ACTION JACKSON MOVIE REVIEW

 

The film has all that you would associate with a hero-centric 'no-brainer' and doesn't have one bit of originality. South Indian audiences will be able to point out quite a lot of 'influenced' / 'inspired' instances in the movie starting from Prabhu's own Pokkiri to other blockbuster movies like Kick and Padayappa. Near the halfway mark, there is a revelation regarding Ajay's role and a few of you may guess that too. Then, we have the villains comprising a cliched international don (senior Tamil actor Anand Raj), his unrealistically sexy vamp of a sister who doubles up as the film's seductress (Manasvi Mamgai) and a big army of hitmen who get 'sliced' out by the hero's sickles and swords. The plot may have been lifted from a 'film stories for dummies' manual and it is as basic and elementary as it can get.

 

Despite the unimaginative script and some cheesy punch-lines, Ajay does his best and has lightened and loosed up a lot, like Prabhu Deva's heroes are expected to do. He has tried out a few dance moves too in good spirit and these are among the film's better moments thanks to the inherent humor factor. Ajay also gets to do what he is best at - be brooding, menacing and indulge in some serious villain bashing. This 45 year old star still has among the best frames in business and has also tried out quite a few things with his facial hair in the film. Kunaal Roy Kapur plays his sidekick and their chemistry and comic vibes save the film from totally collapsing. The initial part of the film is actually pretty enjoyable thanks to this duo.

 

The effervescent Sonakshi Sinha, considered a lucky mascot by the industry, is here for the romance factor and shakes her legs and booty for the dance numbers. When she is out of action in the second half, we have the absolutely gorgeous Yami Gautam taking her place. Neither of the girls has much to do and since Sonakshi is the more viable among the two, she gets more screen space and more songs!

 

The background score by Sandeep Chowta is horrible and further brings down an already below-par product. Sample this - As the lead characters are named Vishi and Kushi, Sandeep has come up with an 'imaginative' and romantic BG theme which goes "Oh Vishiiii ... Oh Kushiii" !!! There are many more loud and amateurish BG themes peppered all over the film. Himesh Reshammiya has delivered the songs and numbers like Keeda, Chichora Piya and Punjabi Mast are foot-tapping and passable, without being novel or out of the world.

 

The production values are of expected standard; after all many crores have been invested into it. The end credits roll, where Prabhu Deva treats us to his signature moves, attitude and agility along with the other cast members, is a minor solace to the paying viewer. But will he / she stay in the hall till then?