Force - Review

Force

Producer: Vipul Shah
Director: Nishikant Kamat
Cast: John Abraham, Genelia D’Souza, Vidyut Jamwal, Raj Babbar, Mohnish Bahl, Mukesh Rishi, Sandhya Mridul, Kamlesh Sawant, Anaitha Nair 

Lately, we’ve had a string of releases that were Southern remakes, many of them enjoying a successful run at the ticket counter. The common elements in these films are a protagonist with a six-pack, muscular body; edge-of-the-seat action; and a dreadful villain. In other words, they’re all-out, total masala – paisa vasool.

Force is a remake of the Tamil superhit, Kaakha Kaakha. Just like the other Southern remakes, this film is entertaining too. The hero is a cop. He has a six-pack, sculpted. His leading lady is naïve. The villain, who has a revengeful eye for the protagonist, also has a penchant for hard-hitting action. Force is a film that has the perfect formula for success.

The film tells the story of Yashvardhan (John Abraham), a hard-headed senior narcotics police officer. He believes the only way to eradicate crime is to give criminals the bullet – not handcuffs. In the midst of his most dangerous operation to crack down on India’s drug cartels, Yashvardhan encounters a ruthless enemy who will stop at nothing till he gets revenge for the damage done to his business by the narcotics team. He also meets the free-spirited Maya (Genelia), whose love pushes him to make a choice between the life he already knows and the life he could have with her. Director Nishikant Kamat has done a commendable job connecting each scene in segue. His confident approach is apparent in each frame. Cinematography is good. Background score compliments the story. Editing is sharp.

However, after a good start, the momentum drops a little but picks up post-interval. No doubt, the lead pair complement each other but the right chemistry is missing. The major highlights of the film are two action sequences between John Abraham and Vidyut Jamwal. Very impressive. But more than the action, it’s the malice of the villain that impresses you. During the second half, you’re actually trying to anticipate what the villain will do next.

Though the story is far from unique, what works here is the screenplay, which keeps you riveted although the execution lets you down sometimes. The good part is, one scene blends perfectly with the next even though the momentum is inconsistent.

Performance-wise, John Abraham plays his part with ease and is superb in action scenes. This is his best to date. Genelia D’Souza looks good and plays her part with panache. In some scenes, her acting is over the top, especially when she refers to John Abraham as “DSP Sir”. Vidyut Jamwal makes an impressive debut. Raj Babbar has very little to do. Mohnish Bahl is his usual self. Mukesh Rishi makes his presence felt. Kamlesh Sawant impresses.