Movie Review: Bade Miyan Chote Miyan
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manushi Chhillar, Alaya F, Sonakshi Sinha, Ronit Roy
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
In an era dominated by patriotic-themed action films, Ali Abbas Zafar's "Bade Miyan Chote Miyan" seeks to carve its niche with a blend of high-octane action, science fiction elements, and a dash of camaraderie between its lead actors. However, despite its ambitious premise, the film falls short of delivering a truly engaging cinematic experience.
The plot revolves around two soldiers, Captain Freddy (Akshay Kumar) and Captain Rocky (Tiger Shroff), who are known for their bravery and wit. Tasked with a mission to thwart a dangerous enemy's plan to destabilize India, they find themselves embroiled in a web of intrigue and betrayal. Alongside them are Captain Misha (Manushi Chhillar), Dr. Parminder aka Pam (Alaya F), and other characters who play pivotal roles in the mission.
While the film boasts top-notch action sequences choreographed by renowned Hollywood director Craig Macrae, it struggles to rise above its formulaic narrative. The screenplay is marred by lazy writing and threadbare clichés, making it predictable and lacking in depth. Despite the film's efforts to infuse elements of science fiction, it ends up feeling like a loud and ludicrous mishmash.
One of the film's weakest links is its treatment of female characters. While Captain Misha and Pam are introduced as capable and resourceful individuals, they are ultimately relegated to the sidelines, failing to add significant value to the plot. This tokenism is disappointing, especially considering the strides made by women in action-oriented roles in recent Bollywood films.
Performance-wise, Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff exhibit their trademark charisma and chemistry, providing some moments of levity amid the relentless action sequences. However, their banter and camaraderie can only do so much to salvage a screenplay that lacks depth and originality.
Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers a commendable performance as Kabir, the antagonist driven by revenge and ambition. His portrayal adds a layer of complexity to the character, although the film's writing occasionally falls short in fully exploring his motives and backstory.
In terms of technical aspects, the film shines with its slick visuals and gravity-defying stunts. The cinematography captures picturesque locations that serve as perfect backdrops to the action scenes, adding a touch of grandeur to the proceedings.
Overall, "Bade Miyan Chote Miyan" is a missed opportunity to offer a fresh take on the action genre. While it boasts impressive action sequences and charismatic performances, it ultimately succumbs to the pitfalls of formulaic storytelling and underdeveloped characters. As audiences increasingly demand innovation and originality, it's time for Bollywood filmmakers to break free from tired conventions and embrace new narratives.