When a movie promises heists, desert landscapes, and a star-studded cast, expectations naturally run high. Baadshaho, directed by Milan Luthria, features a powerful ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Ileana D’Cruz, Esha Gupta, and Vidyut Jammwal. Set during the backdrop of the 1975 Emergency in India, this film falls into the action-thriller genre with historical undertones. The dusty deserts of Rajasthan, where most of the action takes place, add to the film’s rugged charm, while the Emergency provides a political backdrop that heightens the stakes.
The plot follows a royal princess, Gitanjali (Ileana), whose family treasure is seized by the government during the Emergency. Unwilling to lose her wealth to the state, she enlists Bhawani (Ajay), a loyal bodyguard, and a group of misfits to recover her stolen gold. The team, consisting of Bhawani, the charming thief Dalia (Emraan), and the fearless Sanjana (Esha), embarks on a dangerous mission to hijack a government truck carrying the treasure. As the film unfolds, there are plenty of twists, betrayals, and action-packed sequences that keep the audience on edge. However, the real thrill lies in whether this crew can pull off the heist amidst looming threats, all while maintaining their loyalty to each other.
One of the most notable aspects of the film is the performances, especially by Ajay and Emraan. Ajay, as the brooding and determined Bhawani, brings his signature intensity to the role. His portrayal of a man driven by loyalty and a sense of justice adds depth to the otherwise simple heist plot. Emraan, on the other hand, provides the much-needed comic relief with his cheeky charm as Dalia. The banter between the two actors adds a layer of entertainment that breaks the tension of the serious heist atmosphere. Ileana’s performance as Princess Gitanjali is serviceable, though her character doesn’t have the emotional complexity one might expect. Her presence is more decorative than impactful. Vidyut, as Seher Singh, a soldier tasked with protecting the treasure, brings in the action sequences with flair, particularly his hand-to-hand combat scenes. However, the script doesn’t allow his character to shine beyond being a formidable foe.
Visually, the movie captures the dry, expansive landscape of Rajasthan beautifully. The cinematography by Sunita Radia enhances the gritty, rustic feel of the 1970s, with sweeping shots of desert highways, rugged terrains, and old forts. The film’s color palette is dominated by earthy tones, which complement the overall mood of the narrative. The desert setting amplifies the sense of isolation and danger, making the stakes feel even higher for the characters. While the cinematography excels in showcasing the vastness of the landscape, the action scenes, although well-choreographed, at times feel repetitive and lack the punch one would expect from an action-thriller.
The soundtrack, composed by Tanishk Bagchi and Ankit Tiwari, is a mixed bag. While some of the songs are catchy, like the popular “Mere Rashke Qamar,” which adds a romantic edge to the plot, others feel forced and unnecessary, taking away from the film’s fast pace. The background score, however, does a decent job of building tension during the heist scenes and action sequences. The music, while enjoyable in parts, doesn’t leave a lasting impression and could have been more tightly integrated into the narrative.
Another aspect worth discussing is the film’s pacing and editing. At times, the narrative feels sluggish, especially in the first half, where the story takes too long to establish the stakes. The second half, fortunately, picks up the pace with more action and plot twists, but by then, the momentum has already been lost. The editing by Dharmendra Sharma could have been sharper, particularly in trimming down some of the scenes that drag, which would have resulted in a more engaging experience. Additionally, the film’s multiple subplots, including the budding romance between Bhawani and Gitanjali, feel underdeveloped and detract from the main storyline.
Costume design is another highlight of the movie, especially when it comes to the royal attire worn by Ileana. The outfits beautifully reflect the period and the characters’ social standings. Bhawani and his crew are dressed in rugged, utilitarian clothes that match the harsh environment, adding authenticity to their roles as desert bandits. The film pays attention to these period details, which adds to its visual appeal and helps ground the story in its historical context.
Thematically, Baadshaho tries to explore the concepts of loyalty, betrayal, and the idea of personal justice. The Emergency provides a tense backdrop, symbolizing the larger conflict between personal desires and state control. However, the film’s thematic exploration remains shallow, as it chooses to focus more on the action and heist elements rather than delving deep into the political or emotional complexities. The potential for a more nuanced story about greed, power, and loyalty during a tumultuous time in Indian history is there, but the film only scratches the surface of these ideas.
In conclusion, Baadshaho is a mixed bag of entertainment. It excels in parts, particularly in its action sequences, Ajay and Emraan’s performances, and its visual appeal, but falters in terms of storytelling and character development. The film’s lack of depth in both its plot and thematic elements leaves it feeling like a missed opportunity. For fans of action-packed heist dramas, Baadshaho offers enough thrills and entertainment to be a decent watch, but it doesn’t break any new ground. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, entertaining movie with some standout performances and an exciting premise, this film might just satisfy that craving, but don’t expect too much more beyond that.
