Gabbar is Back : The Bugle's Verdict

Gabbar asked – “Kitne aadmi the?” In reply a roar was heard . A house-full theatre caused it. Why the film was named ‘Gabbar is Back’, couldn’t be fathomed by either me or that theatre full of people. Whether or not it was worthwhile, is an entirely different discussion. Let’s get into it.

Akshay Kumar is Professor Aditya (No surname). He teaches Class Xth physics in Degree College, using local goons as examples for Newtonian theories and shakes his P.W.D. (Power Waala Danda) as a side-hobby. Shruti Haasan plays the stereotypical dumb lass, who is a lawyer, as well as the ambassador for IIN, quoting Google for silly facts in random situations. After a great personal loss, Prof. He-man adopts the alter-ego of Gabbar, wreaking havoc on corruption and bureaucracy.

The issue of corruption and its social effects has been stressed upon way too much, and has been beaten to a pulp. This has become quite the problem with Bollywood; someone comes up with a new riveting subject for a film, it becomes successful, and then all other producers shall drag on with the same themes and concepts until the idea loses any remaining profitability.

Essentially, GIB gives vision to the daydreams of every common man, facing the brunt of the vices of the government, who just wants to roll up his sleeves to beat someone up. This vision is the only thing that makes this film considerably enjoyable and at the same time, juvenile. The film continuously loses focus over the topic of right and wrong, leaving the audiences beating on the same old drum left by the likes of ‘Jai Ho!’ without still choosing a side. Story consistently moves ahead supercharged on emotions rather than logic, and that is probably why the general Indian masses shall enjoy GIB unlike anything, because it talks about a sensible issue in the most nonsensical, stereotypical way possible. The plot has been spruced up using typical over-the-top action sequences, music from 'The Dark Knight', corny dialogues and iconic lines from Sholay playing in the background, that hold no relevance whatsoever to the movie.

Sunil Grover, better known as Gutthi from ‘Comedy Nights with Kapil’ makes his attempt at dramatic acting, which was satisfactory. A much better performance was expected from Shruti Hassan.  Akshay Kumar was... well, Akshay Kumar.

Verdict – Watch ‘Gabbar is Back’ for the trip down Righteous lane, and social dramatics combined with mind-numbing action, the perfect Friday throwback recipe. If mental enrichment and upliftment is your general purpose in life, proceed with caution.