Movie review of ´GABBAR´

- Bhavikk Sangghvi           Let us know what you think about this story

But what sets 'Gabbar is Back' apart in the action genre is its unabashedly massy tone. Though the issues raised give a feeling of déjà vu; but they are so widespread in our society that the audience can easily relate to them.

Director Krish, known in down south for his fashioning flamboyant fables, here exercises unexpected control when one least expects it. This is where this film about a self-appointed anti-corruption vigilante scores among the audience. It taps Akshay Kumar's unbound energy and harnesses it at key points of the narrative to underscore rather than over-punctuate the theme of corruption.

The dialogues (by Rajat Arora) may seem dramatic but these rightly raise our concern. The lines about a corrupt-free nation have the power to sway the masses with idealistic rhetoric.

And to the character's good fortune, that are all well delivered by Khiladi Kumar. The way in which he delivers his lines on the rampancy of corruption, his conduct and his wry detached disdain for the corrupt, are all brought to the surface with a forceful equilibrium constantly at play. Akshay makes you sit up and listen without raising his voice against the questionable deeds. The lines flow with furious passion without getting flooded.

Akshay is a star-actor at the peak of his acting prowess. He exudes the kind of understated confidence while delivering his dialogues about the nation filled with corruption that requires a lot of self-control and inner confidence.

Background score by Sandeep Chowta elaborates every sequence with high-octane melodrama.

Besides Akshay, it's Sunil Grover, who plays his part with sincerity.

Jaideep Ahlawat, who is usually so riveting on screen, here seems uncomfortable in a role of a CBI officer while Suman Talwar lacks screen presence.

Shruti Haasan has nothing much to do but still plays her part with earnestness, Chitrangda pops up to do an item song which is not so tuneful. Kareena Kapoor Khan in a cameo looks desirable to the core.

All said and done, the film survives to tell-a-tale that is relevant today. 'Gabbar Is Back' knocks the bottom off the action genre. The film may appear louder-than-life but the tone is unapologetic massy. You can't change the disintegrating social order by being delicate towards it.

In short, jaise Jungle Ka Raja ‘Babbar’, Filmon Ka Raja ‘Gabbar’. Watch it for Akshay’s ‘branded’ avatar or feel ‘Sorry’ for life!

Rating: * * * *

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