I couldn't resist myself watching this movie first day after watching the amazing trailers which has astounded audience worldwide. And, I wasn't disappointed. 🙈
⏩ Genre :- Action/Drama
⏩ Runtime :- 2 hrs 52 mins.
⏩ Cast :- Ajay Devgn, Abigail Eames, Sayyeshaa Saigal, Erika Kaar, Vir Das, Girish Kamad, Saurabh Shukla.
⏩ Director :- Ajay Devgn
⏩ Plot :- Shivaay is a Himalayan mountaineer and guide who is innocent but is capable of transforming into a mean destroyer when he needs to protect his daughter.
⏩ Direction and Screenplay :- Directed by Ajay Devgn, the direction is not the best part of this film. The frame is quite shaky in few action sequences. But cut him some slack people, Shivaay is only his second directorial venture—the first being 'U Me Aur Hum.' (2008). As far as the screenplay is concerned, it may seem like 'Taken' and 'Rocky Handsome' in some aspects, but co written by Sandeep Srivastava and Robin Bhatt, Shivaay has a deeper emotional connect, distinct execution and an amazing visual appeal.
⏩ Editing and Cinematography :- 2 HRS AND 52 MINS!! It could've easily been toned down by 15-20 minutes by editing the "love blossoming" scenes between Shivaay and Olga. The cinematography by Aseem Bajaj is exceptionally good. The usage of electrifying blue, grey and white colors in the frame adds to the tranquility and refreshment factor. The breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains and the cobbled streets of Bulgaria are so well shot and used to maintain the balance of the film.
⏩ Music :- Music is the one of the best things of Shivaay. The music is extremely powerful and perfectly blends into the narrative. 'Darkhast' and 'Raatein' are soulful and hummable. But the title track 'Bolo har har' is mind-blowing and has the power to produce intoxication into one's being. It takes you to the level of extreme exhilaration.
⏩ The Highs :-
▶ The story isn't something you haven't seen before; however, the execution and performance by the protagonist is thrilling.
Ajay's character depicts two phases that's parallel to that of Lord Shiva – The server of mankind and the destroyer of evil.
The character savoured with mythological tattoos of the Trishul, Naag and Chandra. –Also, few close-up shots of his eyes. (Remember the Third eye?)
▶ In a world where all the attention is given to the mother-child relationship, it's good to see a film reminds us that a loving and a responsible father too can mean the whole world to his child. Sweet.
▶ The movie is 172 mins long since the makers take time to set up the plot, but the adrenaline-pumping action picks up from the word go (after 40-45 mins into the movie). Also, if you are an action enthusiast, you would love every bit of it.
The second half is more entertaining and the background score and chase sequences keep you engaged and refrain yourself from yawning.
▶ The music blends in so perfectly, you would even fail to recognize whether a song/music is going on in the background or not.
▶ Shivaay’s USP is its cutting edge VFX, which makes the film a reality.
⏩ The Lows :-
▶The love making scenes between Ajay and Erika (who is just in the starting 30 mins of the movie) are awkward and you feel no chemistry.
▶ There are a few scenes wherein actors like Girish Karnad and Saurabh Shukla mouth dialogues that have no or least connection with the central theme. Sighs.
▶ It would've been better had they shown much reference to Lord Shiva's antiques by adding more flavour to Shivaay's character.
Instead what we see is a travel guide/mountaineer (whatever you'd like to call him) jumping from cliffs, constantly smoking a chillum – extremely self-consciously at that, looking meaningfully at the audience as though telling them : Stop me if you can.
Even the Censor Board couldn't stop him from getting away with weed; since he was sanctioned by Shiva himself with the chants of 'Bolo Har Har' playing in the background. Smart.
⏩ Performances :-
▶ While his last film 'Dhrishyam' was the psychological thriller, Shivaay marks the return of Ajay Devgn in his action mode.
Ajay gives a stellar performance in the role that is totally tailor made for him. And as usual, does his signature 'emoting with eyes' thing perfectly. Also, the on screen relationship that he shares with the child actress Abigail Eames is extremely natural and flawless.
▶ Erika Kaar as Shivaay's love interest is beautiful but goes OTT with her accent. Dear makers, we would've been okay with her speaking English as we know she is not an Indian. Her hindi seems too forced.
▶ Abigail Eames as Gaura, who plays Shivaay's vocally impaired daughter is sweet and charms us with her acting skills.
▶ Sayyeshaa Saigal as a diplomat, does fine for her Bollywood debut. (She is already a renowned name in Tollywood.)
▶ Vir Das has been roped in as an "Ethical Hacker" for the sake of comic relief and he proves his mettle once again through his perfect timing and killer expressions.
▶ Girish Kamad as the diplomat's father does an impressive job in whatever little role he's been given. (Although his character seems unnecessary.)
▶Saurabh Shukla as the chairman of Indian Ambassy in Bulgaria has a screentime of merely 5 minutes with dialogues somewhat like :
"Shakkal se firangi ho, par dil se ekdum Hindustani. Ghoos kaha deni hai sab jaanti ho." *sighs*
⏩ Watch or Not? Definitely. Shivaay deserves a watch for it's visual appeal, perfect soundtrack and powerpacked performance by Ajay and the cute kid.
⏩ Personal Note – It's indeed disturbing to learn about the paid propaganda unleashed by a lobby to demean a groundbreaking film like Shivaay! Don't go by the critics this time, you know who is funding them. No offense. *winks*
⏩ Verdict – With crisper editing and less melodrama, Shivaay could’ve been the best of the year. But it sure as hell, is worth all your money and time. So grab a popcorn and enjoy the visual canvas that Shivaay is. ❤
⏩ Ratings :- 3.5/5
🙏 Har Har Mahadev. 🙏
Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year. 💁
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