‘Kabir Singh’ Movie Review: Shahid Kapoor goes all guns blazing in this gripping tale about love and self-destruction

Directed By: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Produced By: Cine1 Studios and T-Series

Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani

Bollywood Bubble Rating: 3.5/5

Shahid Kapoor, take a bow! In what is undoubtedly one of the best performances of his career, Shahid imbibes the spirit of ‘Kabir Singh’ and delivers knock out punches scene after scene. As a possessive lover with anger management issues, Shahid seems sincere and convincing. However, it’s when he becomes a serious alcoholic with a drug problem that he becomes sensational. Make no mistake about it, this is hands down one of the most realistic portrayals of a self-destructive man (Abhay Deol’s ‘Dev D’ ranks up there too) who is afflicted with unimaginable grief.

Kabir (Shahid) and Preeti (Kiara)’s love story starts in a medical college. He is so protective of her, that he takes her to his boys hostel (on a wheelchair) when she has a cut on her foot. If somebody touches her inappropriately, he breaks his face. He is the quintessential macho boyfriend roaming around in a Royal Enfield and roughing up everyone that comes his way. Probably, a nice girl like Preeti shouldn’t fall in love with a rogue bloke like him. Then again, love is a feeling and not a business deal where you can weigh all the pros and cons.

As far as the performances are concerned, it’s clear that Shahid has gone the distance to portray this role. He has boozed a lot and smoked a lot. Kiara doesn’t have much to do for a long time, but in the few scenes where she has to bring out her emotional side, she manages to hit all the right notes. A lot of marks should be given to the music, cinematography and background score of the film. A few marks need to be cut for the cheesy climax.

Final verdict: 

A perfect date movie that you can watch with your significant other. At the same time, if you’re one of those majnus who has chosen the path of self-destruction, this movie can serve as a wake-up call.

PS: I have to add that I have not seen ‘Arjun Reddy’. However, from the opinions of people who’ve seen the original, ‘Kabir Singh’ doesn’t try too many new things and retains the soul of the movie.

Watch trailer: