Thugs Of Hindostan Review: A Larger Than Life Roller Coaster Ride With Some High Octane Performances And A Splendid Visual Spectacle!

Some high octane action sequences, larger than life adventures and a medieval tale often creates an aura which never fails to attract us. So when we got the novel opportunity to meet Bollywood's response to the Pirates Of The Carribean, it seemed like an enriching experience. Even though the film was not able to challenge the adrenaline rush of the Johnny Depp starrer, it has all the ingredients of the larger than life lavish extravaganza. Filmmaker Vijay Krishna Acharya has done a humble attempt to transport us to the era of 1976 and recreate the vicious and brutal conflict between the Britishers and the inhabiting thugs of the country who had the spirit of freedom embedded within themselves to gain back their lost land and glory. 

Set in 1700s, the story revolves around the vicious British officer Robert Clive (Lloyd Owen) who captures the benevolent king Mirza (Ronit Roy) and destroys his entire family and kingdom. His little daughter Zafira (Fatima Shaikh) is the only one who manages to escape with the help of her fathers' trusted soldier Khudabaksh (Amitabh Bachchan) who later assemble a group of determined thugs who call themselves 'Azaad' to keep the spirit of freedom alive in their hearts as they fight against Robert Clive and the entire British East India Company in vengeance. The film depicts the Comapany's brutal capturing of the princely states to strengthen their rule in the entire country. Aside from the certain historical inaccuracies, given that Robert Clive which we so well read about in our history books was well dead before that period and also that Indians quite did not gain their prowess as thugs during that period, the film is a worthwhile cinematic and an adventurous experience in its own. The cinematography by Manush Nandan and the production design by Sumit Basu is top notch and brilliant, however the writing by Vijay Krishna Acharya could have been more balanced and efficient. The screenplay goes haywire and predictable in places. However the dramatic and pompous execution saves the boat for this one. 

One of the main highlight was the enriching background score by Ajay Atul which added a profound force to the narrative. The two lead protagnists Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan bring out their magnetic and powerful side in this one, their charaterization stark contrast with each other. Aamir Khan steals the show in this one with his quirky, deceitful and bohemian act while Amitabh Bachchan delivers his magnanimous best as the captain of the thugs. Fatima Sana Shaikh is intense, powerful and has some bravely choreographed action sequences but it is Katrina Kaif who is barely reduced to only the dance numbers, having a hit and miss appearance in the film even though the actress has nailed it in her dance performances owing to the stunning choreography by Prabhudeva. 

The visual effects are commendable giving in the right amount of adrenaline rush. The editing could have been a little more constrained. The film deserves credit for the right dedication to preserve the cinematic experience. Watch this one to witness a larger than life roller coaster ride and an exemplary cinemascope.