(25)Movie Review: Zanjeer [CBFC: A 2013 ‧ Action/Thriller ‧ 2h 17m]
Cast & Crew:
- Director: Apoorva Lakhia
- Main Cast: Ram Charan Teja (Vijay Khanna), Priyanka Chopra (Mala), Sanjay Dutt (Sher Khan), Prakash Raj (Teja), Mahie Gill (Mona Darling)
- Music: Anand Raj Anand, Meet Bros Anjjan, Chirantan Bhatt.
Introduction:
A remake of the 1973 classic, Zanjeer (2013) follows a similar framework with updates for a modern audience. However, the film struggles to recreate the grit and intensity of the original, often veering into clichés.
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Storyline/Plot:
Vijay Khanna, an aggressive and honest ACP, takes on the oil mafia in Mumbai after being transferred due to his uncompromising nature. He is aided by Mala, an NRI and the sole witness to a murder, and Sher Khan, a reformed gangster. While unraveling the conspiracy, Vijay confronts his painful past, tying the plot to themes of revenge and justice. Unfortunately, weak scripting diminishes the impact of the narrative.
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Cast Performances:
- Ram Charan Teja delivers a decent performance in action scenes but lacks emotional depth.
- Priyanka Chopra is underutilized, relegated to a mere romantic subplot.
- Sanjay Dutt shines as Sher Khan but has limited screen time.
- Prakash Raj overplays his villain role, diluting the menace.
- Mahie Gill disappoints in an uninspired portrayal of Mona Darling.
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Cinematography & Photography:
While the visuals capture urban Mumbai adequately, they fail to add any distinctive flavor. The framing of action scenes is serviceable but lacks the grit necessary for a thriller.
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Choreography:
The choreography, particularly in the item number "Pinky," is lively but feels out of place in an otherwise serious narrative.
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Musical Score & Background Theme:
The music is passable, with tracks like "Mumbai Ke Hero" and "Pinky" standing out, but the background score doesn't evoke the tension or drama needed for the plot.
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VFX & Special Effects:
The effects are minimal and fail to enhance the storytelling, making the action sequences feel generic.
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Final Verdict/Conclusion:
Zanjeer (2013) struggles to live up to the legacy of its predecessor. The screenplay feels rushed, and the characters lack depth, making the film a missed opportunity. While the action sequences and Sanjay Dutt's performance offer some redemption, the overall experience remains underwhelming.
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Expectations/Recommendations:
Fans of the original Zanjeer might find this remake disappointing due to its lack of authenticity and emotional resonance. It is best suited for viewers looking for a light, action-packed entertainer without high expectations.
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Message from the Movie:
The core message revolves around standing up for justice and fighting against corruption, though its impact is diluted by a lackluster execution.
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Next Installment:
There have been no announcements for a sequel, and given the tepid reception, one seems unlikely.
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Pros:
- Decent action sequences.
- Sanjay Dutt's charismatic performance.
Cons:
- Weak screenplay and poor character development.
- Lackluster music and underwhelming cinematography.
- Fails to capture the essence of the original.
SCREEN SPEAK: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆(5/10)
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