Until yesterday the definition of a Bollywood film being grand was very different for me. However, things changed in just the next 2 hours and 40 minutes when I saw Brahmastra Part One: Shiva unfold on the big screen. The Ayan Mukerji directorial is not just a film, it is an experience that you should witness. To top that all when you have performers like Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan, and Mouni Roy, there is no way you can blink an eyelid throughout. Yes, I sat in the theatre watching it all unfold in 3D I couldn’t help but get mesmerized with the film this team has brought to us. It is truly a labour of love and lots of hard work and it clearly shows.
Watch the film’s trailer here:
Here’s What I Like About Brahmastra: Part One Shiva…
1. Ayan Mukerji’s Brilliant Direction
I will need a long and longer chat session to only sit down and understand how Ayan has managed to think and execute such an amazing film. Throughout the movie, it is very evident that Ayan has hand-held and walked with it on every step. With that attention to detail, the stitching of the story, and the editing, you can clearly see that Ayan hasn’t settled down for anything that wasn’t the best for his audience. I would totally give him a huge round of applause because the effort clearly shows and my expectations with him and the second part have increased big time now.
2. Alia Bhatt And Ranbir Kapoor As Isha and Shiva
Even before its release, when Kesariya just dropped in and following that, Brahmastra had some high expectations to live up to, for, this is Ranbir-Alia’s first film after marriage. And boy, how well have both of them lived up to giving us the best of time on screen with Brahmastra Part One: Shiva. I loved Ranbir for being just so effortless as Shiva and the action sequences that have been shot have been brilliant beyond imagination.
3. Mouni Roy As Junoon
In all honesty, I wasn’t very sure about Mouni Roy’s role in the film, but now that I have seen it, I must say, she is the best performer in the first part of this trilogy. The way Mouni has gotten into the skin of Junoon is simply great, she has brought in the right amount of grit and fierceness to the role. Mouni in this negative avatar and the red-eyed evil is surely becoming the antagonist of the year.
4. Editing And VFX Of The Film
It was always a given that Brahmastra was heavy on its VFX, but their being so Hollywood-level-like is quite impressive. In fact, during the film, there are so many times when you forget you are watching a Bollywood movie, however, the desiness is quick to remind you of it and that’s the beauty of the film. Also, Brahmastra is so well edited that all parts fit in quite effortlessly. All the astras dancing on your screen and giving you the 3D experience is a big kudos.
Special Mention…
Well, the film wouldn’t be what it is if Shah Rukh Khan, Nagarjuna, and Amitabh Bachchan hadn’t been a part of it. Seeing Big B do those actions at this age is the inspiration of another level. Our Nandi Astra aka Nagarjuna sir is also brilliant in his performance. Having said that, what the real treat is, is Shah Rukh Khan the Vaanar Astra. Seeing SRK on the big screen after so long was such a delight, however, I wanted to see more of all three of them.
Things that could have been better…
With all its brilliance, Brahmastra does have a little finesse needed, but it is totally negligible.
1. The film’s first half and Alia-Ranbir’s love story
While I very well understand that Ayan wanted to give the required time for his characters to establish themselves, there are places in the first half where the romance looked a tad bit dragged though. Also, Ranbir-Alia’s love story in the film looked a little uncultivated at the start, it seemed to happen too quickly, but then we don’t know if there is some secret behind it in part two. A tighter first few minutes would have been even more impactful I feel.
2. The songs
I absolutely love the songs of the film, however, I feel the makers could have done without them too. Deva Deva and Kesariya are the only songs that seemed to fit the mood of the film. While Kesariya worked at establishing the love aspect, it seemed to be a little out of place, however, Deva Deva is bang on, and it fits so well into those moments in the story. However, Dance Ka Bhoot is something the makers could have done without.
Honestly, you wouldn’t mind indulging in them so much, for the story ahead will blow your mind. On that note, Brahmastra is a BLOCKBUSTER that you should not just watch, but experience on the big screen, and in 3D. Congratulations to the entire team for all the hard work they have put in, now let’s wait and hope for Brahmastra Part Two: Dev being even more brilliant.
MM Verdict: 4 stars out of 5.