151. Kabzaa; movie review

 

KABZAA

Cert 15

134 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong bloody violence

Has there been a more violent Indian film that Kabzaa?

They must have needed an ocean of fake blood in the literally dark tale of a nervous trainee Indian Air Force pilot who takes on the crime lords who grabbed power after Partition.

Upendra plays Arkeshwara, the son of a freedom fighter killed just before before British rule ended.

He is devoted to his country but his path is diverted when his brother is beheaded by a criminal gang in cahoots with corrupt police.

The deadly act inspires him to carry out extreme revenge and blood-letting on a mass scale.

Meanwhile, there is an unlikely romance with the daughter (Shriya Saran) of the head of a royal family (Murali Sharma).

The battle for power comes from various sides during R. Chandru's movie but all are equally keen on violence.

This only serves to make our hero even more ruthless in his pursuit of bumping off his rivals.

There is no doubt that Kabzaa is ambitious - the live action scenes are on a grand scale and are mixed with some news footage and computer-generated imagery.

And Upendra makes a stirring leading man, inspiring his fans to root for him.

My problem was that there was very little substance beyond that slashing, shooting beating and shouting.

This meant that I groaned when the final shot led us straight into a sequel, although I would imagine that there will be those who can't wait for it.

Reasons to watch: Packed with action

Reasons to avoid: Literally so dark it is difficult to see

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 6/10

Did you know? There are nine active royal families in India at present despite monarchy being abolished in 1971, They lead very extravagant lifestyles. 

The final word. Upendra: "When the teaser dropped, people were talking a lot about how it looked like KGF. However, after the trailer, they understood how it was a very different story. Now I think there are no more such comparisons happening." The Indian Express

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