'Shamshera' Review: Even Ranbir Kapoor can’t save this unbearable revenge drama

'Shamshera' Review: Even Ranbir Kapoor can’t save this unbearable revenge drama

It may sound unreal, but it seems like Ranbir shouldn’t have done this film

Rohit BhatnagarUpdated: Friday, July 22, 2022, 10:03 PM IST
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Director: Karan Malhotra

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Vaani Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Ronit Bose Roy, Saurabh Shukla and others

Where: In theatres near you

Rating: 1.5 stars

When writer-director Karan Malhotra started his innings in the industry with the remake of 'Agneepath' (1990), he was labelled as one of the filmmakers of that time who blended mass and class in his storytelling very well. However, his second outing, 'Brothers', was panned universally, both by critics and audiences. His project 'Shuddhi' never took off, and he moved on to make 'Shamshera', a story about revenge against slavery and personal loss.

Set in 1871, 'Shamshera' (Ranbir Kapoor) leads and protects his tribe. Being from a lower caste, he and his tribe are enslaved by the Britishers and a ruthless cop Shuddh Singh (Sanjay Dutt). Shamshera is brutally killed, and twenty five years later, his look-alike son Balli (also played by Ranbir ) takes an oath to finish everyone who is responsible for his vandalisation. Sona (Vaani Kapoor), a pleasing mujra dancer, falls in love with Balli, who also joins the force to accomplish his mission.

With a plot depicting the era of the 1800s, 'Shamshera' falls flat. The film neither has a solid plot nor an engaging screenplay. The runtime of 158 minutes is no less than torture! The first half is too lengthy; in fact, the second half wasn’t required only! Karan might have a vision which is larger than life, but he miserably fails in translating that into the cinematic experience.

In the past, several filmmakers have tried their hands at making revenge dramas. 'Sholay' is the biggest successful example. Funnily, Karan himself made a revenge drama, 'Agneepath' (2012), which was interesting enough to pass as a remake of a yesteryear’s cult. But, 'Shamshera' is not even an inch closer. Certainly, it was a much-awaited film of 2022 for obvious reasons. A major one being Ranbir’s return to the big screen after four long years, but even he can’t save the film.

It may sound unreal, but it seems like Ranbir shouldn’t have done this film. Especially after the pandemic, when the stakes are so high for everyone in the industry. He is a great actor, and it is an undeniable fact, but 'Shamshera' is his biggest mistake after 'Besharam'. He surely gives some relief to the film, but it is a sinking ship. Sanjay Dutt as an antagonist is cringy. He is not scary, not funny and not watchable. Vaani hardly has screen time except for her two mujras and one romantic song, 'Fitoor' with Ranbir. You can count her scenes on your fingertips. Ronit Bose Roy and Saurabh Shukla go unnoticed.

'Shamshera', or rather ‘Shame’shera, is a big disappointment. It’s a huge letdown to Ranbir Kapoor’s fans, who were eagerly waiting for his comeback on the silver screen.

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