Titanic Loss

Readers lament the colossal failure of the Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan starrer Thugs Of Hindostan

- Rigved Padhee, Dr Brahmananda Padhee, Arnav Bapat, & Sumeet Nadkarni

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THUGS OF HINDOSTAN

Thugs of Hindostan, directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, at the onset itself brings in a strong sense of predictability. The only survivor of the Baig dynasty, Zafira (Fatima Sana Shaikh) must grow up nurturing the fire of revenge under the aegis of the royal guard Khudabaksh (Amitabh Bachchan). He has built an army to fight the British and claim Raunakpur from Clive (Lloyd Owen). Clive hires a thug named Firangi Malla (Aamir Khan), who must infiltrate the rebel’s gang, win his trust and then backstab him.

A promising plot that collaborates the two superstars for the first time is let down by juvenile writing, pedestrian dialogue and uninspiring screenplay. The action exudes a sense of spectacle but is monotonous. The writers have brazenly built the narrative around the action sequences. TOH reflects the 80s’ potboilers but there’s no emotional heft. Katrina Kaif is reduced to a two-song cameo. Even the falcon hovering over Bachchan gets a larger footage than her. Firangi, in his carroty hairdo and kohl-eyes, is no Jack Sparrow and his philosophy is baffling! At 76, Bachchan shows so much commitment to play a part that requires unfathomable physical drudgery. Fatima looks convincing as the fierce warrior but her character is crippled with mumbo jumbo.

Rigved Padhee, Hyderabad

MOHALLA ASSI