Based on true events, the hunt for a dangerous serial killer gets underway in director Habib Shahzad’s crime caper Jujji. Taking place deep in the city of Rawalpindi’s seedy underbelly, what we are ultimately treated to is less a mystery and more of a complex adventure that breaks both its characters and its viewer’s sense of security down piece by piece.
On the case are two determined cops, Naveed (Mustafa Rizvi) and Arshad (Anjum Habibi). Veterans of their field by any metric, but with decidedly different outlooks on the world they inhabit. One is largely disillusioned by the system they uphold, while the other is a self-professed idealist trying his best to cling to his values. There’s a lot to be explored with both, even if the plot doesn’t often choose to spotlight their respective backstories in full—something they share in common with Jujji himself (played by Muhammad Arslan). Written by Ahmad Umar Ayaz, the script doesn’t delve into outright depravity like Netflix’s recent Monster series has, but perhaps a touch more specifics on how Jujji came to be would have really helped the already enthralling story that doesn’t shy away from a lot of grisly details. This is not about the unmasking of a killer, nor is it about complex investigatory methods—it’s about how those involved see themselves tested to find their true self. It should also go without saying that the feature is incredibly bleak tonally, but unlike other crime thrillers that find their protagonists wallowing in self-pity, Jujji favors initiative above all, resulting in some stellar pacing over its 73-minute runtime. It’s a tight procedural, with plenty of calm in between pulse-pounding sequences.
If you’re a fan of atmospheric thrillers, Jujji’s neo-noir aesthetic should be right up your alley. Grim and grimy with that signature anamorphic look, the film is not only well shot (Furqan Gul) but also has a texture to it that’s hard to come by these days. It embraces the very world it showcases and, by extension, makes its titular villain the real focal point. Muhammad Arslan is chillingly entertaining and much akin to Paul Dano’s Riddler in Matt Reeves’ The Batman reboot, holding all the cards at any given time. It’s a welcome twist to the time-tested formula, and though you might not end up sympathizing with the killer, you’ll definitely be too engaged to argue with his level of wit and evasion tactics. The acting is terrific across the board, with Rizvi, Habibi, and Arslan all delivering top-notch, emotionally charged performances. Rizvi in particular gets a lot of material to work with given Naveed’s somewhat tragic backstory that motivates him at all times.
A uniquely character-driven serial killer drama that doesn’t get bogged down in genre clichés, Jujji maximizes its setting, cast, and visual language to keep its audience on their toes for what might come next.
