Horribly made historical is a horrendous mess
Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt Director: Karan Malhotra
HISTORICAL films have become headache inducing in Bollywood because nearly all of them in that genre have been awful in recent years, with box office disaster Samrat Prithviraj being the most recent example.
This newly released 19th century set action film adds to that unenviable list of awful efforts. The story revolves around a warrior tribe that is betrayed due to their lower caste and become dreaded outlaws. When they are betrayed again, the leader sacrifices himself and years later his son tries to right some wrongs of the past. What follows is a deadly clash.
While that overview might make it sound appealing, this mess of a movie is outdated and has a story that assaults your senses right from the start.
The plot falls apart as the film progresses and what remains is a scenic setting filled with torturous moments that become unbearable.
Apart from getting the chance to play a double role, it is a wonder why Ranbir Kapoor agreed to act in this outdated and amateurishly written film. He puts in a spirited effort but is totally wasted by a seemingly clueless director who had more money than actual sense. While Sanjay Dutt attempts to be menacing as the antagonist, he comes across as a caricature, and one-dimensional actress Vaani Kapoor had no business being near such a high-profile film.
Like many historical films that have released in Bollywood, this just looks like a self-indulgent effort where very little thought seems to be put into a cohesive storyline or what the audience will connect to. The music is poor and special effects look awkward. The only real saving grace is the scenic setting and some sharp camera work.
Ultimately, this film makes other flop period films like Thugs Of Hindostan look like masterpieces. This is one of the worst commercial Bollywood films you are likely to see this year and that is why it should be avoided at all costs.