When action takes the front seat, it’s hard to ignore the electrifying pace of Commando 3, which serves as the third installment in the popular action franchise. Starring Vidyut Jammwal as the unstoppable Karanveer Singh Dogra, the film takes viewers into the high-octane world of terrorism, counter-terrorism, and fierce patriotism. The cast includes Adah Sharma, Angira Dhar, and Gulshan Devaiah in pivotal roles, with most of the action unfolding in London. This time, Karan is up against a major terrorist threat, and the stakes are higher than ever. The genre remains faithful to the action-thriller category, but with a strong undertone of nationalism, Commando 3 attempts to be more than just a fight-heavy film.
At the heart of the movie is Karan, a special forces operative, who is sent on a mission to London to stop a terrorist leader named Buraq, played by Gulshan. Buraq is planning a massive attack on India, and it’s up to Karan and his team, which includes Bhavana, a quirky cop, and Mallika, an intelligence officer, to thwart the plot. The story moves at a breakneck speed as Karan and his team navigate through various obstacles, taking down henchmen and uncovering deeper layers of the terrorist network. The movie keeps you hooked with its relentless pace and constant twists, though the main plotline follows a rather straightforward trajectory—heroes racing against time to stop a disaster.
One of the standout aspects of the movie is, unsurprisingly, the action. Vidyut’s portrayal of Karanveer is a masterclass in physicality, and his impeccable martial arts skills once again steal the spotlight. His combat scenes are choreographed with precision, showcasing his agility and strength in every punch, kick, and leap. The warehouse fight sequence, where he takes on multiple enemies singlehandedly, is an edge-of-the-seat moment that displays his mastery over his craft. Unlike the previous installments, Commando 3 expands the scope of action with a mix of hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, and chase sequences, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Vidyut’s dedication to performing his own stunts lends a sense of authenticity to the film, making the action scenes even more gripping. However, while his physical performance is flawless, his emotional range remains limited, with little depth added to his character.
Direction by Aditya Datt takes the film in a more ambitious direction than its predecessors, focusing not just on the action but also on the thematic elements of national security and terrorism. Datt does a commendable job of keeping the tension high throughout, especially during the climactic moments where time is running out. However, the movie occasionally feels overburdened by its desire to pack in too much patriotism, which sometimes comes across as forced. The editing is sharp, ensuring that the pace never lags, and the transition between scenes feels smooth. One drawback, though, is that the screenplay relies on familiar tropes of the genre, and while it’s executed well, it lacks innovation.
The cinematography by Mark Hamilton captures the essence of the international setting quite effectively. The streets of London provide a glossy backdrop for the gritty action, with wide shots showcasing the sprawling city as the action unfolds. The camera work during the chase scenes is slick and polished, with fluid movement that amplifies the intensity of the moments. The film also utilizes tight close-ups during the fight sequences, immersing the viewer in the physical battles. The visual style is clean and sharp, with contrasting light and dark tones that match the tense atmosphere of the movie.
In terms of special effects, Commando 3 doesn’t go overboard, and that works in its favor. The effects are used sparingly, mostly in sequences involving explosions or vehicle chases. Instead of relying heavily on CGI, the movie leans on Vidyut’s practical stunts, which enhances the authenticity of the action. The final showdown, involving some high-stakes maneuvers, uses a blend of effects and choreography to deliver an intense finale without losing the grounded nature of the action.
The music, composed by Mannan Shaah, serves its purpose in the background but doesn’t leave a lasting impression. The background score does ramp up during the high-octane moments, adding to the adrenaline of the chase and combat scenes. However, the film’s soundtrack feels like an afterthought, with no standout numbers that elevate the emotional beats of the story. The film might have benefited from a more compelling score that could enhance the thematic weight of the narrative.
Costume design in Commando 3 is practical and appropriate, fitting the roles of the characters seamlessly. Vidyut’s tactical gear and the sleek outfits worn by Bhavana and Mallika are functional, reflecting their roles as field agents and cops. There’s nothing particularly groundbreaking about the wardrobe, but it serves its purpose without being a distraction. The attention to detail in the tactical elements of the costume design does add to the overall realism of the characters.
The theme of Commando 3 revolves around the fight against terrorism, with a strong undercurrent of patriotism that runs through the film. While the theme is relevant, the execution sometimes feels a bit too heavy-handed, especially in moments where the dialogue becomes overly preachy. The film’s portrayal of the terrorist threat is clear-cut, with no room for ambiguity, which simplifies the conflict into a black-and-white scenario. While this works for the genre, a more nuanced exploration of the theme could have added depth to the narrative.
In conclusion, Commando 3 is an exhilarating ride for action lovers. Vidyut’s unmatched physical prowess is the highlight of the film, and the action sequences are worth the watch alone. However, the film doesn’t offer much in terms of character development or narrative complexity, relying instead on high-octane thrills and a sense of patriotism. The direction and cinematography are effective in creating a tense atmosphere, and the special effects are used judiciously to maintain the realism of the stunts. For fans of the action genre and Vidyut Jammwal, Commando 3 delivers exactly what you would expect—relentless action with a clear-cut sense of good versus evil. However, for those looking for more depth in storytelling, the film might not offer enough.
