Brahmastra Part One: Shiva

"Brahmastra (I)" emerged as one of the highly anticipated big-budget Bollywood movies. I was fortunate to catch it in 3D for a mere 75 rupees (less than $1 USD) on the momentous 75th anniversary of Bollywood Cinema, three weeks after its release amidst varied reviews. The theater was packed, brimming with eager viewers.

The film began with a brilliant premise, a rare treasure hunt in the Bollywood landscape, intertwined with fantasy, romance. Ranbir Kapoor was exceptional, portraying a character with a captivating arc that shone brightly in the first half. However, even the brilliance of Amitabh Bachchan, one of my favorites, faltered in his role due to poorly written dialogues.

Alia Bhatt's character suffered from underdevelopment, making her one of the weaker aspects of the movie. The antagonist although portrayed well, lacked the strength and menace needed to be truly compelling. Despite these shortcomings, the movie remained enjoyable, offering a fun-filled experience with moments of excitement and intrigue.

The script, unfortunately, suffered from a messy narrative with numerous loopholes. The first half's adventurous elements, featuring divine culture and captivating hunts, were highlights worth relishing.

However, the climax disappointed, overloaded with unnecessary fiction. The attempt to create an epic fantasy fell short. Despite these flaws, "Brahmastra (I)" managed to pique my interest, and I appreciated Bollywood's venture into this genre.

Overall it presents a mixed bag of fantasy and adventure, brimming with potential but hindered by weak character development and overblown elements. While enjoyable in parts, it fell short of becoming the epic.