Movie Review: Commando 2
First published on Follo.in
For the most part of Commando 2 the action is unrivaled. It is something that has not been seen in Indian action films. The director does not waste time before unleashing his lead actor. Five minutes into the film we have Vidyut Jammwal accomplishing arduous scenes that are breathtakingly shot. He lunges from one from terrace to another, slides through corridors, slashes people, breaks bones… he is a killing machine. One which does not believe in playing by the rules!
Unlike the first film in the franchise, the storyline of Commando 2 has a definite amount of suspense to it. There are at least two moments - one at intermission and another at the end that should surprise you. And these are what make the film even better.
But what cost the film is its diversion from what would have been the original screenplay. Considering the film is about the black money problem in the country, the makers have opted for last minute additions to the film post the government’s demonetization drive. So the film starts with a five-minute montage stating how brilliant the Prime Minister's historic actions were. And how, if all black money that is stowed away in safe havens around the world was to be brought back to the country, the government could actually fulfill its promise of transferring Rs 15 lakh to the bank accounts of every Indian.
It is with this agenda that our commando Karan (Vidyut) has picked up the trail of Vicky Chaddha, who is safely enjoying life in Malaysia. Vicky is apparently the kingpin in the network of havala dealers who help people siphon black money out of India. Vicky has been arrested, thanks to some great work by Karan and now it is time to get the scammer back to the country. However many influential people do not want Vicky back as that could spell trouble for them. So we have a plot for a thriller. Karan’s ability as a commando fits in perfectly into this plot, which offers plenty twists.
The screenplay has a macro level viewing of the black money crisis of India and offers a ridiculously simplistic vision of how it can be solved. But if you are willing to dispense the logic, Commando 2 turns into an exciting watch. Director Deven Bhojani, who we all have lovingly remembered as Karima from the ‘90s TV show Dekh Bhai Dekh, makes a solid debut as a feature film director. This man has earlier directed one of Indian television’s most iconic shows – Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, and hence has a proven record with comedies. Action films, however, are never easy to make. Especially in debuts! But Deven takes up the challenge and delivers with conviction. What helps is that he decides to keep away songs from the film, keeping it tight.
Actor Vidyut Jammwal is a delight on screen when he is performing his stunts. He will need to work on his histrionics before they match his capabilities as an action-star, but he is passable. This man has it in him to take Indian action films to the next level. And that is evident in his precision in single shot sequences. And while Vidyut is the action part of the film, Adah Sharma brings in the comic relief with her portrayal of a corrupt Hyderabadi police inspector who does encounters for money. Albeit overdone, her character should keep you smiling throughout the film. Esha Gupta plays the negative lead, and adds her sensuality to screen. Freddy Daruwala supports ably.
Despite all the great work throughout the film, the last couple of minutes ruin a lot of the fun. You wish Commando 2 had a more intelligent script. Nevertheless, the team manages to deliver a high on adrenaline movie that an action junky should love. Watch it for the incredible Vidyut.
Rating ***
Unlike the first film in the franchise, the storyline of Commando 2 has a definite amount of suspense to it. There are at least two moments - one at intermission and another at the end that should surprise you. And these are what make the film even better.
But what cost the film is its diversion from what would have been the original screenplay. Considering the film is about the black money problem in the country, the makers have opted for last minute additions to the film post the government’s demonetization drive. So the film starts with a five-minute montage stating how brilliant the Prime Minister's historic actions were. And how, if all black money that is stowed away in safe havens around the world was to be brought back to the country, the government could actually fulfill its promise of transferring Rs 15 lakh to the bank accounts of every Indian.
It is with this agenda that our commando Karan (Vidyut) has picked up the trail of Vicky Chaddha, who is safely enjoying life in Malaysia. Vicky is apparently the kingpin in the network of havala dealers who help people siphon black money out of India. Vicky has been arrested, thanks to some great work by Karan and now it is time to get the scammer back to the country. However many influential people do not want Vicky back as that could spell trouble for them. So we have a plot for a thriller. Karan’s ability as a commando fits in perfectly into this plot, which offers plenty twists.
The screenplay has a macro level viewing of the black money crisis of India and offers a ridiculously simplistic vision of how it can be solved. But if you are willing to dispense the logic, Commando 2 turns into an exciting watch. Director Deven Bhojani, who we all have lovingly remembered as Karima from the ‘90s TV show Dekh Bhai Dekh, makes a solid debut as a feature film director. This man has earlier directed one of Indian television’s most iconic shows – Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, and hence has a proven record with comedies. Action films, however, are never easy to make. Especially in debuts! But Deven takes up the challenge and delivers with conviction. What helps is that he decides to keep away songs from the film, keeping it tight.
Actor Vidyut Jammwal is a delight on screen when he is performing his stunts. He will need to work on his histrionics before they match his capabilities as an action-star, but he is passable. This man has it in him to take Indian action films to the next level. And that is evident in his precision in single shot sequences. And while Vidyut is the action part of the film, Adah Sharma brings in the comic relief with her portrayal of a corrupt Hyderabadi police inspector who does encounters for money. Albeit overdone, her character should keep you smiling throughout the film. Esha Gupta plays the negative lead, and adds her sensuality to screen. Freddy Daruwala supports ably.
Despite all the great work throughout the film, the last couple of minutes ruin a lot of the fun. You wish Commando 2 had a more intelligent script. Nevertheless, the team manages to deliver a high on adrenaline movie that an action junky should love. Watch it for the incredible Vidyut.
Rating ***
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