Sooryavanshi (Action/ Masala Entertainer / 2021/ Cinema Release)
Director – Rohit Shetty
Cast – Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Jaaved Jaaferi, Gulshan Grover, Jacke Shroff, Abhimanyu Singh, Nikitin Dheer, Vivan Bhatena, Sikander Kher, Kumud Mishra, Asif Basra and… Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh
Rohit Shetty brings us the much awaited fourth instalment from his Cop Universe and sets the box office ringing!!!
I think it was a good decision for the makers, exhibitors and the audience to wait for a cinematic release because the film has all the ingredients of a typical masala blockbuster aka larger than life action, flying cars, impressive trademark BGM, comedy, good doses of nationalism and communal harmony. A wholesome package that’s well designed to draw claps and wolf whistles in a cinema experience. A package that makes it worth the while for the cinema lover to watch it on big screen.
The film begins with an introduction to the baddies and the cross border terrorism thing. There are quite a many characters there and we have Kumud Mishra, Abhimanyu Singh and Jackie Shroff playing major roles.
Then we get introduced to the Cops including Javed Jaaferi and Akshay Kumar from the ATS.
Back stories give us a peep into their personal and professional life. There are a motley of other cops, including Vivan Bhatena, who are Akki’s cop gang that hangs around him, hero worships him and also infuse doses of humour with their banters.
Katrina plays the estranged wife and their tussle reminded me of a similar equation between Farhan and Aditi Rao Hydari in Wazir. Of course there’s s difference in intensity and treatment.
So basically, the city is under threat of serial blasts and it has to be prevented.
Though there’s nothing new that Rohit Shetty brings to the table, we love the feel good factor that his cinema gives and do not mind his repetitive trademark style that carries the Singham, Simmba legacy forward. Background score, action tropes and even comedy punches sound familiar but they keep us engaged and entertained… cheerful cinema that people love.
But in all honesty, what I did miss for a major portion of the film was the adrenaline rush and the highs that Singham had in ample and Simmba too in fair amount.
I know I am comparing but considering that the makers themselves wanted to encash the legacy, we can’t help, can we?
For a major chunk of the film, I felt the story was just rushing by, touching upon umpteen characters, many side/back stories but never really dwelling anywhere substantially enough to let us bask and feel the tension, sadness, rage or high. Basically I felt the lack of a connect even though I was entertained.
Towards the end though, things change for the better. There were parts that touched. The scene with the message of communal harmony was heartwarming and drew claps.
Not as impactful as in earlier films, but dialogues were a fair mix of cliche and entertaining. I feel the film had potential of being more impactful.
Akshay has his own charisma and has more often carried his films on his shoulders. He wins hearts with his histrionics and humour but I don’t know why I felt lack of energy and intensity. I hope it has nothing to do with the number of films he does or the mechanical way he treats his projects.
Katrina adds value with her feminine touch. She looks great in tip tip barsa… but personally I felt that she has looked hotter in many other songs. The makers weren’t able to fully capitalise to her looks and dancing skills. The sudden/contrived entry of the song dampened its effect.
Film changes gears in the last 30 minutes. Ranveer’s entry brings claps, wolf whistles and smiles. That man’s energy is infectious. Even when you feel he might be going over the top, you can’t help but give an indulgent smile.
And when the Lion makes the Grand entry, you can’t fathom the din and the euphoria of the audience.
The decibel level of the auditorium had the goosebump effect. It was a perfect culmination that the Singham fans had probably been waiting for. And they get a bonus take away too – hint of a sequel starring Ajay.
Overall, the film “is/ could be” a good one time watch depending upon your expectations and mood.
The big screen effect definitely had a role and for those wanting to wait for its OTT release, the experience would clearly not be the same.
If you are the kind of audience who love masala entertainers, euphoria and enthusiasm of the cinemas, you shouldn’t miss this one. It would take you back to the good old houseful days.
Score 3 on 5