Bollywood Superstar/National-Award Winning Actor Ajay Devgn returns to the Director's Chair after nearly a decade with 'Shivaay'. And Devgn delivers, as the film is a visual delight. The Excellent Action-Sequences & Fabulous Cinematography only add to a very-good looking film. But, Story-Wise, Devgn opts for a predicable story, that puts you off at times. More on that later...
'Shivaay' Synopsis: A Himalayan mountaineer transforms into a mean destroyer, after his mute daughter is kidnapped by human traffickers.
'Shivaay' is a one-man-army story about a father in search of his kidnapped mute daughter, who'd stop at nothing. 'Shivaay' is a superhero who has the Power of Lord Shiva & Devgn plays the part believably. While the first-hour is more on the sub-plot involving Shivaay & his lady-love, who exits his life right after she delivers a daughter, its the second-hour that forms the core of the story. This is essentially a father-daughter story, that offers some heartwarming moments. There is an earnestness to the sequences involving Shivaay & his Daughter, that certainly engage you.
Unfortunately, the rest of 'Shivaay' is a mixed bag. The first-hour, to begin with, which is more of a love-story in the Himalayan Mountains, is strictly okay. The second-hour is much better, as the action kicks in rapidly & leaves a solid impression. But the villains appear as caricatures & their depiction, isn't powerful enough either. Devgn keeps the pace fast, but the narrative is uneven overall. At times the film soars with fist-pumping action & at times, falters in its otherwise dramatic moments. The Writing needed to be crisper & more solid.
Devgn's Direction is well-done. He's handled the film well, but Sandeep Srivastava & Robin Bhatt's Screenplay puts him down at times. I wish the Writing remained sharp, as its uneven. Aseem Bajaj's Cinematography is superb. The lens-man has filmed 'Shivaay', expertly. Editing needed to be crisper. Art & Costume Design are decent. Action-Sequences are Exhilarating. Each & Every Stunt has been executed & performed, fabulously. The Action in 'Shivaay' is certainly among the best to come out of India in recent times. Mithoon's Score is good. Background Score is fair.
Performance-Wise: Devgn delivers, as always. He looks the part & excels as the Superhero. Abigail Eames as Shivaay's daughter, is adorable. Erika Kaar is fine, but her diction is faulty. Sayesha Saigal looks gorgeous & delivers a confident debut performance. Vir Das hams. Saurabh Shukla is wasted. Ditto for Girish Karnad.
On the whole, 'Shivaay' has awesome action as its Ace, but a predictable story-line wears you off after a point.
'Shivaay' Synopsis: A Himalayan mountaineer transforms into a mean destroyer, after his mute daughter is kidnapped by human traffickers.
'Shivaay' is a one-man-army story about a father in search of his kidnapped mute daughter, who'd stop at nothing. 'Shivaay' is a superhero who has the Power of Lord Shiva & Devgn plays the part believably. While the first-hour is more on the sub-plot involving Shivaay & his lady-love, who exits his life right after she delivers a daughter, its the second-hour that forms the core of the story. This is essentially a father-daughter story, that offers some heartwarming moments. There is an earnestness to the sequences involving Shivaay & his Daughter, that certainly engage you.
Unfortunately, the rest of 'Shivaay' is a mixed bag. The first-hour, to begin with, which is more of a love-story in the Himalayan Mountains, is strictly okay. The second-hour is much better, as the action kicks in rapidly & leaves a solid impression. But the villains appear as caricatures & their depiction, isn't powerful enough either. Devgn keeps the pace fast, but the narrative is uneven overall. At times the film soars with fist-pumping action & at times, falters in its otherwise dramatic moments. The Writing needed to be crisper & more solid.
Devgn's Direction is well-done. He's handled the film well, but Sandeep Srivastava & Robin Bhatt's Screenplay puts him down at times. I wish the Writing remained sharp, as its uneven. Aseem Bajaj's Cinematography is superb. The lens-man has filmed 'Shivaay', expertly. Editing needed to be crisper. Art & Costume Design are decent. Action-Sequences are Exhilarating. Each & Every Stunt has been executed & performed, fabulously. The Action in 'Shivaay' is certainly among the best to come out of India in recent times. Mithoon's Score is good. Background Score is fair.
Performance-Wise: Devgn delivers, as always. He looks the part & excels as the Superhero. Abigail Eames as Shivaay's daughter, is adorable. Erika Kaar is fine, but her diction is faulty. Sayesha Saigal looks gorgeous & delivers a confident debut performance. Vir Das hams. Saurabh Shukla is wasted. Ditto for Girish Karnad.
On the whole, 'Shivaay' has awesome action as its Ace, but a predictable story-line wears you off after a point.