Jilla

"Jilla" (2014) is an action drama film written and directed by R.T. Neason, in which Vijay, Mohanlal, Kajal Aggarwal, and Soori play their roles. The story revolves around the adopted son of a gangster who is forced to join the police but ultimately becomes an honest officer when faced with an ethical dilemma.

Shakthi (Vijay) is the adopted son of Madurai-based don Sivan (Mohanlal) and his loyal right-hand man. Shakthi has strong animosity towards the police since a policeman murdered his biological father as a child. He also dislikes wearing the khaki uniform and is disinterested in Shanthi (Kajal Aggarwal), a lady he was attracted to, when she turns out to be a police inspector. When a new commissioner, Ajay Rathore (Pradeep Rawat), makes a bid for power against Sivan, he compels Shakthi to become an IPS officer to keep him under his control. Even though he is reluctant, Shakthi agrees and allows Sivan's gang to carry on their illegal activities. Still, a devastating accident with a gas leak that takes innocent lives and the beating of a woman by Sivan's boys shake Shakthi up. Shakthi becomes an honest officer and starts purging the system.

Committing himself to justice, Shakthi confronts Sivan and his gang. Sivan tries to bring him down, but Shakthi continues his mission with the help of Shanthi and Gopal (Soori). He arrests several gang members and earns a promotion. Meanwhile, Sivan’s other adopted son, Aadhi Kesavan (Sampath Raj), plots revenge, revealing that Sivan killed his father, the same police officer who had killed Shakthi’s father. Aadhi schemes to turn Sivan against Shakthi, but the truth is revealed. Sivan and Shakthi unite to kill Aadhi, who takes his own life. Sivan asks Shakthi to arrest him in the end, and they both leave together, which is a gesture of respect and closure.

"Jilla" is a power-packed action drama that combines family sentiments with power struggles. Vijay and Mohanlal perform well with good screen presence. The movie is filled with action, peppy songs, and dramatic turns. Though the story is predictable, the father-son emotional conflict is noteworthy. The message of the movie about justice, change, and loyalty gives strength to its mass appeal.