From the vibrant opening sequences to the climactic dance battles, this energetic spectacle showcases an undeniable love for movement, music, and performance. Directed by Remo D’Souza, it brings together stars Varun, Shraddha, and Prabhu Deva, with London serving as the main backdrop. Falling squarely in the dance-musical genre, the movie primarily takes place in the present day, featuring iconic cityscapes and international dance battles. It centers around themes of cultural rivalry, unity, and the power of dance as a medium of expression.
The story kicks off with Sahej (played by Varun) and Inayat (played by Shraddha), two passionate dancers from different backgrounds, who represent rival dance teams. Sahej’s team, the Street Dancers, embodies a British-Indian identity, while Inayat’s Rule Breakers are of Pakistani descent. The rivalry extends beyond dance into cultural pride. However, both teams are brought together by a shared cause—to help struggling immigrants and refugees. As they prepare for the world’s biggest dance battle, these characters undergo personal growth, realizing that their ambitions and talents can serve a greater purpose.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is the dance choreography. Remo, known for his ability to blend multiple dance forms, delivers electrifying routines, making the film a visual delight. The dance sequences are grand, often set against stunning backdrops like stadiums, streets, and studios. Varun, with his impressive athleticism and natural flair for street styles, fits perfectly into the role of a competitive dancer. Shraddha’s performance, while solid, is elevated by her dance talent and the chemistry she shares with Varun on-screen. However, Prabhu Deva, a legend in the dance world, steals the show with his iconic “Muqabla” performance, a nod to his earlier work, blending nostalgia with flawless execution.
While the dancing is top-notch, the direction has its highs and lows. Remo succeeds in making the film visually arresting but struggles at times with balancing the emotional narrative with the dance competition. The emotional beats surrounding the immigrant subplot feel underdeveloped in contrast to the more explosive dance scenes. Editing, too, feels inconsistent, with some transitions between storylines feeling jarring, although the pace does pick up as the climax approaches. Costume design is another highlight, with each character’s outfits reflecting their personalities and dance styles, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal.
Music plays an integral role in the movie. Tracks like “Garmi,” featuring Nora, bring an infectious energy to the screen, while the remixed version of “Muqabla” is a crowd-pleaser. The background score complements the film’s intense moments, though some of the original songs seem designed more to dazzle than to push the narrative forward. The special effects, mostly visible in the dance battles, enhance the moves rather than overpower them, helping to intensify the drama of these high-stakes competitions. However, the cinematography stands out as it captures the dance forms in dynamic, creative ways, ensuring every move is seen from the best angle, from wide shots that show the ensemble to close-ups that capture the intricate footwork.
Beyond the dance, the film tackles important themes. The immigrant crisis and issues of cultural identity are woven into the narrative, but they sometimes feel secondary to the dazzling choreography. This creates a bit of a disconnect, where the heart of the story—helping the less fortunate—gets overshadowed by the grand spectacle of the competition. There’s a sense that the movie wanted to say something deeper, but it never fully commits to this side of the story, focusing instead on the visually stunning dance-offs. Despite this, the theme of unity and collaboration resonates, especially as characters overcome their differences for a shared cause.
Overall, this film succeeds in delivering what it promises—stunning dance numbers and an entertaining ride. It may not fully realize its potential as a socially conscious film, but it does offer enough heart to make audiences root for its characters. Fans of dance-centric films will undoubtedly enjoy the electrifying performances and the vibrant choreography, while those looking for deeper narratives might find the storytelling lacking. If you’re in the mood for an energetic, feel-good film with spectacular visuals and don’t mind some predictable moments, this film won’t disappoint. With Prabhu Deva’s timeless moves and Varun’s charismatic performance, it’s a celebration of dance, even if the story takes a backseat at times.
