An Action Hero

I saw - An action hero, in the theatre. The movie was definitely engaging, but it is not a visual spectacle or stunning by any means to warrant a theatre watch. It would be a good OTT movie. So, for people thinking about watching it, I would suggest to wait for an OTT release.

I felt the movie had a Guy Ritchie feel to it, with all the gangesters and the black comedy. And it was pretty well executed as well. I am fully willing to let go of logic etc. In an action movie, IF, the characters and the plot is engaging enough. The problem with this movie is that both are very loosely written and shot. So, a lot of the idiosyncrasies, black comedy, lack of logic etc. Don't work at all since other than Ayushmann's character, you don't have a connection, feel or bond towards another character. This is a major drawback of the movie. Ayushmann has done well, the rest of the cast is pretty so so. Not a lot of laugh out moments, but it is an engaging movie and a timepass watch.

Ayushmann - Powerful Performance, Ayushmann Khurana Choose Something different kinda story. (fresh one)

Jaideep Ahlawat - fine performance, delivers his best.

Even if there were no songs in this film, it would have worked.

A different storyline and perfect performance by both lead actors ayushmann khurana and Jaideep Ahlawat.

Every scene has been played very well, it was not very long, that's why it was better.

Story Twists and Turns are fitted perfectly with a Good Action Sequences and Cinematography.

Just because of Both Lead Actors it's a Entertaining Movie.

It's a Worth Weekend Watch.

Review By itsbymayank - Mayank Bharat Bhushan Louteriya (Review of An Action Hero)

Very good performance from Ayushmann. The movie is a fun watch consisting of quirks and lesser theatrical elements. The subtle consistency with the realism and the story lines makes it much more interesting as we proceed further into the film.

Ayushmann drifted from what he does usually and this was something that he provided packing a strong punch.

The involvement of side characters was on point as well.

Well directed film with quality cinematography capturing the essence of the script to the next level.

A perfect portrayal of you are your work, put up in Netflix allowing mass exposure leading to a far more reach and engagement.

Few quirks here and there were off putting and the story was a bit less interesting than it was supposed to be.

Kind of unique in approach even if it had many cliche moments, An Action Hero is that seldomly seen movie in Bollywood that blends action with satirical humour which fits right into the premise of the movie.

While the narrative was quick paced, it was the act of Ayushmaan and Jaideep that kept the movie interesting along with a 'somewhat predictable' yet surprising twist towards the end. The direction by debutant Anirudh Iyer was very good and using a mix of rap, remixed retro Hindi movie songs with non-stop prattle of television news anchors as a key narrative device, An Action Hero provides a trenchant commentary that lays bare the ills of a TRP-driven electronic news media. The two principal performers lend the movie some of the power and energy that it requires to keep firing on all cylinders. The rest is provided by the strong screenplay and direction.

My Rating : 7/10.

Over the years, we have watched actioners in Bollywood consistently leaving much to be desired so much so that we concluded that this genre just comes with its limitations. An Action Hero breaks that myth. Billed as a slick-actioner, this film doesn't reduce itself to worshipping of shirtless male bodies, genre-contradicting slow-motion effects, non-sensically infused item numbers, melodrama, unfunny jokes or lazy writing clubbed with flying cars and blasting CGI. Right from the start, the director Anirudh Iyer takes the genre seriously and moves at a hyper pace almost giving the audience no time to absorb it. There are punches flying as fast as the punchlines and most, if not all, of them land with perfection. Even when An Action Hero concedes to the Bollywood remix dance number formula, it doesn't let go of its strong grasp with reality and its conviction for the story.

It's applaudable how An Action Hero manages to tread the fine line between being condescending towards its own audience and being satirical towards the public at large with absolute finesse. The film is filled with references to real incidents but they aren't done in a self-eulogising manner - of which Bollywood is a repeat offender - rather it is a self-aware attempt at storytelling often critiquing itself along the way. Its critique through hilarious parodying of the ridiculous TRP-hungry media, fickle public perception and the corrupt establishment works as smoothly as Ayushmann Khurrana in parkour scenes.

This is the most different role in Ayushmann's career and yet he slips into it with such ease that you'd forget that he's the same man commonly known as the torchbearer of social change in Bollywood. He delivers the charm of a star, the narcissism of a rich and famous man, the slick actions of a fighter and moral greyness of the protagonist with neatness. His screen presence is remarkable but his winning scene is definitely the one in the boat. Jaideep Ahlawat is a gem who doesn't slip up even once. His thuggish demeanor doesn't cease even in more toned down scenes.

The only complaint is that when the film pivots in the second half, it forgets to take the audience along with it. The jokes remain funny and the action, bordering on the jumpscare, continues to be slick but the narration becomes less engaging. The film then rides on the very able shoulders of its lead actors until the climax when it all comes together in one swift flick.

The film is entirely devoid of melodrama and filled with grey characters that the sanctimonious section of the masses would find hard to side and connect with. The film, thus, is a courageous attempt in a plethora of ways and calls for a necessary viewing. Go for it!