WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Trying to determine one’s path in life can often be a challenge. Even when it seems a direction has been chosen, any myriad of factors can arise to complicate, disrupt, or otherwise steer us away from a more positive road and instead send us outside the norm to become a maverick to those who would otherwise try to control our fate. For one young man, Ronny (Tiger Shroff), discipline and staying within the lines has not been a strong suit. Decidedly attempting to follow his own way, Ronny ultimately finds himself on a journey to a martial arts academy, a wish of his father who hoped it would straighten him out. But, as events would have it, it’s not that clear cut.
Having met and fallen for a beautiful stranger, Sia (Shraddha Kapoor), Ronny’s focus and life seems to be coming into its own, pursuing her doggedly and enjoying every moment of their courtship. However, another has also noticed Sia, a deeply relentless and criminal man named Raghav (Sudheer Babu Posani), whose father has been mentoring Ronny. As Raghav sees the obstacles in his way that prevent him from claiming his prize, harsh choices are made that not only affect Ronny, but also Sia’s movie director father. As Ronny battles his own demons while training to become a fighter worthy of notice, Raghav’s actions usher him into a world where only the strong survive through sheer force of will, strength, and martial prowess. Only by going through this trial by fire can Ronny save both his own life and Sia’s.
Next, my Mind:
As with so many other Bollywood efforts this reviewer has now seen, one cannot go into it expecting to be presented with material that only fits into the film’s primary genre, which is this case should be considered an action movie. Instead, director Sabbir Khan delivers an interesting combination of comedic and truly playful romantic elements amidst the spin kicks, bone breaking, and aerial stunt/wire work. The thing is–it works! Well-shot cinematography follows the action, both calm and frenetic, and is especially adept at bringing out the moods and textures of such a wide-ranging span of scenes meant to evoke their given emotion. Added with the film’s dance and song sequences, it all really does separate the viewer from any “standard” ideas of how an action film is executed. Plus, when there is action, it is full tilt intensity!
Let there be no doubt that Shroff can indeed pull off the action/martial arts moves and then some playing the film’s title character Ronny, while also showing he can be the romantic as well. Truthfully, though, he shines best as the soul-searching, unsettled tough guy who can suddenly unleash a storm of furious fighting fists and feet when those he cares about are hurt or in distress. Still, the softer side is solid enough to work here, but that stare of retribution and unbridled fury eclipses it overall. The gorgeous Shraddha Kapoor also has the chance to illustrate in her role as Sia that she isn’t just a pretty face, getting opportunity to not be the damsel in distress, but rather knock some sense into the bad guys with her own level of fierceness. It is undeniable that Sia and Ronny together is a picture of perfection and eye candy for the masses.
Posani’s Raghav is a potent villain, exuding the necessary menace, and demonstrating the serious fighting skills to make him the appropriate rival for Sia’s affections and to be Ronny’s nemesis. Some might consider him a “typical” antagonist, but again, it really is an inevitable and required style of character for the narrative being told. The addition of humor via a cab driver and his brother was actually clever, and didn’t take away from the gravitas of the story at all for this reviewer. As a whole, “Baaghi: A Rebel For Love” wasn’t quite the sum of other efforts viewed, but it still bestows upon the viewer a wonderful mix of themes and content while being another worthy example of what the modern Bollywood film is capable of.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
