Pratikshya Das

Spoilers below: - VFX on steroids: It is a visual spectacle. It’s great at some places, but overall seems extremely excessive. It should definitely come with an epilepsy warning. I do feel they could’ve added more substance to the story and explained/developed the Puranas arc rather than indulge excessively on VFX. That’s my hope for Part 2. - Story: First half was engaging, loved the cameos and chase scene! Second half was a massive drag. I was intrigued by the Astras and wanted to know more about them but the whole thing was quite rushed. They could’ve been explored further considering this was a mythical movie. The core story was mediocre. They stretch the love story arc beyond relief and that’s their Achilles Heel. It is so unrealistic and annoying! Dialogues were cringe, at one point it felt like I was watching Baaldev 💀 Isha’s character is not fleshed out at all, she seems to be written as very one dimensional. You know how the hero needs a romantic interest to make him realise his value within? Yeah, exactly the same beaten to death trope. - Acting: The cameos were the highlight for me. A certain someone stole the show! Ranbir was decent, could’ve shown a little more aggression. Alia is the manic pixie dream girl, who’s main personality trait is Shiva & shouting his name. She looked gorgeous though! But sadly reduced to only a love interest. Mouni Roy was wonderful as the villain! If only there was a backstory to her! The rest of the supporting cast were decent too. - Technicals: Cinematography was excellent, I watched it on IMAX and I really appreciated the scale! The editing was quite rough, especially during Ranbir’s telekinesis. The sound design and BGM is grand, but also excessive with abrupt shifts. It is unabashedly used to depict the mood of the film, as if the audience cannot distinguish it on their own (Kesariya plays every 2 min whenever Ranbir Alia think of each other 🥱). - Final Thoughts: I wish there was a crazy twist or just SOME twist that would keep us engaged for the next part. I’m still excited for Part 2 though because I think it’ll be more about the villain and less about the cringy, cliched love story. I’d also like more emphasis on the mythology aspect of it all (for example, why is Nandi relevant?) A memorable supporting cast apart from AB Sr. would be a relief from the grating protagonists. And please, let’s town down the VFX and develop the story more. Looks like poora budget CGI waalon ko de di, aur writers ko chiller mila.