Rowdy Rathore

After taking a break from action films, Bollywood's karate master Akshay Kumar returns to what he loves doing best - kicking the bad guys and saving village people. The actor's previous action flick was a 2009 film titled "Chandni Chowk to China" which failed miserably and since then, Akshay have been turning to comedy and romance films. Perhaps, a thought of redemption through an action film still lingers in his mind.

Rowdy Rathore starts the story with Shiva (Akshay Kumar), a small conman in Mumbai who at first sight, falls in love with Paro (Sonakshi Sinha). In order to please Paro and give up his thieving ways, Shiva decides to give one last try to swindle of a rich man's money. In the process, he bumps into Chinki, a young girl who is convinced that Shiva is her father. As Paro finds out about Chinki, she decides to leave Shiva.

As the story moves forward, an unknown group crosses path with Shiva and attacks him spontaneously. As Shiva is badly wounded, he manages to escape with Chinki and while waiting for a rescuer along the way, comes in a police officer named Vikram Rathore (Akshay Kumar again and yes, in a double role this time). Unfortunately, Vikram dies in the fight in his attempts to save Shiva. Knowing he is the lookalike of Vikram, Shiva then steps in his place and slowly finishes off the rest of the goons in the event to avenge Vikram's death.

It's really nice to see Akshay Kumar in a double role again ("Aflatoon" - 1997 being his last double role). Akshay is charming as Rowdy and commanding as Rathore. He also pulls off the action convincingly. But there is much more to the actor's potential that the script fails to tap. Sonakshi Sinha plays the quintessential heroine whose biggest task is to put her midriff to display. Besides that, do look out for special appearances by Prabhu Deva, Vijay, Kareena Kapoor and other Kollywood known actors in some of the songs of the film.

Rowdy Rathore's screenplay is based on the Telugu hit, is commonplace but entertaining in parts. Emotions abound the script, but at most times, they fail to touch the heart. Dialogues penned by Shiraz Ahmed, are outstanding at places and the script works because of the action and the comedy. Prabhu Devaa's direction is good as he manages to make narrative fast-paced and interesting for the most part. Cinematography by Santosh Thundiyil is very good. Visual effects are near-perfect.

In the songs department, Music Directors Sajid-Wajid has done well despite sticking to one original track called "Chinta Ta Ta Ta" sang by Mika Singh and Wajid, which heavily borrowed from the Telugu version while the rest of the tracks sounds fresh. Also, Kumar Sanu (known as the universal voice of Bollywood in the ninetees) makes a return after 5 years, singing the song titled "Chamak Challo Chel Chabeli" with Shreya Ghosal.

Overall, Rowdy Rathore is an entertaining film. Despite having Akshay Kumar at his irritating best and almost the same acting all the time, the film does provide quite a good number action sequences, comedy elements and not forgetting catchy lines such as "Don't Angry Me" & " You Strongly Welcome". Akshay Kumar's loyal audience will love the film as they will get to see their favorite star back in action, flying off roofs and kicking butts. A must watch for Akshay Kumar fans.