I watched Ayan Mukherji’s Brahmastra – Part One- Shiva at PVR, and I am ready for Part Two of the trilogy – DEV. The hall was packed in the afternoon show on a Sunday, reflecting that maybe the call for boycott is having a limited impact on this heavy budget (450 Cr) VFX-loaded movie. Meanwhile, Disney Hot star and Star MAA have invested in OTT and Satellite rights for the film. And the numbers will tell their own story.
There is not much wrong with the team’s intent, and there is definitely a story that could be amplified further in the trilogy. However, the movie fails to whip up emotions, and you don’t really have reasons to hate or love it. This lack of polarisation and not-so-favourable reviews create the ‘Waste of time and money feeling. In a true sense, your own bias makes you see Brahmastra in a different hue. On the other side, getting into the theatre after a long time, indulging in high-cost popcorn and drinks – the feeling of togetherness had a positive impact.
The love story between Shiva (Ranbir Kapoor) and Isha ( Alia Bhatt) is simple, but the film could have done without it. There is still another story of Brahmansh and Shiva’s parents being unrolled.
CAST CONTRIBUTION
The characters are not fully developed or leave different touch points not even explored. Shiva is an orphan and is clueless about his own parents. However, this track is there and vanishes the next moment, just like the friends that appear at the start and then disappear.
The Brahmansh clan, the protector of the divine Astra, is full of warriors. Still, when it comes to protecting the Ashram, you are left with hardly five youdhas ( warriors)- saving the First among all Astra- Brahmastra.
Amitabh Bachchan seems to be the only alternative director producers find for such a role. And well, Pratigya and Prarampara have been over-delivered by the star. He is a waste there as there is nothing new.
Shiva ( Ranbir Kapoor) transition from a happy-go-lucky to a confident part of the Brahmash clan is not relatable. Maybe this needed someone better actor and may not a star. SRK looks good and casts a spell on the audience in his own style at the start. Unfortunately, the rest of the cast does not deliver to the same level. Nagarjuna, in a special appearance, to some extent, bridges the gap- but then these were not the main cast and character. Mouni Roy still remains in the Nagin role- but it works with her. In fact, she fits the role and justifies the intensity.
‘Kesariya, Dance Ka Bhoot’ is a highly energetic dance that is engaging and may be apt in its place. However, Deva Deva leaves much to be desired.
The heavy over-budgeted film, the trailer, and the hype about the cast promise much more than it delivers. However, it is all there. It is a bit chaotic and imbalanced or over dominance and dependence on VFX to fill the screen leaves you half satiated.
NET-NET
There is nothing much wrong in contemporising the story of protecting the divine weapons by a secret clam entrusted with the job. An enemy that was earlier part of the clan wants the secret weapons for some ulterior motive. However, the direction and storytelling could not decide which part of Human greed, love, care, or trust. Modern life, mythology, and science should explore more. That is where the confusion starts and ends. However, the movie works enough for you to want to watch part two- DEV. Maybe when it is released, the team will have leant from their mistakes. Hopefully, they will focus on one story and edit it tightly. When you are in the theatre watching Brahmastra, whatever may be happening, it does not allow you to move your eyes from the screen, which is the better part.
I suggest you don’t wait for Brahmastra to hit your TV or OTT screens; watch it on the big screen. This is a movie for the big screen. And the reason to boycott is not there- the reason to not allow the cast into the temple – valid.
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