Bell Bottom review: Akshay Kumar starring film takes you back to the 70s

3/5

Story:

'Bell Bottom' Akshay Kumar has an undercover mission. He has to save passengers of a flight hijacked by terrorists while also making sure that it doesn’t harm India's political stance in any way.

Review:

Bell Bottom is not a film that shoots an arrow straight in its direction and hits the target. The movie takes its own sweet time to develop and alternates between its subplots from time to time.

It begins with a beautiful song, showcasing the equation between a much-in-love couple, Anshul Malhotra (Akshay Kumar) and Radhika Malhotra (Vaani Kapoor). Soon enough, the focus shifts to Akshay's relation with his mother Raavie Malhotra (Dolly Ahluwalia). No time is invested in developing this relationship. It won't be wrong to say that their bond appears overly dramatic. Tears roll down the eyes in a blink and it gets tiring to watch that after one point.

Of course, Dolly Ahluwalia is adorable (as a mother). She dances her heart out which makes you realize something tragic is on the way. What you don't know is that she becomes essential to the plot in more ways than one.

The first plane hijack is gripping but at the same time, melodramatic. The plane is hijacked in slow-mo and the scene is edited, leaving you wondering about what just happened. The only takeaway from the scene is Zain Khan Dullani's entry as a stone-cold terrorist Doudy. Strangely similar to Jim Sarbh in Neerja, Zain is something else in Bell Bottom. His confidence, screen presence takes the film to a new level altogether.

The movie scores well in terms of its style quotient. Right from the terrorist Doudy to Prime Minister Morarji Desai (Ashok Chhabra), every character has a style of their own, including Akshay. Whether the square-shaped tinted sunglasses or walking in front of an aeroplane in blue trousers, Akshay's style adds to the film's appeal.

Bell Bottom tries to make you cry but ends up leaving you confused as to why Akshay took up the project. The question is answered very slowly after he changes his name to Bell Bottom. If you're wondering, yes, the codename for another RAW officer is indeed short.

The movie is not Akshay's best work so far if you go by the first half. The second half, however, springs him back in action. His powerful dialogues, as always, even if few, are a show-stealer.

The story progresses and by now you are immune to seeing drama more than action. Director Ranjit M Tewari leaves hints of action and then, lets it go.

Lara Dutta's look as Indira Gandhi is impressive. When she moves her face though, it appears forced. However, she doesn't have much to worry about since the look compensates for everything else.

Vaani does an above-average job as a wife, lover and daughter-in-law. On the other hand, 'Santook' Adil Hussain is a strong character and leaves no stone unturned in getting his act right.

Huma Qureshi does a fair job as a Dubai airlines employee. She's equally good in an action sequence that leaves a lump in your throat. The sequences do not come naturally to her and hence, you can see her genuinely attempting to give it a good shot.

After almost half the film, Bell Bottom gets interesting.

The second half begins on an interesting note. There is a hint of action and the film doesn’t disappoint much further.

It has the 70s flavour to it. When talking about that era, think all you can. An action hero? Check. A deadly villain? Check. The style above everything? Check. Background music to amp up the scene? Check. Commercial songs? Check. Emotions? Double-check.

With edge-of-the-seat suspense (the villain walking outright from the hero's side), the constant change of strategies and a deceit nobody saw coming, Bell Bottom makes for a gripping watch. The music, cinematography and screenplay take the movie to the next level.

Ever been at a stage where Plan A and Plan B fail at once? When nothing works in your favour, Bell Bottom teaches you a 'backup ka bhi backup' formula.

Even though the action sequence in the film is over-the-top, it keeps you glued to your seats. With dust flowing off to the point that it covers your vision, characters hanging off the car and dodging bullets, the scene is definitely one of the high points of Bell Bottom.

Verdict:

Like a typical 70s film, Bell Bottom is high on drama and style with rousing background music, songs and intriguing action. Akshay Kumar can only be Akshay Kumar for 30-45 minutes in the film, which is too little a duration for a two-hour commercial flick. Hence, watch Bell Bottom only in the second half and only if you want to watch Akshay Kumar, Adil Hussain or the fantastic Zain Khan Dullani.