Baadshaho

'Baadshaho' is a typical B-Movie, with a A-list budget, director & cast. And to its luck, it succeeds in being a thoroughly watchable heist flick, that has its own share of pros and cons.

'Baadshaho' Synopsis: An Indian queen (Ileana D'Cruz) asks her bodyguard (Ajay Devgn) to steal back gold taken from her by the Indian government during The Emergency period in 1975, when she is arrested wrongfully.

'Baadshaho' is well-paced & all the stuff revolving around the heist, has moments of fun. Sure, the dialogue are cheesy & done for effect, the Writing is never super-solid (despite a few nice twists) & even has a rather weak climax. But, these minuses don't take away its share of pluses, that are its fast-pace, crackling characters & a genuinely sexy background score, that adds hugely to the narrative.

Rajat Arora's Screenplay has its ups and downs, but luckily, it never runs out of breath. The cheesy dialogue merit a special mention. Milan Luthria's Direction is fair. Cinematography & Editing are alright. Action-Sequences are decent, while The Music has interesting tunes.

Performance-Wise: Ajay Devgn is as usual - macho & committed. Emrran Hashmi does very well in a massy role. Vidyut Jammwal is strictly okay. Ileana D'Cruz is passable, while Esha Gupta has her moments. Sanjay Mishra is first-rate, yet again! Sharad Kelkar is wasted.

On the whole, 'Baadshaho' is a fair watch.

So JHC is passe' and people won't know if a plot, characters and even dialogues are plagiarized from the King of Thrillers' novels? Not quite, sir. Because this film is a straight lift from JHC's novel, "The World in My Pocket."

Now this plot is given the make-over, with a strange mish-mash of 1970s flavor, Rajasthani locales and some pretty good action sequences. But since there is no central plot, the film is disjointed and the actors / actresses are wasted. A fleeting reference is made to the (late) maniacal politician, Sanjay Gandhi. For some strange reason, to grab a local (female) ruler's gold hoard, the army is called in, who are present from the first to the last frame with their incompetent presence. I thought it would be the job of the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department, or at least the local police? The latter are there, bumbling along, without any purpose.

The armored invincible van bearing the loot is of course, from JHC's masterpiece. I could not exactly understand Ajai Devgun's character in the film. Was he a personal body guard, or lover, or villager full of angst? We have Vidyut playing an OTP army major. One almost feels like slapping the character played by him. In real life, majors do not strut about in civvies, direct civil operations or argue with their COs. Or carry on clandestine affairs with royalty. Or maybe few do.. I can't say.

The indeterminate ending is good, because the film itself in indeterminate. The sandstorms have been portrayed nicely. Ileana looks good as usual. Not much is expected from her anywaz. The rest come and go without any purpose.

Certainly worth a watch. But a watch without expectations.

Ever since the trailer release, I had decided to watch the film irrespective of critic reviews (and my review comes with objectivity). I see the increasing trend (by film critics) to sabotage the film on a few grounds; however, this one is definitely not worth missing. Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi and Vidyut Jamwal have delivered powerful performances. Lead ladies, Ileana D'Cruz and Esha Gupta have done their part well. Sunny Leone marks her presence with the item number. Action sequences, thrill and twists in the plot are apt! This genre has always fascinated me; and Milan Luthria has always delivered to his best.

I particularly loved the era that the team has created. It's close to real (although it could have got much better). Costumes, hair styling and make-up does total justice to bring the flavor of the 70s. A few dialogues mouthed by Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi are entertaining. Songs are top class. Choreography is superb.

The story is basic, yet wildly fanciful - a young RajputaniladyGitanjali Devi (Ileana D'Cruz) has her ancestral gold reserveconfiscated from her palace by the government. The year is 1975 and we hear the voice of Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, declaring Emergency (while exhorting her countrymen not to panic). The maharani has earned the wrath of a grasping Sanjay Gandhi look- alike whowields tremendous power even over the Indian army;his reel name is Sanjeev.

The affrontedGitanjali Devi who is serving time in jail orders her brooding personal security in-charge Bhawani Singh (Ajay Devgn) to grab the lost booty back for her.

The loyal Bhawani, who is the queen's retainer and secret lover, setts together a band of four gangsters. The gang includedGitanjali Devi'strusted aide Sanjana (Esha Gupta).They set on the mission to waylay the high-value consignment when it is transported from Rajasthan to Delhiin an armored truck. The distance between the source and destination was to be covered in an eight-hour road trip. "Woh army hai, hum haraamihai," Bhawani declares, playing down the risk involved, to allay the fears of both the ageing cat burglar Tikla (Sanjay Mishra) and the happy-go-lucky gun-for-hire Dalia (Emraan Hashmi) that he ropes in.The gang of badasses takes several detours as the gold is targeted and trailed. A stereotype army officer, Major Seher Singh (Vidyut Jammwal), becomes a massive obstacle in the way of Gitanjali Devi's assault team. To find out more, I would recommend you watch the film yourself.

The inspiration of the film was certainly from the emergency era where perhaps similar events unfolded. Ajay Devgan portrays his character with ease; not only that, he makes a remarkable impression with the dialogues that have been penned by Rajat Arora. Emraan Hashmi is yet another delight. Vidyut Jamwaleffortlessly plays the role of an army officer.

Once again Milan Luthriamanages to live up to his promise; although this is not one of his bests! He is the man who has has delivered 'KachcheDhaage' and 'Once Up on a Time in Mumbaai' and this piece is nowhere close to his earlier work. Powerful writing by Rajat Arora comes as a savior. Numerous scenes are packed with metaphorical dialogues that will build the required tension without any drama. The background score, picturesque cinematography and crisp editing also make this a commendable thriller. This one deserves good audience, especially the ones who enjoy the thrillin the chase!

This movie is excellent.in terms of the story, screenplay and dialogues. The direction is average. Ajay Devgn looks convincing as Bhawani and his acting is one of the best of all time. The movie has perfect casting and all actor has done amazing job, for most actor this movie is an highlight of their career. The trio - Ajay Devgn, Emran Hashmi and Milan Luthria - has once again created a magic!

The flick is pegged as 'inspired by true events'; however, there are several creative liberties taken to tell a story with a number of imaginary sub plots. Interestingly, the director is able to hold the film as close to real. But let me warn you, the ending is a bit clichéd but then "who is complaining"!!

Final Verdict: It is a worthwhile film and has the potential to earn 100+ crores.