In the current volatile scenario between India and Pakistan, Romeo Akbar Walter (titled after John’s characters’ names), had a lot of potential. But the film fails because of its amateurish approach.
By now all of us know how spies operate. The basics have been drilled into us by far superior movies like Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi (2018), which is still bringing Alia Bhatt accolades and awards. However, RAW, which is a pale cousin of Raazi, is at a disadvantage because of this very reason. It appears like a poor copy. John has said in media reports that the film entertains and not educates. Frankly, where does it entertain?
Considering the sentiments addressed in all espionage dramas are the same – get into enemy camp and get us “secrets” to save our nation – at least the makers should tell it to us in a novel fashion. The intention is applaud-worthy. But every time someone makes a film on the subject, they should also attempt to put their heart and soul into it. Sorry, RAW offers just surface-level emotions.
As the espionage thriller’s lead actor, John, who plays a cucumber-cool spy, stays within character. But he is let down by mediocre writing and amateur direction. As a result, the pace is sluggish. The twists and turns don’t hold. Even the sole chase sequence seems to drag. Add to that the revelations are followed by explanations of how and why. Where are we? In Kindergarten?
Jackie Shroff passes muster as RAW chief, while Mouni Roy doesn't have much to do except look good.
0 comments:
Post a Comment