Brahmastra

​"Brahmastra".

Watched Hindi movie "Brahmastra". 

This movie is directed by Ayan Mukherji. Written by Ayan Mukherji. Produced by Karan Johar, Ranbeer Kapoor, Ayan Mukherji and others. Cinematography by V. Manikandan and others. Music by Simon Franglen. It features Ranbeer Kapoor, Alia Bhat, Amitabh Bachhan, Nagarjuna, Shahrukh Khan, Dimple, Mouni Roy, Saurabh Gurjar. Film runs for about 2 hour and 47 minutes and was released in 2022. I watched it on 17th Sep 2022 in movie theater with Mihika, Jayant, Sucheeta and Dada .

In ancient times, rishi-munis obtained various Astras. Brahmastra was the ultimate weapon. For generations there have been keepers of the Astras who keep them hidden and safe. Three of them have a piece each of Brahmastra. Junoon and her two lackeys are out to obtain all three pieces. They are determined. Shiva is a DJ. He falls for Isha. He starts getting visions of Junoon and her minions trying to obtain Brahmastra and killing a keeper in the process. 

Why is Shiva having these visions? Who is Junoon? Which keeper is killed? How is Shiva involved?

The movie starts with Ravan dahan followed by a grand set of pandal, a huge idol of Durga. This is where hero and heroin meet. there is a Punjabi song at Dashahra mahotsav. Director is confused if he wants to show Dasahera, Durga Puja or Diwali. He ends up showing all three together. 

From then on, it’s full of action and special effects. Credit should be given to the artist for excellent special effects. The superhero acts, high speed car chase, control of fire. Except the breakup of mountain in final scene, special effects are good. 

Ranbir plays Shiva. He has superpowers but doesn’t know it. When he realizes it, he is afraid of it. Then he starts controlling it. Although this is the central role, he falls short in acting department. He lacks the poise. He appears mostly confused about everything but sure about his love for Isha. Alia plays Isha. She has returned from England but doesn’t speak a single word of English. She is a modern girl but believes in magic and superpowers, without question or apprehension. She looks beautiful, very beautiful and acts well. Amitabh plays Guruji. A Guruji is expected to be the most powerful keeper, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. He is Amitabh, so no question about acting. Mount Roy plays badass villain Junoon. Dimple, Nagarjuna and Shahrukh have guest appearances. 

This is 1st movie of the series of three. Junoon’s boss Dev will be revealed in Part 2. Probably it will be his story. Logically 3rd part should  be the showdown between Dev and Shiva. 

There are several inconsistencies. Shiva, an orphan, lives in a rented space. He has a very modest house but it has a high end coffee machine. Hero (who must have travelled by road) reaches Varanasi earlier than Villains who have super powers. One of them has super powers of fast movement. Fire doesn’t affect the minions of villain because they are wearing a mani but later suddenly it starts affecting them. Everyone has super powers but finally it comes to hand to hand combat. The Brahmastra is very unimpressive. Just a disc. They could have used their imagination more effectively. 

Indian audience had to turn to Hollywood to watch superhero movies (Marvel, DC etc.). Here you get the homegrown version. A homegrown superhero. 

Positives: Special effects. 

Negatives:  Inconsistencies as mentioned above. 

Recommend watching if you like superhero movies.