Review: “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan” – Action Packed Yet Lacking Substance
Cast:
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Manushi Chhillar, Alaya F
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
Producers: Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Ali Abbas Zafar, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Himanshu Kishan Mehra
Music Director: Vishal Mishra
Cinematographer: Marcin Laskawiec
Editor: Steven Bernard
After a prolonged absence, Bollywood luminary Akshay Kumar returns with a high-profile film titled “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,” featuring Tiger Shroff in a prominent role, helmed by director Ali Abbas Zafar. The film has been extensively promoted, but does it live up to expectations? Let’s delve into it.
Plot:
Kabir (Prithviraj Sukumaran) commits a daring theft from the Indian army, jeopardizing national security with the stolen package’s classified contents. Despite efforts from Misha (Manushi Chhillar) to thwart Kabir’s plans, she is unsuccessful. Court-martialed officers Firoz alias Freddy (Akshay Kumar) and Rakesh alias Rocky (Tiger Shroff) are tasked with apprehending Kabir and preventing further chaos. Assisted by Misha and Pam (Alaya F), Firoz and Rakesh embark on a mission filled with intrigue and danger. Who is Kabir, and what compelled him to betray the Indian army? What secrets does the package hold? Will Firoz and Rakesh succeed in their mission? These questions drive the narrative forward.
Pros:
The film delivers on its promise of exhilarating action sequences, meticulously crafted by Craig Macrae, which captivate viewers with their visual spectacle. Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff deliver commendable performances, particularly in the action sequences, showcasing their dedication on screen. Their on-screen chemistry and playful banter inject some much-needed charm into the film. The first half offers moments of levity, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Sonakshi Sinha’s cameo adds a touch of flair to the proceedings.
Cons:
Despite the director’s pedigree, “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan” falls short of expectations. Prithviraj Sukumaran fails to leave a lasting impression, hindered by lackluster writing that fails to leverage his talents. The incorporation of technology-related elements fails to inject freshness into the predictable storyline. While the film boasts grandiose action sequences, they alone cannot compensate for a weak plot. The second half suffers from a lack of entertainment value, becoming tedious and predictable. The characters portrayed by Manushi Chhillar and Alaya F are underdeveloped and forgettable. Furthermore, the subpar CGI and cinematography detract from the film’s overall quality. Vishal Mishra’s musical score lacks impact, failing to enhance pivotal moments on screen.
Technical Aspects:
The film’s technical shortcomings, including subpar CGI and cinematography, hinder the viewing experience, especially considering its substantial budget. Vishal Mishra’s musical score fails to leave a lasting impression, lacking standout tracks that could elevate the film’s appeal. Ali Abbas Zafar’s direction falls short, delivering a lackluster product devoid of innovation or entertainment value. The screenplay feels uninspired, resulting in a sense of déjà vu throughout the film.
Verdict:
“Bade Miyan Chote Miyan” offers moments of excitement with its adrenaline-fueled action sequences, but ultimately falls short due to its weak narrative foundation. While Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff shine in their respective roles, the film’s shortcomings, including a lackluster plot and underdeveloped characters, prevent it from reaching its full potential. Bollywood’s penchant for patriotic films is evident, but innovation is sorely needed to rejuvenate the genre. Despite initial box office success, the film’s longevity remains uncertain beyond the holiday season.