Brahmastra Movie Review
Actors Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt come together for ‘Brahmastra’, a first-of-its-kind astraverse based movie, created by Ayan Mukherji. Bankrolled at a lavish budget, the film is a first part in the trilogy that borrows the mythological essence and blends it with the western glorification of visual effects to exhibit the supernatural powers of good and evil.
Shiva (Ranbir Kapoor) is a DJ in Mumbai and has been leading a normal life, except for a superpower of not getting hurt by the fire. He falls in love with Eesha (Alia Bhatt) and both always feel a predestined bond. However things take a turn for Shiva as he is pulled into the premise of ultimate war of safeguarding Astra with a bunch of people, who have superpowers of their own. A witch sorcerer like lady (Mouni Roy) has got almost all the pieces of Astra, and is looking for the other piece, which by assembling will give her complete command over the planet. What unfolds next is a series of gaudy light shows in the name of war taking over the 2 hr 45 mins drama.
Ayan Mukherji deserves special mention for conceiving the idea of creating a franchise based on Indian mythologies. However, what we see as visuals is mere repetition of scenes from the Hollywood movies. Yes, the visual effects are literally amazing, but when it becomes hackneyed after a certain extent, we start feeling the dizziness. The reason behind MCUs and any fantasy franchises to rule the global market isn’t simply because of visual effects, but with the emotional elegance. From the most intense romance in Twilight to the friendship and life lessons in Harry Potter to the ambitious drive of ordinary men who turn into superheroes with will power and determination in MCUs, these were elements that kept us adhered to it. However, Brahmastra in many places blindly sticks to the visual grandeur, but fails to focus on this aspect. Maybe, the director’s intention was to introduce us to the world of Brahmastra and later indulge creating these moments in latter parts, which doesn’t look like a great idea.
Ranbir Kapoor is a genius when it comes to emoting any given situations, and so is Alia Bhatt (the only stars in Bollywood, who are refrained from nepotism for their brilliant performances). Amitabh Bachchan has already done a similar role in many of his erstwhile movies. Nagarjuna is a surprise package in this movie, and his sequences are literally amazing Mouni Roy as antagonist does nothing other than screaming and killing the people.
Musical score by Pritham is cool, but most of the songs are nowhere close to the film’s premise. Cinematography cranked by 5 leading cameramen along with decorous visual effects are appreciable in few places. The second half sequences have few engaging moments, and the romantic portions add no value to the movie.
On the whole, Brahmastra needs to be recognized for the efforts pulled up by the team to create a new kind of fantasy genre in Indian film industry. Although the intention is good, the writing fails to complete their vision. Maybe, the upcoming installments in this franchise might rectify these mistakes and deliver a commendable spell.
Verdict: Too much of visual garishness and a lack of engaging scenes keep Brahmastra locked in middling zone
Rating: 2.75/5
