Radhe Review: Salman’s action-thriller is content in being a stereotypical mass entertainer

2.5/5

Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, unexpectedly, is 114 minutes of a loosely knitted plot, cliche-ridden bad guys and typical Salman Khan-esque humour. Set in Mumbai, this action-thriller is content in being the prototype of a mass entertainer and not once does it try to push the bounds of its genre. The only thing that is pushed in the entirety of the narrative are the audience’s buttons.

Not everything in Radhe is all that dismal though. It delivers what it promises most superficially - lots of bloodshed, Bollywood-accepted violence, and a love story that is completely on the backburner till it is absolutely necessary. The plot follows encounter specialist Radhe (Khan) who jumps through glass doors unharmed, can conveniently display superhuman speed, and is most definitely bordering on desperate when it comes to chasing Dia (Disha Patani).

Radhe is on a quest to rid Mumbai of its rampant drug problem that is affecting its youth on a large scale. Though there is some truth to this central issue, most of it is ridiculously magnified and emotionalised in the movie. But then again, why should we expect anything different, for Radhe will satiate the need of the audience to laugh and get amused in such unprecedented times irrespective. Maybe in that sense, Radhe fulfills a larger purpose (and the only purpose that the narrative is capable of fulfilling). The painfully familiar action sequences are diffused with Khan’s dance moves every now and then.

Ultimately, Radhe is faced with the kingpin of drug dealing in the city, Rana (Randeep Hooda). The only time the audience will find themselves interested in the movie is when the two are brought face to face and the true action starts to unfold. The plot bubbles to the point of climax, where Radhe must fight for everyone who he has promised he will bring justice to.

In terms of the performances, Hooda makes for a compelling villain who inspires fear in the hearts of the other characters. Patani is given very little to work with - Dia is written as supremely callow, with little basis in reality. But for what it’s worth, she does a good job of being Khan’s arm candy. Jackie Shroff, who plays Salman’s boss, also falls victim to a poorly written, hackneyed cop. Khan has maintained his knack for somehow being able to bear with over-the-top roles that could completely crumble if played by anyone else - but he smolders and squints, breaks the occasional fourth wall, and ultimately makes Radhe a silhouette of Chulbul Pandey.

You should definitely stream Radhe if you’re looking for a distraction or know what you’re signing up for. If not, then you’re not going to miss anything monumental by choosing to skip it.