‘Jugni’, is a romantic film but not in the exemplary way and that's what makes it stand out. It promises soulful music and the scenic locations of Hassanpur, Punjab, are visually appealing! The film also conveys out a very important message that women can make choices and should do it unhesitant. The plot, strewn with astonishing poetry and song sequences, is formulaic and relatable. The script is flowing and sweet, but unimaginative. It needed more crisp editing. The film has a fresh idea but the story draft seems confusing. It offers no dramatic moments and the surprises are more of disappointments. But what keeps you hooked are the chirpy dialogues and effervescent performances by the lead cast. Overall, Shefali's direction is noteworthy. Go watch this one for a surreal musical journey that will touch your heart.

Mustard fields do occasionally loom in the backdrop - that is inevitable - but Jugni has a glow that instantly sets it apart from the average Punjab film that Bollywood produces. It looks, feels and sounds different. It has no Bhangra routines, no wedding songs, no inane lyrics, and no semi-clad floozies. What the beautifully nuanced Jugni film has is a meaningful, if somewhat thin, plot peopled with eminently relatable characters. First-time writer-director Shefali Bhushan conjures up a specific place and culture with admirable precision.  Jugni alludes to the plight of impoverished folk artistes, takes swipes at an exploitative music industry, delves into the complexities inherent in a clash of cultures, and subtly addresses notions of morality. Looking for a film that delivers more than just superficial entertainment? Jugni is the end of your search.

Shefali Bhushan’s debut feature has a documentary feel to it, which is natural, given her experience with being a collator and collector of folk sounds around the country. The film turns clunky in other places, the first-time inexperience showing, but we don’t really mind, because it has that rare thing: a soul, and of course, song. I came out humming.

Jugni must have been a terrific thought on paper. Bubbling with fresh ideas, with the advantage of its novel perspective, it clearly had potential. But, the film is run down by its weak storyline. The musical romance that brings two people together from different worlds, who bond over music, falls flat when neither the performances nor its music soar high enough. Despite its freshness, the film fails to create an impact. It is hard to be affected by it due to its lack of depth.

'Jugni', or the female firefly, has symbolic meanings in many ancient texts. But most of all, it signifies the free-flying spirit that illuminates from within. The storyline is superficial. The plot, strewn with astonishing poetry and song sequences, is formulaic and relatable. The script is flowing and sweet, but unimaginative. It offers no dramatic moments and the surprises are more of duds. But what keeps you hooked are the chirpy dialogues and effervescent performances by the lead cast. The characters are marginally quirky and their performances are equally competitive and natural. And Divakar Mani's cinematography takes you to the heart of the action. Overall, Shefali's direction is noteworthy and the film is worth a watch.