Chakravyuh - Hindi Movie Review and Critics Ratings

This is a movie review of the Hindi film "Chakravyuh".

Average Rating: 2.7/5 (Based on web reviews)

Synopsis:

The film follows three friends from police training, Adil Khan (Arjun Rampal), Rhea Menon (Esha Gupta), and Kabir (Abhay Deol). After Kabir is expelled, Adil becomes a police officer in a Naxal-infested area. When his honest efforts are thwarted by the Naxal leader Rajan (Manoj Bajpayee), Adil hatches a plan with Kabir to infiltrate the Naxal group. The film attempts to explore various complex issues but is criticized for a weak script and mixed performances.

Review Highlights:

• Acting:

  • Arjun Rampal: The reviews offer conflicting opinions. One review calls his performance "wooden" and "unintentionally hilarious," while another hails it as his "most accomplished act" and an "eye-opener."

  • Abhay Deol: He is generally praised for his competent and nuanced portrayal of a character who looks "vulnerable and determined."

  • Manoj Bajpayee: His performance as the Naxal leader is widely lauded for its "depth" and ability to leave the audience "awe-struck."

  • Anjali Patil: Described as a "complete revelation" and a "prized find" for her "furious and power-packed performance."

  • Esha Gupta: Her performance is criticized as not being "convincing enough" for the role, with a suggestion that a more mature actress would have been better suited.

  • Om Puri: His acting is praised as "exceptional," with his look, expressions, and dialogue delivery all standing out.

  • Supporting Cast: Murli Sharma, Kabir Bedi, Chetan Pandit, S.M. Zaheer, and Kiran Karmarkar are also mentioned for their effective performances.

• Direction & Script:

  • The film is directed by Prakash Jha, who is acknowledged for his ability to create engaging and entertaining dramas around "burning issues."

  • However, the script is considered a weak point, with one review stating the film "gets bogged down" by trying to grapple with too many issues.

  • "Chakravyuh" is also seen as a victim of "typical Bollywood excesses," with a suggestion that it could have worked better with "a little more subtlety, a little less jingoism."

Overall Verdict:

The reviews present a mixed bag. While some find the film to be an "engaging drama" that is both topical and entertaining, others feel it falls short due to a flawed script and uneven performances, particularly from the lead actor Arjun Rampal and Esha Gupta.