‘Sooryavanshi’ is an action entertainer and a part of Rohit Shetty’s cop universe. This series began with ‘Singham’ (2011) followed by ‘Singham Returns’ (2014) and ‘Simmba’ (2018). This flick stars Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif along with a huge star cast comprising Kumud Mishra, Abhimanyu Singh, Gulshan Grover, Rajendra Gupta, Vivan Bhatena, Sikandar Kher, Jaaved Jaaferi, etc. Ajay Devgn, the lead of ‘Singham’ and Ranveer Singh, the lead actor in ‘Simmba’, also feature in cameo appearances.
Veer Sooryavanshi (Akshay Kumar) plays a senior officer of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). He and his team are trying to find out the terrorists who infiltrated from Pakistan into India 13 years ago. These terrorists have got training with the help of Bilal Ahmed (Kumud Mishra), who masterminded the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts and then escaped to POK. As luck would have it, Veer manages to nab Riyaz Ahmed (Abhimanyu Singh), the son of Omar Hafeez (Jackie Shroff), Bilal’s close friend and fellow terrorist mastermind in POK. Bilal refuses to open his mouth but Sooryavanshi realizes that these terrorists are planning a major terror attack. Bilal, meanwhile, decides to return to Mumbai to retrieve the 600 kg of RDX that was smuggled into India before the 1993 attacks. He plans to use this RDX to carry out another major serial blasts attack. How Sooryavanshi tries to avert this attack forms the rest of the film.
‘Sooryavanshi’ commences with a voiceover of Ajay Devgn that explains the backdrop of the story. Sooryavanshi’s entry is whistle worthy and the Jaisalmer action sequence is too good. The flashback of Sooryavanshi and Riya (Katrina Kaif) slows down the narrative but thankfully, it has its share of funny and emotional scenes. The scene where Bilal comes to India is very unconvincing as the makers show that a most wanted terrorist has come to India to retrieve RDX. This could have been done by any of the sleeper agents or the men of Kadar Usmani (Gulshan Grover), Bilal’s local contact and close friend. However, the confrontation between Sooryavanshi and Bilal is terrific and hence, one doesn’t mind. Post-interval, the film gets better as it’s replete with a chase sequence in Bangkok, a hilarious interrogation scene and a communal harmony sequence that is sure to make viewers break into applause. The finale comprising Sooryavanshi, Singham and Simmba together is a bit long but gives viewers their money’s worth.
Akshay Kumar delivers a terrific performance as expected. His persona and his style lend itself naturally to such a role. Also, his deadpan humour contributes to the fun element. Katrina Kaif has a significant role and is great as the no-nonsense wife. Her sensual avatar in “Tip Tip Barsa” soars the temperatures. Kumud Mishra leaves a mark. Jackie Shroff sadly doesn’t have much to do. Abhimanyu Singh is great as the baddie and same goes for Gulshan Grover and Niktin Dheer (Mukhtar Ansari). Sikandar Kher is lovely in a cameo. Jaaved Jaaferi (Kabir Shroff) is decent. Others also do well.
Speaking of songs, “Mere Yaaraa” is forgettable. “Tip Tip Barsa” is sizzling while “Aila Re Aillaa” is played in the end credits. “Najaa” is missing from the film. Amar Mohile and Thaman S’s background score exhilarates the impact, especially the theme song.
Jomon T John’s cinematography is outstanding and the long shots in Jaisalmer and Bangkok add to the film’s scale. Swapnil Bhalerao and Madhur Madhavan’s production design is realistic. Sunil Rodrigues’ action and Rohit Shetty’s action design are the film’s USPs. NY VFXWaala’s VFX could have been bitter. Bunty Nagi’s editing is neat but could have been slicker in the climax.
Rohit Shetty’s story is routine. But Yunus Sajawal’s screenplay is highly entertaining. The screenwriter has peppered the narrative with some excellent action and dramatic sequences which keeps the interest going. Farhad Samji, Sanchit Bedre and Vidhi Ghodgaonkar’s dialogues are sharp and humorous.
Rohit Shetty’s direction is splendid. After nearly 18 years, he tackles the issue of cross-border terrorism, which he last presented in his debut film ‘Zameen’ (2003). But in the case of ‘Sooryavanshi’, he handles it with far more panache and also adds commercial and massy elements.
All in all, ‘Sooryavanshi’ is a fine masala entertainer that has action, emotion, humour and machismo in abundance.
‘Sooryavanshi’ is currently running in cinemas.
Rating: 3.5/5
