Title: Sooryavanshi
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Ranveer Singh and Ajay Devgn
Director: Rohit Shetty
Rating: 4/5
Shalandra Bunseelal
IT’S celebration time as Bollywood is back in blockbuster style as cinemas all over India have opened with much fanfare.
It was in March last year that the hit film-maker Rohit Shetty was gearing up for the release of Sooryavanshi. However, those plans were interrupted, with Covid-19 wreaking havoc all over the world.
Fast forward to 18 months later, and the magical experience of watching movies in the theatre returns, and it is the action-packed Sooryavanshi that drove this personal milestone moment and my return to enjoying the big screen.
Shetty is a master film-maker, and with his latest offering, he delivers a stroke of genius by building his Indian cop universe.
First, it was Ajay Devgn, who played the fearless Singham, then Shetty created the mischievous lion heart Simmba with Ranveer Singh, and now he adds more muscle to his impressive cop universe with Akshay Kumar heading the cast as the title character. But, adding to the excitement, the thrills and hysteria, is the inclusion of Devgn and Singh in supporting roles.
When terrorist activity threatens India, the Anti-Terrorism Squad brings out their best to stop the impending danger. This means unravelling dangerous sleeper cells that are planning their next strike. Determined to end this harsh reality is officer Veer Sooryavanshi and his team, who are out to eliminate this threat at any cost.
Sooryavanshi has been well worth the wait, and Rohit Shetty deserves all the accolades. From start to end, be prepared for a rollercoaster entertainer that has power packed action and exhilarating stunts, with a gripping story that also highlights unsung heroes.
Add to this, some moments of comedy relief and balance that off with brilliant social messages about family values and religious sentiment.
Akshay Kumar is naturally the star of the show and is top class. His presence is magnificent in every frame, and he breathes fire into his role. Katrina Kaif plays his wife and while she is good in a limited role, they turn up the sizzle in the song item Tip Tip Barsa Pani.
Devgn and Ranveer Singh are cleverly crafted into the story, and turn up the energy level when they come together with Kumar.
The supporting cast includes Vivaan Bhatena, Jackie Shroff, Sikander Kher, Jaaved Jaferi and Gulshan Grover.
Do yourself a favour, mask up, pack your sanitiser and be sure to enjoy this mind-blowing experience that is high on style and perfectly made for the big screen. The movie has taken a record-breaking start at the Indian box office and is now showing at Cinecentre Cinemas in South Africa.
* Bunseelal is a movie critic and radio and TV presenter.