An action-packed thriller is always a crowd-pleaser, especially when it mixes patriotism, sharp action sequences, and an intense narrative. Starring Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, and Freddy Daruwala, Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty brings all this and more. Set in Mumbai, the film takes place in modern-day India and dives into the genre of action-thrillers with a strong undercurrent of national pride. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, it’s a remake of the Tamil film Thuppakki, but this adaptation comes with its own flavor, blending Bollywood drama with high-octane action.
The story centers around Virat Bakshi, an army captain who’s home on leave to enjoy some downtime with his family and friends. However, his break is cut short when he stumbles upon a dangerous terrorist network that is plotting to unleash havoc on Mumbai. What starts as an ordinary vacation quickly turns into a mission where Virat must track down and stop the terrorists. Using his military training and wit, Virat begins his investigation to locate the sleeper cells that are hidden among the city’s civilians, while also keeping his romantic life with Saiba (played by Sonakshi) in check.
One of the most notable aspects of the movie is Akshay’s portrayal of Virat. Known for his versatility, Akshay once again proves why he’s a fan favorite in action roles. His performance is grounded, especially in scenes that demand physicality. From hand-to-hand combat to high-speed chases, Akshay pulls off the stunts convincingly, adding believability to his character. More than just a man of action, he embodies the ideals of a disciplined soldier whose duty to his country always takes precedence. Sonakshi’s character, Saiba, provides the lighter, romantic element, but her role is largely supportive, not offering much beyond a typical Bollywood love interest. Freddy, as the villain, is menacing but could have been given more screen time to develop his character further.
The direction by A.R. Murugadoss is slick and keeps the momentum going, rarely allowing the audience to take their eyes off the screen. His previous experience with action-thrillers shines through in this film, as he manages to balance drama with adrenaline-pumping sequences. The editing, too, deserves credit. Scenes of high tension are cut seamlessly, especially during moments when Virat outsmarts his enemies in a game of wits. The pace is steady, and although the movie is long, the action sequences and plot twists keep the audience engaged throughout.
One area that stands out is the film’s music, composed by Pritam. The soundtrack is energetic and fits the film’s mood perfectly. Tracks like “Shaayraana” bring in a breezy romantic vibe, while “Blame the Night” adds an edge to the film’s party scenes. However, it is the background score that truly amplifies the suspense, particularly during chase sequences or intense standoffs between Virat and his adversaries. The music complements the action, without overpowering the visuals or dialogues, which is a fine balance often difficult to achieve in films of this genre.
Cinematography plays a crucial role in the success of this movie. The visuals by N. Nataraja Subramanian, especially during the action scenes, are sharp and well-choreographed. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to high-rise rooftops, every sequence feels well-crafted. The film doesn’t rely on over-the-top special effects, which works in its favor. Instead, the focus is on practical stunts and fight choreography, which keeps the realism intact. The way the camera moves during tense moments, especially in the scenes involving sleeper cells, adds to the overall suspense.
The theme of the movie revolves around patriotism and the idea that a soldier’s duty never ends, even when he’s not in uniform. This is captured well in Virat’s character, who can’t simply sit back and relax when he knows there is a threat to his country. The film emphasizes the sacrifice soldiers make, highlighting that they’re always on call to protect the nation, whether officially on duty or not. This message is portrayed effectively throughout the story, giving it an emotional depth beyond just action.
In addition to its action sequences, the movie also sheds light on terrorism, especially the concept of sleeper cells that operate discreetly within society. The antagonist represents a faceless threat—terrorists who can be anyone, anywhere. This raises the stakes and adds an extra layer of urgency to Virat’s mission, as he faces not just one villain but an unseen network of enemies. However, the film could have spent more time developing the antagonist’s backstory or motivations, which would have made the final confrontation more intense.
As for drawbacks, the romance between Virat and Saiba feels somewhat unnecessary. While it adds the traditional Bollywood elements of songs and lighthearted moments, it often distracts from the main plot. Given the high-stakes nature of the story, the romantic subplot occasionally feels out of place, slowing down the overall pace of the film. Additionally, the portrayal of Saiba’s character as a carefree, almost comic-relief type dilutes the intensity of Virat’s mission.
Overall, Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty is a film that delivers exactly what it promises: edge-of-your-seat action mixed with a dose of patriotism. Akshay shines in his role, bringing both physicality and depth to his character. The film’s themes of duty and sacrifice are timely and resonate well with audiences who appreciate stories about national service. While the romantic subplot may feel unnecessary to some, it doesn’t take away from the overall impact of the film. For those who enjoy action-thrillers with a strong lead and a solid message, this one is definitely worth a watch.
