‘Brahmastra Part 1: Shiva’ Review: Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt’s romance dilutes good v/s evil story

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan, Mouni Roy, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Shah Rukh Khan (in an extended cameo), and others

Where: In theatres near you

Rating: 2.5 stars

A lot has been said, a lot is yet to say but nothing really matters if a film like ‘Brahmastra Part 1: Shiva’ surpasses the expectations the way it is anticipated but unfortunately it isn’t the case here. Ayan Mukerji’s dream project ‘Brahmastra Part 1: Shiva’, which is ready with its second title already is an unclear representation of Hindu mythology and a blend of the fantasy world that he has created.

It is definitely an important film for the Hindi film industry especially since it has been a questionable project ever since it was announced. With a stellar cast and high-quality VFX, a lot has been riding on it still. However, first-day advance bookings around the nation have certainly broken the records but, will show their true colours only after the word of mouth.

Shiva - Agni Astra (Ranbir Kapoor), a DJ by profession falls in love with Isha (Alia) at an event and the two strangely become friends. Soon after, he starts realising his unusual connection with fire. Mohan Bharghav, a popular scientist— Vanar Astra (Shah Rukh Khan), and Anish Shetty, a noted researcher— Nandi Astra (Nagarjuna Akkineni) are targeted by Junoon (Mouni Roy), whose mission is to get all the three bits of Brahmastra and fulfill the dream of her boss Dev— the face of darkness.

Guru (Amitabh Bachchan), a devotee to Brahmansh enlightens Shiva to discover himself and the truth behind his existence. Will Junoon be able to get Brahmastra? Do Shiva and Isha act as a catalyst in finding Brahmastra? This is what forms the rest of the crux.

With the runtime of 166 minutes, Ayan has completely wasted his screenplay by overdoing the romance between real-life couple Ranbir-Alia. The film looks like one pretext book that led to their marriage. Their love scenes are the biggest distraction in the film. The film started off really well but derails from the core idea of making India’s one of its kind mythological-fantasy film. The moment it grips a little, their romance pulls you down.

Although, it is definitely a slippery genre so kudos to Ayan for even attempting and to seed a thought like this, who earlier helmed slice-of-life films ‘Wake Up Sid’ (2009) and ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ (2013), both with Ranbir as a protagonist.

Since it's part one of the trilogy, undeniably there are a lot more surprises in the coming parts leaving you wanting for more just like Shah Rukh Khan’s whistle-worthy extended cameo. But as a stand-alone film— it lacks the thrill of a fantasy film. Dialogues by Hussain Dalal are cringy and awful. Perhaps, it's the weakest thing in the entire film. There are high moments in the film (interval point) and soon after the second half begins but they aren’t enough to impress in totality.

Undoubtedly Ranbir and Alia are solid performers and so does Amitabh Bachchan and Nagarjuna Akkineni, but watch out for Mouni Roy’s bright performance throughout. She draws parallel to Ranbir-Alia in the film. Dimple Kapadia is a blink-and-miss.

A so-called critique-proof film ‘Brahmastra Part One: Shiva’ might have a larger-than-life scale, grandeur, and visual spectacle but nothing more to this run-of-the-mill good v/s evil story.