver’s unexpected entanglement with criminals. Aishwarya Rajesh’s portrayal of Jamuna stands out as a testament to her acting prowess, bringing depth and authenticity to the character. While the film’s screenplay and pacing have faced criticism, it offers moments of suspense and drama that may appeal to thriller enthusiasts. The movie also sheds light on the societal challenges faced by women in unconventional professions, adding a layer of social commentary to its narrative.