Revolver Rani

Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid

Rating: 3.5/5 stars (0.5 stars solely for Kangana Ranaut's stupendous performance)

Revolver Rani" is Kangana Ranaut all the way, from first frame till last. After her career-defining turnover in the highly acclaimed "Queen", she follows it up with an equally succulent performance in a film, which though not as brilliant as "Queen" is still decently entertaining fare. Without taking away anything from the Director - Sai Kabir does fashion a good film that captures the murky politics and rustic climes of Central India - it is Kangana's performance that elevates this crime- comedy, eventually making it punch much above its weight.

Though Sai Kabir, writes and directs a well-planned script - paying lavish homage to Tarantino (clearly his idol), Kashyap (clearly another inspiration), and Dhulia (yet another inspiration but also his mentor and producer) - he keeps losing his grip over proceedings and at times the homages do appear to deviate from the narrative at hand. However, just when there appears to be a dip in the story arc, Ranaut comes along and holds things together with her theatrics, histrionics, nuanced emotions, brash dialogues, and delightfully mouthed expletives. Make no mistake, Kabir does weave an engaging political yarn with loads of dark humor, but unfortunately doesn't manage to maintain a lucid flow throughout. Perhaps, he'll get better with experience - this is after all his debut feature. The cinematography paints an earthy canvas of the rustic interiors of the country, the editing is moderately passable, the background score could have been way better, and the songs are nothing to write home about.

Providing terrific support to Kangana are the reliable as ever Piyush Mishra (one of his best performances yet) and Zakir Hussain. Sadly, for the first time, Vir Das underperforms, and it could just be that he was terribly miscast in the roles of a scheming romantic hero. Zeishan Quadri is grossly underutilized in a poorly written role. "Revolver Rani" serves up a treat for fans of Kangana Ranaut, while also catering to patrons of crime movies and those who enjoy dark comedies. Bollywood finally has another top class actress besides Vidya Balan to bank on in today's times - one who can be relied upon delivering a strong performance consistently along with oozing star power in her roles.

'Revolver Rani' is a proper Bollywood satire, consisting of intelligent writing, dark humour and terrific parodies. And I never expected Hindi Cinema to properly pull off such a thing. Other than the smart screenplay, it's Kangana Ranaut's terrific acting prowess which makes the satire effective. The films takes a lot of hilarious jabs at mob rivalries, politics, religious and cultural issues, Bollywood industry, and most of all, our very human nature.

Kangana plays the role of the lead protagonist Alka Singh, who is a gun-blazing mob-head and political leader. Brought up without parents, and only by her uncle, she's a cold-hearted leader seduced by an aspiring actor only for his gain. It's the political rivalry between the two mobs which forms the basic premise of the story. The supporting performances are quite commendable, especially that of Piyush Mishra, who plays Alka's uncle.

And people who are calling it a remake of Kill Bill are out of their minds. Other than one or two inspired moments from the Taratino Violence saga, the movie is completely original.

The movie can only be enjoyed by people who can understand political satires and like black comedies.

Director Mr. Sai Kabir work is very good. He was not bothered about right or wrong about general perception of hit film but he was celerity of mind regarding this film. Very small characters are justified well. Story is new and different. Screenplay is very good. Dialogues support the film well. Credit goes to writer and Director Mr. Sai Kabir. Neither the promo nor the title of the film was indicating any emotional quotient but this film has that emotional touch and in a very good way. A shot justifies the title well where just keeping the gun behind her palm, makes her heart beating again. I just loved this scene and concept. This film deserves sequel and makers have clearly justified it. Even very fine things and emotions are taken care in good way through scene and shots. Humor is placed in very subtle but appropriate way. Goon uses his lower part of Kurta for blowing air is one of such example. Performance wise Kangana Ranaut is out standing. Vir Das is OK. Piyush Mishra is very good. Jakir Hussain is fine. Music is OK and it gives the required support in emotional scenes.

Brash, offbeat, unconventional - this sums up the latest outing of the latest Queen of Bollywood, Kangana Ranaut. This bandit queen avatar of hers is no less interesting where she immaculately displays the anger, attitude, madness, vulnerability and insecurities of Alka Singh. Boss, Kangana has literally replaced Vidya Balan in the territory of varied women-oriented dhansu films (2 in a row this year itself)!

As far as the movie is concerned, the storyline lacks depth but it is the realistic performances of all actors which infuses life in the movie. Director Sai Kabir has literally tread Tigmanshu Dhulia's lanes with this one. Another good part of the movies is the surprise element and twists and turns it keeps throwing till the last scene making it pacy and thrilling, esp in the second half.

Madhya Pradesh, the bihads of Morena and Chambal and local politics literally come alive on screen. Enough comic value is added by melodramatic characters, their mannerisms and Hinglish takia kalams. Vir Das has for the first time got a chance to play a lead role (though the hero remains Kangana), but he doesn't disappoint. All other actors esp. Piyush Mishra as 'Mama' do full justice to their roles.

Music is as unconventional as the movie (Nice to hear Asha Bhosle and Usha Uthup after long).

Verdict: Not meant for all. Only those who are really interested in off- beat and non-mainstream (typical rom coms type) cinema, should venture in.

My rating: *** ½

P.S.: The symbolic comparison of our (Revolver) Rani with Rani Laxmibai in the climax should not be missed.:)

Kangana Raunat has garnered accolades over the years thanks to power- packed performances in FASHION, LIFE IN A METRO and the recent QUEEN. Revolver Rani definitely rest on the shoulder of Kangana Raunat as there is nothing much to talk about the movie.

Revolver Rani is set against the backdrop of politics in Madhya Pradresh where there is no friends , no enemies only your heart to follow.

First time director Sai Kabir chooses the subject quite daring but seen ample times on Indian Screen. True he choose a female protagonist as the leader of opposition party and few scenes do tickle your funny bone but maximum time screenplay is crumbled into web of errors and insensible scenes. Cinematography is quite efficient capturing the essence of Gwalior. Art direction is pretty good. Editing is poor. Dialogues are punching. Songs are tuneless. Coming to the performance, Kangana Raunat is one of the finest actors of Indian Cinema. The actor is dreadful yet subtle, fiery yet humorous, emotional yet unforgiving. It is her versatility which makes the movie watchable. Vir Das is just about okay. Piyush Mishra and Zakir Hussain are brilliant.

Overall, Revolver Rani could have been better.It is the versatility of Kangana Raunat which makes the movie watchable. Average 2.5/5