WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
When innocence is stolen by those who would see it humiliated and permanently marred, who will stand up to defend its honor? Forces that are supposed to represent legal, protective authority are suddenly uncovered as being the exact opposite, having their own schemes and agendas for personal gain and harm towards others to maintain the advantage–who resists their actions? Having experienced a less than idyllic childhood, Akira Sharma (Sonakshi Sinha) has strived to retain a sense of personal pride and rehabilitated outlook on life. Already learning how to defend herself after the rough circumstances as a little girl, and enduring a correctional facility through her teenaged years, Akira simply wants to be at peace living with her mother.
However, it is then determined the two should go to Mumbai to live with her brother and his wife Shilpa (Ankita Karan Patel) so that Akira can attend college and complete her studies. Reluctant from the start, they make the move and Akira begins school at Holy Cross College. Content to mind her own business while also finding interest in her brother’s friend Sidharth (Amit Sadh), Akira becomes very unintentionally embroiled in the dark dealings of a highly corrupt SP officer (Anurag Kashyap) and his 3 primary officers who are in collusion with a higher-up at Akira’s college. Along with their own agenda involving stolen political money, they are willing do anything to ensure Akira doesn’t expose them.
Soon, it becomes a race against time as an idealistic, by-the-books SP Inspector, Rabiya (Konkona Sen Sharma), enters the picture trying to resolve the crimes occurring more and more in the city. Of course, there’s one other factor the villains involved haven’t counted on–a woman abused and scorned named Akira!
Next, my Mind:
Those who might have been expected director/producer/co-writer A.R. Murugadoss’s newest Bollywood actioner to be non-stop chaos and karate chops could be a little disappointed with this effort, as while there are some excellently presented, adrenaline-fueled fight sequences throughout the narrative, room is also reserved for providing some solid drama and character building as well. The real emphasis being delivered isn’t just about a woman getting justice for her own mistreatment, past and present, but it becomes about regaining her lost identity and worth as a person while being able to come through harsh circumstances and find a better road on the other side. A driving musical score and steady cinematography follow the events with precision and intent, plus as mentioned above, there are plenty of superb moments involving Akira getting to unleash her skills on unsuspecting/unassuming goons and antagonists.
Sonakshi Sinha’s performance as Akira is executed by the actress with such a diverse level of both pronounced, smoldering intensity vs. a truly warm, compassionate calmness that very much works effectively here to provide a heroine we can all root for. Sinha’s presentation is clean, clear, and most certainly filled with raw passion when it came to the fight scenes, while again, she can also turn on the quiet charm that reflects the ultimate place her character longs to reside. Kashyap, whose recent directorial effort “Raman Raghav 2.0” was simply fantastic, channels the same level of evil as the corrupt SP officer here, just emoting the character’s vile attitude and calculating menace with ease and edgy resolve. It’s exactly the kind of negative character you’re waiting to see get his, and Kashyap incites this viewer desire in spades. Add Sharma’s great support as the righteous SP Inspector Rabiya, it makes for one well-rounded film.
While it was recently advised to me in a conversation that, in India, female-oriented films are less common, it makes me wonder if “Naam Hai Akira” won’t get the full credit it deserves from Indian audiences, even with Sinha’s star power behind it. I know here in the U.S., it is common to see film efforts anchored by female-driven roles, and to great success. So, with that in mind, give “Naam Hai Akira” its chance to shine as the fluidly filmed, well put together action/drama it is.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
