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Friday, April 19, 2024
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BOLLYWOOD ROCKY HANDSOME
EDITOR'S PICK
'Rocky Handsome': Convincing action, low on emotions (Review, Rating: **1/2)
Packed with maniac action sequences, "Rocky Handsome" is a
typical dark, moody and coarsely crafted crime drama that is based on the 2010
released Korean film "Man from Nowhere".
It is the story of a retired special agent Kabir Ahlawat aka Rocky in the
sinning state of Goa, where drugs, child trafficking, organ trade and brutal
killings are the norm of the day. How he forges an unlikely bond with his
neglected young neighbour, Naomi and takes it upon himself to protect the little
child from violent criminals who kidnap her, forms the crux of the tale.
Director Nishikant Kamat's "Rocky Handsome" is a poor replica of the original as
it lacks an emotional connect.
The plot, presented in a dramatic and convoluted manner, is strewn with
plot-holes galore that make the film far-fetched and unbelievable.
Although the characters representing the underbelly of Goa are finely etched,
being borrowed from the Theatre of the Absurd, they tend to appear ludicrous,
frivolous and cartoonish.
Narrated in a non-linear manner, the screenplay is complex and convoluted. With
nothing much happening in terms of the story, the pace drags in the first half,
but picks up momentum in the latter part of the film. The only thing that keeps
you gaping at the screen are the astutely choreographed gruesome action-packed
sequences and the performances of the cast.
The film is John Abraham's canvas and as the beefed-up Kabir Ahlawat, he shines
sporadically. He offers the punches more convincingly than his dialogues.
Shruti Hassan in a miniscule role as his wife Rukshida is natural, but her
onscreen chemistry with John seems awkward and forced.
It is the little spirited Divya Chalwad, who is adorable with her uninhibited
and spontaneous performance as Naomi. She steals your heart as the little imp
constantly seeking attention of her "gangster" neighbour, Rocky Handsome. It is
touching to see her innocuously explain her pet name, "Dustbin". Hers is a flat,
two-dimensional character that leaves an impact and you wish she had more screen
time.
Director Nishikant Kamat makes his acting debut in this film as the ambitious
drug peddler, Kevin. He is notable and gives a fairly spirited performance. But,
in the overall scheme of things, he is never intimidating.
The actor playing Kevin's brother Luke is over dramatic and buffoonish. He adds
buoyancy to the narration though.
Sharad Kelkar as the police inspector is stereotypical and wasted.
On the technical front, the fight sequences with hammer and pickaxe wielding
goons is ghoulish, yet exciting. The accompanying sound effects, which include
the swishing of the knives and pounding of the drums especially, in the climax
scenes gives an adrenaline boost to the viewing experience.
With relatively moderate production values, director of photography Shanker
Raman with his astute lensing, delivers a dark milieu that cleverly reflects the
characters' external and internal.
The editing is sleek and the songs mesh well into the narration but they do not
enhance the telling of the tale.
Overall, "Rocky Handsome" is bound to appeal only to those fond of action films.
Model-actress Nora Fatehi, who plays the female protagonist
in the thriller "My Birthday Song", says booming digital entertainment platforms
have given actors more opportunities to explore their talent.
After
making special appearances in songs of films like "Rocky Handsome" and
"Baahubali: The Beginning", Nora is excited about her upcoming film releasing on
January 19.
She told IANS: "Performing in front of the camera is a
different thing and shooting a whole film is another. So far I just did whatever
came my way, instead of waiting for a film to come. I think that is the best
part of new age entertainment.
"One dRead More
For those that don't want to know him he is Deadly, Dangerous or Rocky. For his only friend, he is Handsome. His past is mysterious. When his friend is taken away from him he goes to war with a vengeance.
