Writer: Janak

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Watch this if you liked: “Agent Vinod”, “Paan Singh Tomar” and “Race”.

It is really funny and weird when a common man starts becoming a criminal, not because of another gangster, criminal, thief, robber or murderer who came across their path, but it's because of the country's politicians, leaders and entrepreneurs. In return, these common men who turn into criminals seeking for justice end up becoming heroes of the masses.

"Bullet Raja" tells audiences exactly that kind of story. Raja (Said Ali Khan) and his friend Rudra (Jimmy Shergil) never wanted to be gangsters, fate and the corrupted system made them one. Both were bold with a load of self-respect and love for their comrades and this earned them more respect. As usual, love and revenge starts to tear them apart slowly but like all Bollywood films, the cycle comes back again and fans would have already known what happens in the end.

Saif Ali Khan dazzles, when it came to his looks, characterization and performance. The talented Jimmy Shergill also has an equal role to match Saif and he does pull off the job. Sonakshi Sinha gets stuck between the leads sometimes but she is still watchable.

Gulshan Grover and Raj Babbar played negative characters and they make audiences feel nostalgic for their performances back in the 1990s. Even Chunky Pandey, who plays a cameo in the first half is really commendable. Vidyut Jamwal is worthy of a mention too.

Plot-wise, the sharp writing and witty dialogues in the first half makes the film watchable but as the screenplay drags post intermission, it all turns for some bloody revenge drama and this might cause audiences to lose interest in the second half. Unfortunately, this is the same director who gave us "Paan Singh Tomar" (2012) which was very entertaining throughout that entire film. With a tighter script, editing and uncompromising vision, this film could have been better.

The camerawork, though, is good with some excellent Indian locations which changes from one state to another. The effects and action scenes are choreographed well and audiences might be surprise to know that the lead actors executed all their stunts by themselves. However, the songs are disappointing. Sajid-Wajid has provided better background score in their previous action films but here, the songs are badly placed. Songs like 'Don't Touch My Body' and 'Tamanche Pe Disco' is probably better taken out of the film.

To be fair, this hardcore action film overall delivers what it promises. Despite it all the film was pretty engaging, and it is still enjoyable and extremely distinctive plus if you're a fan of some edgy dialogues, you won't be let down.


Cinema Online, 02 December 2013