This was one film that promised a lot! From an ensemble starcast to lavish sets, great action, great animation, etc. etc. The film has it all but sadly, none are as impressive as expected, except for Katrina Kaif’s improvement in Hindi diction and accent!
The film, in a nutshell, is about a cult of revolutionaries who call themselves Azaad, led by Khuda Baksh(Amitabh Bachchan) and Zafira (Fatima Sana Shaikh). The Azaads seek independence from the British oppression which is represented by an officer Clive (Lloyd Owen). The British on their part are hunting for Azaad and take the help of the ‘atrangi’ Firangi(Aamir Khan) to do so. In between we have Katrina Kaif urf Suraiyya bringing us some relief with her dance.
Director Vijay Krishna Acharya had everything that he needed to make a mind-blowing film, starting with two of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan, to the budget and the banner! But he made a total mess of the film. The result was nothing but a period costume drama that reminded me of the huge big budget annual musical concerts we used to put up in our school in the mountains!
Aamir Khan was the only interesting and literally the most colorful character to watch in the film, he even overshadows the Big B who looks weary in the entire film! Aamir even gives Katrina tough competition in an item number. But, there were times in the film that Aamir overdid it a bit too, perhaps the director realised it and added a dialogue in the film where Amitabh says, “Baat suna ke hi maaroge ya koi hathiyar bhi laaye ho!”
There are plot twists in the film but they really don’t grab your attention. The film does look grand but there are scenes in the film which are a total let down. The film introduces Amitabh as the brave, strong, grim and serious Khudabaksh but the next minute, we see the serious Khudbaksh letting his hair loose and dancing and singing with a stranger! That kind of makes his character weak and naive.
The film has glimpses of so many films from the past and it does not offer anything new, barring a few dialogues. One could say that Thugs Of Hindostan is nothing but Aamir aka Firangi’s antics! Thugs Of Hindostan could have been a spectacular film had the director used his resources well.
Go watch Thugs Of Hindostan If you are tired of all the card sessions, done doing Diwali visits and have nothing else to do this Diwali!
