Sooryavanshi Review: Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh & Ajay Devgn nail it with a hootworthy climax in this Rohit Shetty directorial

Director: Rohit Shetty

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Ranveer Singh, Ajay Devgn, Vivan Bhathena, Javed Jafery,

Rating: 3.5

After a wait of two years, Rohit Shetty’s directorial Sooryavanshi starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles released in theatres today. Rohit Shetty delivers his promise of an action-packed film with his quintessential car bombing scenes and wide-angle action shots balanced with humour and emotions. This is Rohit’s third film in the cop universe he envisions to create, taking a cue from the Marvel universe. While Singham dealt with corruption, Simba with moral criminals, Sooryavanshi encompasses the role of the anti-terrorism squad in the system. The film in itself is a shift in Rohit’s dramatic but effective storytelling. In parts, Sooryavanshi feeds off hypernationalism with scenes meant to evoke a sense of patriotism amongst the masses. While it did seem forced and unnecessary, it is understandably inserted to play for the gallery, for the masses who feed off such content.

Sooryavanshi focuses on Veer Sooryavanshi who is a dedicated officer of the ATS Squad, so much so that he puts his duty before family as well. This also becomes the bone of contention between him and Riya (Katrina Kaif) after a drastic accident. While he dabbles the personal crisis, he also has the duty of saving Mumbai which is said to be in danger of a terrorist attack. Working with several elements and mentions of sleeper cells, the 45-minute long climax brings together the three heroes, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh and Ajay Devgn, in what can be called hoot worthy entry scenes. Might I just say that it is the second half that really pulls through and evokes some genuine laughter and thunderous response from the audience? When Singham, Simba and Sooryavanshi take over the duty of protecting Mumbai, you cannot help but brace yourself for wholesome entertainment.

Now, you don’t enter a Rohit Shetty film expecting a mind-blowing plot. However, the director does manage to weave an action-packed film with its emotions in the right place. This time, however, it seems he went a little overboard with the emotions bit inducing it with cheat-thumping nationalism and the cliche ‘India ke Musalman’ dialogues. It is a bittersweet reminiscence of Sanjay Gupta films which overtly reeks of right-wing propaganda. Rohit, however, had managed to stir away from this, up until now. For instance, an entire 5 minutes is spent on a portion with the ‘Hum Hindustani’ song playing in the background which is dramatised to no end. While the sentiments behind the scene are novel, the execution might I mention seems to have been put to please a certain section. Nonetheless, if you can get past that, the film actually has some fun moments in between and some seamless action.

 

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A Rohit Shetty film is all about action, and the director never disappoints. Although in the first half, the action did seem a little rushed and abrupt, the second half makes up for it. There are some make-believe action scenes that will make you sing ‘Smooth Like Butter, like a criminal undercover’ (Any BTS fans here? JK)

Back to Sooryavanshi, Ranveer Singh is effortless as Simba yet again and his comic timing with Akshay and Ajay is off the charts. In the first two movies of the universe, the character arch of Simba and Singham were well defined but in the case of Sooryavanshi, the focus seems to be the terror attack and not the cop, which hints at the poor storytelling. While it is a total paisa vasool entertainer, it is, unfortunately, the weakest film in the universe, for me.

If you are wondering why is there no mention of Katrina Kaif until now. Well, Ranveer and Ajay seemed to have more screen space and roles than her in the movie. Katrina tries hard to play her part well in the little space offered but apart from two songs which she is a part of, she hardly has any memorable dialogues or significant scenes. She, of course, is outstanding in Tip Tip Barsa Pani remake where her scintillating moves with Akshay Kumar sure raises the temperatures.

 

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The music, of course, adds to the entire experience of watching the film in a theatre especially and Sooryavanshi lets you have those desired effects. Whistles, hoots and applause are expected in many parts. The DoP needs a special mention for the way he has captured the two songs in particular. The supporting cast is also aptly timed. Nikitin Dheer, Gulshan Grover, Mrunal Jain, Jackie Shroff provide the right premise and atmosphere in their respective roles.

Rohit Shetty delivers his promise of a full paisa vasool entertainer with Sooryavanshi! Go watch it with your families in theatres if you want to fully experience it. Keep popcorns and drinks handy while at it!

Spoiler Alert: Unlike an end credit (like in Marvel movies). Rohit has definitely dropped hints for the next movie in the universe!

Also read: Sooryavanshi Song Najaa: Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif’s groovy track will leave you hooked on to it

Bhavna Agarwal

Assistant Editor at Bollywood Bubble. An ambivert who is currently high on K-dramas and K-Pop. A forever Bollywood fan, who continues to gush over solid stories and characters. Hit me up for a fine conversation over chai.

You can also reach me on – https://twitter.com/filmybugB