In a world of mainstream Bollywood, where action films often follow a formulaic pattern, here comes a film that boldly blends absurdity with superhero bravado—Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota. Directed by Vasan Bala, this quirky action-comedy stars Abhimanyu Dassani, Radhika Madan, and Gulshan Devaiah. Set in present-day Mumbai, it centers on the idea of a young man born with a rare medical condition that makes him unable to feel pain. The movie thrives in the action-comedy genre, but it is far from typical—it is a love letter to retro martial arts films while also poking fun at their ridiculousness.
The plot revolves around Surya, a boy diagnosed with congenital insensitivity to pain. His condition, which prevents him from feeling physical pain, becomes both his superpower and his greatest weakness. Raised by his overprotective father and spirited grandfather, Surya grows up binge-watching martial arts films, convinced that he, too, can become a superhero. The movie follows his journey as he sets out to right wrongs, defeat villains, and fulfill his childhood fantasies of becoming a martial arts master. Along the way, he crosses paths with his childhood friend Supri, played by Radhika, and the movie’s eccentric villain Jimmy, portrayed by Gulshan. What begins as a quirky coming-of-age story soon turns into a full-blown adventure filled with humor, action, and a dash of nostalgia.
One of the film’s most standout aspects is the way Abhimanyu portrays Surya. As a newcomer, Abhimanyu effortlessly embodies the naive yet determined character, balancing comedy and action with ease. His expressions—ranging from wide-eyed innocence to giddy excitement as he battles goons—make Surya both relatable and endearing. Abhimanyu’s physicality shines in the fight sequences, as his character’s lack of pain tolerance gives him an edge over his opponents. Despite this, the movie never turns Surya into an invincible superhero; instead, it humanizes him through his limitations and quirks. Radhika, as Supri, delivers a strong and dynamic performance. Her character is tough, resourceful, and much more than just the love interest—she holds her own in the action scenes and adds emotional weight to the film. Gulshan, in a double role as twin brothers Jimmy and Mani, provides a show-stealing performance. His portrayal of the eccentric, kung-fu-loving villain Jimmy is both hilarious and menacing, adding a layer of absurdity to the film’s antagonist that fits the overall tone.
Direction-wise, Vasan Bala infuses the film with a unique style. His love for martial arts films is evident in every frame, from the over-the-top fight choreography to the constant references to classic action films. Bala’s direction ensures that Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota is not just another superhero flick—it’s a genre-bending, self-aware celebration of cinema. The editing is sharp, keeping the pace brisk and allowing the action scenes to shine. Bala also plays with timelines and flashbacks, using them to inject humor and surprise, which keeps the narrative fresh and unpredictable.
The cinematography by Jay I. Patel is vibrant and energetic. The film’s color palette pops with bright reds, blues, and yellows, reminiscent of comic books and old-school martial arts films. Each frame is carefully constructed to maintain a sense of comic absurdity, making the action sequences as visually entertaining as they are thrilling. Patel’s camera work in the fight scenes deserves special mention—he avoids the typical shaky-cam approach and instead lets the choreography breathe, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the action.
Musically, Karan Kulkarni’s background score complements the film’s zany tone. The soundtrack is a blend of retro tunes and modern beats, which adds to the film’s nostalgic yet contemporary vibe. The use of music during fight scenes, in particular, elevates the tension while keeping the audience engaged. The sound effects during Surya’s many bone-crunching battles are exaggerated for comic effect, making each punch and kick more impactful, but in a lighthearted way. The soundtrack isn’t overwhelming, and it steps back during emotional scenes, giving space for the characters’ development.
Another highlight of the film is its action choreography. Rather than relying on CGI-heavy effects, the fight scenes are mostly practical, paying homage to martial arts films of the past. The film’s tongue-in-cheek approach to fight sequences is refreshing—there’s a balance between humor and intensity that sets it apart from typical Bollywood action flicks. The sequences are well-paced, and while they are over-the-top, they never feel out of place in a film that embraces its own absurdity. Whether it’s Surya’s training montages or his face-offs against Jimmy’s goons, the action is inventive and fun to watch. It’s clear that the team took their time in choreographing each fight, as the movements feel smooth and purposeful, reminiscent of kung-fu classics.
The film’s dialogue and screenplay, written by Vasan Bala himself, are witty and full of clever pop-culture references. Bala’s writing is sharp, constantly surprising the audience with its humor and meta-commentary on the superhero genre. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, particularly in how Surya’s internal monologue breaks the fourth wall. The screenplay doesn’t shy away from poking fun at Bollywood tropes, which makes the film feel refreshingly self-aware. The dialogue is packed with memorable one-liners that enhance the comedic timing, especially in scenes between Surya and his grandfather.
Overall, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota is a wild, genre-defying ride that manages to be both a love letter to classic martial arts films and a fresh take on the superhero genre. The film’s greatest strength lies in its ability to blend absurdity with heartfelt emotion. While it could have easily turned into a parody, Bala’s careful direction and the cast’s committed performances keep it grounded, resulting in a film that’s as entertaining as it is unique. Abhimanyu, in his debut role, shows great promise, and Gulshan’s eccentric villainous turn is nothing short of iconic.
If you’re a fan of action-comedies with a twist or enjoy films that don’t take themselves too seriously, this film is a must-watch. It’s unconventional, funny, and filled with heart—making it one of the most innovative Bollywood films in recent years. Whether you’re a lover of martial arts films or just looking for something offbeat, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota will leave you thoroughly entertained.
