GABBAR IS BACK MOVIE REVIEW

 

Akshay Kumar lords over the film and sporting a well-groomed beard and a flowing hair-style, his screen presence is highly attractive. In a flashback sequence, we see him with a thick mustache and this look suits him too. As the vigilante professor who takes up a crusade against corrupt government officials with the help of a network of students and like-minded officials, Akki is a good fit for the role. As always, he dazzles in the stunt scenes and his punchlines have been woven around his job as a professor. And the trademark line about corruption is greeted with whistles and hoots in the hall. Gabbar sure is a treat for fans of the star, and they'll have several moments to savor.

 

Shruti Haasan tries to bring about a chuckle with her addiction to Google, but in vain. Her role is mostly inconsequential and she gets a romance number with Akshay, where she looks glamorous. Being a lawyer, there could have been more scope for her, other than a few serious lines in the climax. Kareena Kapoor Khan is seen in the flashback sequence in a song which tells her story as Akshay's wife who unfortunately dies pregnant, during a building collapse.

 

Sunil Grover shines as the intelligent, well-read constable who is several steps ahead of his bullying seniors in the force. Jaideep Ahlawat and Suman are seen as a senior cop and the quintessential main villain respectively, and their screen presence befits their caliber and experience.

 

DoP Nirav Shah shows his prowess in the outdoor scenes and the song sequences. The climax mass speech is a rousing one thanks to the grand way Nirav has filmed it and of course Akshay's authoritative performance. Amar Mohile takes credit for the background score and one recurring theme while Gabbar goes about his work, stands out. But the BGM is generally loud and has been borrowed from pieces by other composers. A group of musicians have come up with 4 songs and the peppy title song is the best of the lot, easily.

 

For those who have seen the original version of the film, an elaborate sequence in a hospital would have been surely unforgettable. That particular sequence has been recreated pretty well. The flashback action block is another segment which has been pulled off well here too. The Akshay - Shruti romance angle is an add-on here, while the poignant ending is toned down and not as emotionally-heavy as the original.

 

To sum up, Gabbar is likely to make an instant connect with the common man, who wants his cinema to entertain and also connect with him on some level. Addressing everyday issues surrounding corrupt government officials, Gabbar has its intent in the right place and a robust hero to carry it safely to the finish line. It will work better for those who haven't seen the original version.