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Bollywood has been long overdue for an all-out, no-holds-barred action film, and Bholaa is just that. Ajay Devgn stars as the eponymous lead actor and director, doing double duty to bring audiences an adrenaline-fueled spectacle. The film takes place over the course of a single night and features a massive drug bust, a vicious mobster, a police station under attack, and a group of cops struggling to stay alive.
In addition, an ex-convict (Ajay Devgn) embarks on a mission to meet his ten-year-old daughter whom he has never seen. An injured female cop (Tabu) corrals the convict into a rescue mission with a hapless fellow (Amir Khan) along for the ride to provide comic relief.
A Remake of ‘Kaithi’
Bholaa is an official remake of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s 2019 blockbuster, Kaithi. Kanagaraj’s film introduced elements that make up his universe, which merges action and emotion, splitting the screen between charismatic good guys and even more charismatic bad guys. Kanagaraj’s previous film “Vikram” featured an impressive cast including Kamal Haasan, Fahad Faasil, and Vijay Sethupathi. However, the climactic reveal of Suriya as the villain outshone the ensemble and left a lasting impact on the audience.
The plotline of Bholaa is nearly the same as Kaithi, with a few additions and tweaks. The most significant change is the injured male cop being transformed into a female character, which is a smart move. Tabu takes on the part with great gusto, making an effective dent in this all-male universe. She nails the power that a cop yields yet shows a softer human side. Without her, the film wouldn’t be as watchable. Dobriyal and Rao are also standouts in their roles; Dobriyal is nearly unrecognizable as the manic-murderous hood, while Rao plays bad well.
Challenges of Keeping the Action Sustainable
The issue with sustaining the high-octane action throughout the lengthy runtime of two hours and forty minutes becomes apparent when the movie deviates from its main plot. For instance, a flashback depicting Bholaa’s past and romantic history, as well as scenes featuring his distressed daughter, slows down the pace of the film.
Additionally, as Ajay Devgn is the lead actor, there are several instances of him performing solo. It becomes challenging to keep each action sequence unique when there are multiple instances of Bholaa fighting a group of attackers on the road, leading to a repetitive feel.
Fortunately, there’s enough going on to keep everything moving. Shiv bhakt Bholaa, aided by holy ‘vibhooti,’ his valiant cop companion, pointedly named Diana, and a brave informer called Aijaz, makes sure he is the last man standing. The power-sharing in the trinity is evident, but obviously, Bholaa has pole position. The plot gets back to its relentless action, cracking bones, showering blood, skewering bodies, and parts thereof.
Final Thoughts on “Bholaa”
Bholaa is a high-octane action film that delivers what it promises. Ajay Devgn’s performance is solid, and the supporting cast brings their A-game. The film’s pacing could have been tighter, but the action sequences are well-executed, and the cinematography is top-notch. The soundtrack is also excellent, complementing the action scenes perfectly. Fans of the genre will undoubtedly enjoy Bholaa, and it’s a welcome addition to Bollywood’s action film canon.
Bholaa is essentially two films rolled into one, offering both an action-packed road movie and a thrilling survival drama. Sanjay Mishra portrays an ageing cop who must defend the Lalganj station against invading thugs, while various gangs try to stop the truck carrying Diana and the unconscious policemen, with a bounty on their heads. Editor Dharmendra Sharma deftly moves between the two tracks.
However, the film is primarily about the action, with Ajay’s character, Bholaa, brutally taking down anyone who threatens those he is protecting, all in the hope of securing his daughter’s future. The chase sequences are spectacular, with impressive vehicle stunts, but the VFX is sometimes questionable, with poorly executed effects like a fake waterfall. Additionally, there are some jarring shifts in tone, with violence interrupted by comedy, melodrama, and romance.
