More then slow-mo
Empuraan had the potential to be a masterpiece, but it falls short due to misplaced priorities. Instead of focusing on storytelling, Prithviraj seemed more invested in making every frame grand.
At its core, there is a compelling story, but it gets buried under indulgent filmmaking. Manju Warrier carries the film, yet character arcs feel rushed because Prithviraj prioritized exotic locations over depth. The same over-the-top storytelling prevails despite the attempt to be "different."
A major issue is the inclusion of white actors who can't act. Many Indian films do this, and *Empuraan* follows suit, making these performances feel artificial and distracting.
Then there's Mohanlal-practically every shot of him is slow motion. The overuse of this, paired with an excessive background score, becomes exhausting. The helicopter shootout scene? Completely unnecessary. Had Prithviraj focused on political intrigue rather than gimmicks, this film could have been brilliant.
The film shines when it delves into Indian politics, creating genuinely engaging moments. The villain had a strong introduction-well-written and menacing. However, instead of developing him further, he gets sidelined once the audience has enough reason to dislike him. A missed opportunity that weakens the film.
For such a massive budget, the editing is surprisingly poor. Unnecessary jump cuts and excessive zoom-ins hurt immersion. These choices cheapen what could have been a polished cinematic experience.
The cinematography, however, is excellent. Not to be confused with the VFX, which remain subpar. But the lighting, framing, and composition stand out. If the storytelling had matched the cinematography's quality, Empuraan" would have been far stronger.
Prithviraj's character suffers from forced emotional beats. One key scene feels like a plot device rather than genuine development, only for the film to cut abruptly to an unrelated sequence.
Mohanlal, despite being an icon, feels more mythical than human. His constant deep, philosophical dialogues add little to his character. This detachment weakens his role as the film's emotional anchor.
Ultimately, Empuraan excels when focused on India, its politics, and its power dynamics. Those moments shine. However, its obsession with spectacle over substance holds it back from greatness.
Visually impressive but narratively inconsistent, Empuraan prioritizes style over depth. It could have been much more.
At its core, there is a compelling story, but it gets buried under indulgent filmmaking. Manju Warrier carries the film, yet character arcs feel rushed because Prithviraj prioritized exotic locations over depth. The same over-the-top storytelling prevails despite the attempt to be "different."
A major issue is the inclusion of white actors who can't act. Many Indian films do this, and *Empuraan* follows suit, making these performances feel artificial and distracting.
Then there's Mohanlal-practically every shot of him is slow motion. The overuse of this, paired with an excessive background score, becomes exhausting. The helicopter shootout scene? Completely unnecessary. Had Prithviraj focused on political intrigue rather than gimmicks, this film could have been brilliant.
The film shines when it delves into Indian politics, creating genuinely engaging moments. The villain had a strong introduction-well-written and menacing. However, instead of developing him further, he gets sidelined once the audience has enough reason to dislike him. A missed opportunity that weakens the film.
For such a massive budget, the editing is surprisingly poor. Unnecessary jump cuts and excessive zoom-ins hurt immersion. These choices cheapen what could have been a polished cinematic experience.
The cinematography, however, is excellent. Not to be confused with the VFX, which remain subpar. But the lighting, framing, and composition stand out. If the storytelling had matched the cinematography's quality, Empuraan" would have been far stronger.
Prithviraj's character suffers from forced emotional beats. One key scene feels like a plot device rather than genuine development, only for the film to cut abruptly to an unrelated sequence.
Mohanlal, despite being an icon, feels more mythical than human. His constant deep, philosophical dialogues add little to his character. This detachment weakens his role as the film's emotional anchor.
Ultimately, Empuraan excels when focused on India, its politics, and its power dynamics. Those moments shine. However, its obsession with spectacle over substance holds it back from greatness.
Visually impressive but narratively inconsistent, Empuraan prioritizes style over depth. It could have been much more.
- imdbfan-6156820786
- 29 mar 2025