Moosa Jatt review: Sidhu Moosewala’s debut film is an action thriller with a confused plot

What does it mean to be a Jatt? Well, according to the Punjabi-language movie Moosa Jatt, it means being tough as nails, straddling a gun without a care, downing gallons of desi ghee without worrying about clogged arteries, slapping the thigh in a gesture of bravado, and, of course, owning the most coveted ride of them all — a tractor.

Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala’s debut movie is a mixed bag. The film is the story of a boy, Moosa, who is orphaned as his family is unable to deal with their hardships. The boy is brought up by his uncle Jung Singh, an influential man. Under his uncle's care, Moosa learns to be a fighter and meet every obstacle with force. As the boy grows up, he learns to solve every fight with the gun, a sign of his 'toughness'. When Jung Singh’s enemy Sangha and his goons start circling, Moosa decides to teach them a lesson.

The second half changes tracks and becomes more about the plight of farmers in Punjab and their exploitation at the hands of the government, the land mafia and even the police. Moosa here emerges as a kind of Robinhood figure. But of course, he solves all problems with the terror of the bullet.

Directed by Dilsher Singh and Khushpal Singh, Moosa Jatt is odd. The two halves of the film are so different in their messaging that they could well have belonged to different movies. The first part is largely a family revenge drama with one choreographed face-off after another in slow motion. The second half references the current socio-political situation in Punjab and includes some heart-breaking moments as it looks at the dismal conditions of farmers who are driven to extreme measures out of sheer desperation.

The situation gives Moosa a sense of purpose and he is propelled to make a change. This is certainly the better half of the movie and one wishes it was developed with a little more thought.

Moosa Jatt also stars Sweetaj Brar, Mahabir Bhullar, Sameep Singh and Tarsem Paul. Bhullar is impressive as usual while Brar, who has also made her acting debut with this movie, has given a good account of herself. Moosewala is adequate for his role which mostly requires him to be impassive. The music is fairly good and the sound design sets the mood of the film well.

Moosewala’s songs have been criticized in the past for glorifying violence and the gun culture. In fact, the singer was booked last year for promoting violence. In Moosa Jatt, the idea that every problem can be solved at gunpoint is a dangerous message. The toxic masculinity and bravado, together with a stylized swagger and rock-inspired soundtrack that accompanies the gun-toting Moosewala in the movie, clearly suggests that might is right. The second half attempts to cover it all up with a social message and the notion of a goon with a golden heart, but it is a flimsy cover.

Not surprisingly, the movie ran into trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification and its release was delayed by a week. Moosa Jatt has been certified ‘A’, meaning it's only for those aged 18 and above.