Baadshaho

So JHC is passe' and people won't know if a plot, characters and even dialogues are plagiarized from the King of Thrillers' novels? Not quite, sir. Because this film is a straight lift from JHC's novel, "The World in My Pocket."

Now this plot is given the make-over, with a strange mish-mash of 1970s flavor, Rajasthani locales and some pretty good action sequences. But since there is no central plot, the film is disjointed and the actors / actresses are wasted. A fleeting reference is made to the (late) maniacal politician, Sanjay Gandhi. For some strange reason, to grab a local (female) ruler's gold hoard, the army is called in, who are present from the first to the last frame with their incompetent presence. I thought it would be the job of the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department, or at least the local police? The latter are there, bumbling along, without any purpose.

The armored invincible van bearing the loot is of course, from JHC's masterpiece. I could not exactly understand Ajai Devgun's character in the film. Was he a personal body guard, or lover, or villager full of angst? We have Vidyut playing an OTP army major. One almost feels like slapping the character played by him. In real life, majors do not strut about in civvies, direct civil operations or argue with their COs. Or carry on clandestine affairs with royalty. Or maybe few do.. I can't say.

The indeterminate ending is good, because the film itself in indeterminate. The sandstorms have been portrayed nicely. Ileana looks good as usual. Not much is expected from her anywaz. The rest come and go without any purpose.

Certainly worth a watch. But a watch without expectations.

This movie is excellent.in terms of the story, screenplay and dialogues. The direction is average. Ajay Devgn looks convincing as Bhawani and his acting is one of the best of all time. The movie has perfect casting and all actor has done amazing job, for most actor this movie is an highlight of their career. The trio - Ajay Devgn, Emran Hashmi and Milan Luthria - has once again created a magic!

The flick is pegged as 'inspired by true events'; however, there are several creative liberties taken to tell a story with a number of imaginary sub plots. Interestingly, the director is able to hold the film as close to real. But let me warn you, the ending is a bit clichéd but then "who is complaining"!!

Final Verdict: It is a worthwhile film and has the potential to earn 100+ crores.

The story is basic, yet wildly fanciful - a young RajputaniladyGitanjali Devi (Ileana D'Cruz) has her ancestral gold reserveconfiscated from her palace by the government. The year is 1975 and we hear the voice of Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, declaring Emergency (while exhorting her countrymen not to panic). The maharani has earned the wrath of a grasping Sanjay Gandhi look- alike whowields tremendous power even over the Indian army;his reel name is Sanjeev.

The affrontedGitanjali Devi who is serving time in jail orders her brooding personal security in-charge Bhawani Singh (Ajay Devgn) to grab the lost booty back for her.

The loyal Bhawani, who is the queen's retainer and secret lover, setts together a band of four gangsters. The gang includedGitanjali Devi'strusted aide Sanjana (Esha Gupta).They set on the mission to waylay the high-value consignment when it is transported from Rajasthan to Delhiin an armored truck. The distance between the source and destination was to be covered in an eight-hour road trip. "Woh army hai, hum haraamihai," Bhawani declares, playing down the risk involved, to allay the fears of both the ageing cat burglar Tikla (Sanjay Mishra) and the happy-go-lucky gun-for-hire Dalia (Emraan Hashmi) that he ropes in.The gang of badasses takes several detours as the gold is targeted and trailed. A stereotype army officer, Major Seher Singh (Vidyut Jammwal), becomes a massive obstacle in the way of Gitanjali Devi's assault team. To find out more, I would recommend you watch the film yourself.

The inspiration of the film was certainly from the emergency era where perhaps similar events unfolded. Ajay Devgan portrays his character with ease; not only that, he makes a remarkable impression with the dialogues that have been penned by Rajat Arora. Emraan Hashmi is yet another delight. Vidyut Jamwaleffortlessly plays the role of an army officer.

Once again Milan Luthriamanages to live up to his promise; although this is not one of his bests! He is the man who has has delivered 'KachcheDhaage' and 'Once Up on a Time in Mumbaai' and this piece is nowhere close to his earlier work. Powerful writing by Rajat Arora comes as a savior. Numerous scenes are packed with metaphorical dialogues that will build the required tension without any drama. The background score, picturesque cinematography and crisp editing also make this a commendable thriller. This one deserves good audience, especially the ones who enjoy the thrillin the chase!

He collects men with muscles and women with great bodies, and packs them off to the deserts of Rajasthan on the pretext of a thriller. But apart from loading the pack with guns, silly dialogues and twisted personalities, and investing in the celebrated Sunny Leone's raunchy moves along with a ginormous truck, Luthria forgets he needs a story to fit them all in. Instead, he obediently plays to the gallery and glorifies his macho men by parading them in slow-mo shots that are tuned to a blaring background score. High on macho-ism and low on logic or reason, Baadshaho unfortunately remains a BAD SHOW.

Luthria could have taken Baadshaho to a higher level. In addition to some compelling action, also on the plus side is the real-life mystery of the wealth that is intelligently handled; there are no filmy 'usual' resolves to the conflict, which again is a bold move. The boldest is how Luthria and Devgn give screen space for all - Vidyut Jamwal, for example; he often steals the scene. Every actor does justice to his/her roles. Stronger writing with less of the repetitive lines, firmer editing, and more realistic approach to the central narrative without the predictable invincibility of the protagonists could have made Baadshaho a more compelling film. For now, it is strictly time-pass.

Yes, the film is over-wrought, melodramatic and designed as pulp fiction. But it's intermittently fun. Don't wear a microscopic lens, don't be over analytical and you'll definitely enjoy the flick.

Beyond literature,movies bear myth-making abilities. The medium is too recent to judge for its place in history. But we already have films like Mughal-e-Azam or Sholay that appear mythologies to rival epics in public consciousness. So,emergency, is one such chapter that entices us with the mystery. The subject is immediately exhilarating still. As is this film.

The character of Bhawani is beautifully sketched. The actor before you is Ajay Devgn. And here is what I personally feel about him. Very few actors in mainstream films manage a self-assured, under-stated swagger, convey so much silently, sometimes just with their glance and droopy eyes. It's a camera art. Sr. Bachchan saab has perfected it as the 'angry young man'. Devgn, you can tell, is his fine successor.

Luthria has managed to recreate eras that connect with audiences. This time his attempt to create the Rajasthan in the 70s is not perfect yet commendable. rightly recreates retro from the '70s. He focuses right on all the low angles of the shots; and trumpets for a background score; but most importantly in the sense of the big screen.His smart dialogue gives you a feel of living in that period. But once again, Luthria could have been much better.

Finally, all departments contribute in making this a watch worthy film (if not as memorable as OUTIM). I did have good time with friends and that what you care for at the end of the day.