1980’s-set action thriller is unable to hit top gear and becomes self-indulgent
NEWLY released film BellBottom is yet another big budget Bollywood release that is supposedly based on real life events but takes so many cinematic liberties that there is very little left that is authentic about it.
The 1980s-set actiondrama sees Akshay Kumar play a fearless RAW agent who is called upon when a plane is hijacked and comes in to heroically save the day with his unique set of skills. Although in principle it seems like a unique story with a fearless Indian James Bond-like hero at the centre of it, the film never quite reaches its undeniable potential. That is largely due to a screenplay that seems to have its feet
stuck in the mud and the primary focus being so much on Akshay Kumar that it almost seems like an ego trip.
There not being a powerful enough villain to take on this seemingly superhero spy results in a massive imbalance, which removes much of the drama and tension. The strong supporting cast, including acclaimed actor Adil Hussain, a hardly there Huma Qureshi and an unrecognisable Lara Dutta are largely wasted. So is leading lady Vaani Kapoor, who seems to be there largely as eye-candy and looks too young next to the ageing leading man.
On the flip side, the 1980s seems to have been captured surprisingly well and there is good camerawork, which makes the movie visually appealing.
BellBottom had the potential to be a fast-paced thriller good enough to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, but instead becomes a star vehicle for the leading man.
Die-hard fans of Akshay Kumar will find plenty to like, but this is not the film that will have audiences scrambling back to cinema halls now that lockdown restrictions are easing.