“Is it just going to be an action film on a train?”
“Oh yes, good punches, but is that everything this film has to offer?”
“OW, emotional moment! Someone’s definitely going to die.”
It is impossible not to think about these things while watching the film, but if your predictions hold their horses for a moment and let the film pan out, or even if you have to keep your horses, this will still blow your mind. Yes, there were punches, plenty of them—raw, brutal, and bone-crunchingly satisfying. But to categorize this film as ‘just’ an action flick is like calling a supernova ‘just’ a bright star.
Oh, the audacity of this film! It dared to be predictable, to wear its tropes on its sleeve, yet it defied every expectation with a ferocity that left me breathless. The plot was as clear as day, a railroad track stretching into the horizon, but the journey was a rollercoaster of emotions that defied gravity. I found myself on the edge of my seat, heart pounding, not because I couldn’t anticipate the next turn but because the execution was so damn exhilarating.
How do you even make this? I’m scared even to ask how they filmed this. It’s claustrophobically violent as if the entire film was a pressure cooker, building and building, until it exploded in a frenzy of action that mirrored the protagonist’s internal turmoil.
The camera seemed trapped in the same confined space as the characters, intensifying every blow, grunt, and gasp. It was a master at creating tension, and I felt like I was right there in the thick of it, adrenaline coursing through my veins.
This film is a symphony of chaos, a meticulously crafted masterpiece of madness. Every frame is a purposeful stroke, contributing to a more complex picture. The flawed human characters are caught in a whirlwind of morality. Amrit, our anti-hero, is a fascinating study in contrasts. His transformation from a reluctant soldier/savior figure to a cold-blooded killer is both terrifying and mesmerizing.
I loved how, in the first half, Amrit is only trying to bring down the goons and not kill them (And they make this no-kill morality very obvious) until they hit the snooze button by killing Tuli. We see Amrit go from Batman to Punisher in a matter of seconds. And it just gets crazier from that moment on. Every action sequence and every choice in this film is sexy. The way they let two regular women beat up and kill one of the strongest goons in the movie will be something I’ll remember the most from this film.
And then there’s the cast. Lakshya is a revelation. He embodies Amrit with a raw intensity that is both captivating and heartbreaking. The emotional depth he brings to the character is astonishing. What a brilliant performance, and it’s wild how he kept the energy throughout the film. Not a single moment of this film feels tired. Not one.
Raghav Juyal? Brother? I’ve been scrolling reels for the past four months just watching you goof around with Shakti Mohan on sets of Dance Plus, and now you do this? You might be the most outstanding actor ever born! How do you go from being a goof to a serial killer with such precision?
Raghav’s acting as Fani throughout the film kept me hooked because of how well it was performed. If there’s ever a list I make of the best performances I saw this year, he’d be on top of it.
Ashish Vidyarthi, as always, is a force to be reckoned with. His portrayal of Beni is a masterclass in villainy, a complex character who is both menacing and pathetic.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Tanya Maniktala, Abhishek Chauhan, and Harsh Chhaya deliver potent performances that elevate the film. The film’s ability to blend humor and violence is a testament to its brilliance. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, one moment you’re laughing at the absurdity of the situation, the next you’re on the edge of your seat, heart pounding.
Nikhil Nagesh Bhat has crafted an exhilarating and thought-provoking cinematic experience. This film demands to be seen, discussed and re-watched. As a comic book guy, I must see him make a Batman, Daredevil, or Punisher movie someday.
It’s a bold statement from Dharma Productions, a departure from their comfort zone that is nothing short of spectacular.
This film is more than entertainment; it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
A complete, unequivocal five out of five stars.
