Bell bottom Review : An intriguing thriller

Critics Rating:

3.5/5

Story:

Marking the reopening of theatres, Akshay Kumar’s ‘Bell Bottom’ has garnered positive response from viewers of the big screen. The film is now ready to take the OTT world by storm too.

The crime thriller stars Akshay Kumar as the lead character playing the role of a RAW undercover agent, whose code name happens to be ‘Bell Bottom’. In the movie, a passenger aircraft is hijacked by 4 terrorists and landed in Amritsar with around 210 hostage turned passengers. Kumar is brought in to rescue the hostages and neutralise the hijackers. The operation being connected to Kumar’s personal tragedy in the film makes it more impactful.

Review:

Akshay is well known for working in films based on true stories, and this one too is based on two events dated back in the late 70s and the early 80s. The movie was shot at various locations in India and Scotland amidst the pandemic.

Kumar being a fitness enthusiast and known for his healthy lifestyle, looks stunning at 53. Being slim, fit and muscular enhances his look as an Army-man. Vaani Kapoor, who plays the wife of Bell Bottom, looks striking. And even though has lesser screen time, she does justice to her character. Adil Hussain, Huma Qureshi and Lara Dutta play crucial roles in the film. Lara Dutta, for one, plays the role of the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Her makeover is pretty neat and she certainly plays her part convincingly.

The film manages to hold your attention throughout but one has to hold on to the action as there is a lot of throwbacks in the storyline. The film won’t make you emotional nor does it guarantee goosebumps, unlike what you’d expect from a film of this genre. The climax of the film is bit abrupt in the way it winds up and the makers could’ve done a better job there.

All in all, the film has flaws but it does prove to be an entertainer. ‘Bell Bottom’ does enough to bring the big-screen loving audience back to the theatres and mark a successful reopening of the same.

In-depth Analysis

Direction: 3.5/5

Dialogues: 3.0/5

Screenplay: 3.5/5

Visual appeal: 3.5/5