Film review: Dishoom is a definite masala must see

If you haven’t watched Dishoom yet, do so immediately. The film is packed with all the energy needed for it to become a blockbuster.

Courtesy Eros International

Dishoom

Directed by: Rohit Dhawan

Starring: John Abraham, Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Akshay Khanna

Two and a half stars

If you haven't watched Dishoom yet, do so immediately - if only for action king Akshay Kumar's out-of-character and unforgettable cameo that was largely filmed at Yas Water World. It involves, among other things, a jet-ski, two pairs of orange swimsuits and a splendid man bun.

Kumar may only have five minutes of screen time but he completely eclipses lead actors Abraham and Dhawan, who portray Kabir and Junaid, cops who take over Abu Dhabi in super cars and helicopters as they race against time trying to find a kidnapped cricketer.

The brilliant cinematography captures the capital in all its glory. From the sparkling waters of Yas Marina to the glittering skyscrapers of Reem Island, the city perfectly sets off the high-octane action sequences. The rest of the film whizzes by in a blur of guns, explosions and car chases.

Abraham is so wooden his gun has more personality. Dhawan excels in his comic role, probably because he grew up watching all his father’s (filmmaker David Dhawan) silly comedies. Up-and-coming actor Saqib Saleem is memorable as patriotic Indian batsman Viraj Sharma, and is several leagues above the new, mostly talentless generation of young actors (Tiger Shroff, we’re looking at you).

Mention must be made of Sri Lankan actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who, as usual, serves mainly two purposes: to gyrate in a raunchy song sequence, and to play a clueless love interest whose make-up never drips down her face, even when she is fleeing murderous criminals in the middle of the scorching desert. So much for women’s empowerment.

Dishoom is packed with all the masala needed for it to become a blockbuster, including an unnecessary plot twist that got the Pakistani film censor board so enraged it banned the movie.

As for the story, there is none. A solid script is not why we purchase tickets to a masala film, is it?

So sit back, eat your popcorn and have a blast.