Jog 101 Movie Review: Fails to capture the beauty of the setting and its genre

Vijay Raghavendra, known for his roles in a slew of thrillers like Seetharam Benoy, Marichi, and the recently released Case of Kondana, brings his signature style to the fore once again in Jog 101. While this film isn't solely focused on investigation like his previous films, the central crime in the story is enough to incite your curiosity. The actor's inclusion in the ensemble cast is one of the primary draws of the movie and gives the audiences a taste of the thrill they've come to expect from his previous ventures. So, does Jog 101 deliver the same satisfaction as his earlier works?

Director: Vijay Kannadiga
Cast : Vijay Raghavendra, Tejaswini Shekar, Govinde Gowda, and Rajesh Nataranga

The film revolves around Jog and its dark reputation as a suicide spot. Vikram (Vijay Raghavendra), an IT professional, who, alongside Govinde Gowda, arrives in Jog, on a mission to find his friend Amar's (Tilak Shekar) sister, Sushma. The latter and her husband vanish after celebrating their first wedding anniversary, with their family believing they've taken their own lives. Vikram sets out to analyse the circumstances surrounding their deaths. His investigation uncovers a shocking revelation: 101 cases of suicide have been reported in the Jog area, with few resolved. While Vikram goes deeper into the mystery, he accidentally crosses paths with Disha at a temple in Jog and is instantly smitten. However, it is later revealed that his initial intentions for meeting her were different. Can Vikram win Disha's hand and unravel the truth behind the missing couple?

Director Vijay seemed to have a promising script at his disposal, but he struggled to maintain a clear focus. It's unclear which aspect of the story should take precedence: the mystery of the missing couple, the romantic subplot, or the exploration of sacrifices, and its rituals. This lack of clarity results in a jumbled narrative, where none of the plotlines receive the attention they deserve, leaving the audience feeling confused and disengaged.

As the film unfolds entirely in Jog, audiences eagerly awaited the breathtaking sight of Jog Falls, reminiscent of its stunning portrayal in the iconic Mungaru Male (2006). However, the cinematographer disappoints by capturing only a fraction of its true beauty, failing to provide the up-close and personal views cinephiles hoped for. Instead, the film dedicates on-and-off screen time to brand promotions, overshadowing the natural splendour.

Despite the film's shortcomings, Vijay Raghavendra shoulders a hefty burden, building on his recent successes in investigative roles. While he commits wholeheartedly to his character, we feel like he has not concentrated enough on the script, which gives him little to work with. Tejaswini Shekar is highlighted as the romantic interest, While Govinde Gowda injects humour, albeit in a somewhat forced manner, which makes it come across as jarring. On the other hand, Tilak Shekar has a fleeting appearance. Additionally, there are a few antagonistic characters introduced. However, their presence doesn't add the required complexity to the storyline, nor does it contribute to the overall narrative development. Rajesh Nataranga surprises us with his performance, although it could have been further explored. Ultimately, Jog 101 struggles to find its footing, prompting us to consider a real-life visit to Jog Falls so we can dissolve our disappointment in all its natural splendour.