When martial arts, action, and romance collide, the result is an adrenaline-packed spectacle, and that’s exactly what Baaghi offers. Released in 2016, this action-drama stars Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor in lead roles, with Sudheer Babu playing the antagonist. Directed by Sabbir Khan, the movie is set in a modern-day urban India, with portions filmed in picturesque locations across Kerala and Bangkok. Rooted in the action genre, the film combines high-octane martial arts sequences with a romantic storyline, offering a mix of both visual thrills and emotional drama.
The plot revolves around Ronny (Tiger), a rebellious young man sent to a martial arts academy in Kerala by his father to learn discipline. There, he meets Siya (Shraddha), a free-spirited and bubbly girl, and the two quickly fall in love. However, their relationship faces hurdles, primarily in the form of Raghav (Sudheer), a powerful martial arts expert who also harbors feelings for Siya. When Raghav abducts her and flees to Bangkok, Ronny is forced to use all his martial arts training to rescue her. The narrative weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption, anchored by Ronny’s journey from a reckless youth to a focused warrior, determined to fight against all odds to save the woman he loves.
One of the film’s strongest elements is Tiger’s portrayal of Ronny. Known for his exceptional athleticism, Tiger truly shines in the action sequences, performing gravity-defying stunts with ease. His martial arts skills are central to the film, and it’s clear that the role was tailored to showcase his physical prowess. Tiger’s dedication to the role is evident, particularly in the fight scenes, where his movements are fluid, precise, and visually impressive. However, his emotional range is somewhat limited, as the film leans more heavily on his action capabilities than his acting depth. Shraddha, as Siya, brings her usual charm and grace to the role, but her character doesn’t have much to do beyond being the love interest and motivation for Ronny’s quest. Sudheer, as the villain, is menacing and physically imposing, which adds tension to the action scenes. He manages to hold his own against Tiger, providing a formidable challenge for the hero.
The film’s direction by Sabbir Khan is primarily focused on delivering slick action sequences, and in this regard, it succeeds. The choreography of the fight scenes, particularly those involving Tiger, is top-notch. The influence of martial arts films is evident, and the movie draws heavily from both Bollywood and Hollywood action genres. The cinematography by Binod Pradhan is equally impressive, capturing the beauty of Kerala’s lush greenery and the chaotic, neon-lit streets of Bangkok with equal finesse. The camera work during the action scenes is dynamic, with sweeping shots and close-ups that heighten the intensity of the fights. The visual storytelling enhances the action, making the sequences feel larger than life.
In terms of music, the soundtrack of Baaghi is a mixed bag. Composed by multiple music directors, including Amaal Mallik and Meet Bros, the songs range from romantic ballads to peppy dance numbers. While tracks like “Sab Tera” and “Cham Cham” are melodious and help establish the romantic connection between the leads, they feel somewhat disconnected from the overall tone of the film, which is heavily action-oriented. The songs provide brief moments of relief from the intense fight scenes, but they don’t always seamlessly blend with the narrative. The background score, composed by Julius Packiam, fares better, particularly in the climactic moments, where it adds tension and drama to the unfolding action.
One area where the film could have been stronger is its script and character development. The plot follows a fairly predictable trajectory, with few surprises along the way. While the action sequences are thrilling, the story itself lacks depth and originality. The characters are drawn in broad strokes, particularly Siya, whose role is primarily to serve as a damsel in distress. Raghav, though menacing, is a one-dimensional villain with no real backstory or motivation beyond his obsession with Siya. The film focuses so heavily on action that it neglects the emotional complexity that could have made the characters more compelling. A deeper exploration of Ronny’s inner struggles or Raghav’s motivations would have added more weight to the story.
The editing by Manan Sagar ensures that the film moves at a brisk pace, especially in the second half, where the action intensifies. However, the first half feels a bit slow, as it takes time to establish the love story and Ronny’s transformation. While this setup is necessary, it could have been more tightly executed. Once the action shifts to Bangkok, the film picks up speed, and the final act is filled with non-stop action that keeps viewers engaged. The fast cuts and sharp editing during the fight scenes create a sense of urgency and excitement, making the action feel relentless.
Visually, Baaghi is a treat. The production design, especially in the martial arts academy and the Bangkok sequences, is well-executed. The contrast between the serene, disciplined world of the martial arts academy and the chaotic, bustling streets of Bangkok is stark, adding to the film’s visual appeal. The costume design is functional, with Ronny’s rugged, warrior-like appearance and Raghav’s sleek, villainous look complementing their characters. Even Siya’s wardrobe reflects her free-spirited personality, though her role is more about emotional support than action.
Overall, Baaghi is an entertaining watch if you’re in the mood for high-energy action and martial arts. The film’s strength lies in its action sequences and Tiger’s impressive physical performance, which elevates what could have been a fairly standard action-romance plot. While it lacks the emotional depth or innovative storytelling that could have made it stand out, it still delivers plenty of thrills for action enthusiasts. The film is best enjoyed for its spectacle, rather than its story. For fans of Tiger Shroff or action cinema in general, Baaghi is worth watching for the sheer excitement of its fight sequences and the visual grandeur it offers. If you’re seeking an action-packed film with romance, drama, and breathtaking stunts, this one hits the mark.
