BOTTOM LINE
Disastrous Strike
OUR RATING
1.5/5
CENSOR
U/A, 2h 19m
What Is the Film About?
Takkar is about an ambitious but poor guy who wants to become rich. The movie’s plot is about how his desire eventually leads to trouble with the mafia while simultaneously falling in love with a super-rich spoiled brat girl.
Performances
Siddharth appears sporting a goatee and a slightly different hairstyle than usual, with a lean body as usual. Somehow the look doesn’t suit him well. But, a more significant issue is a visible lack of screen presence and jadedness. It feels like he is merely going through the motions completing the film rather than actively being part of it.
A couple of moments are there showcasing the dramatic side, and there is a bit of action to do, but nothing helps the cause of Siddharth. Takkar is a forgettable fare for him as an actor with nothing memorable as a performer or even as a star.
Divyansha is presented as an ultra-glamorous siren. There is a lot of exposing, and she goes through all the chores comfortably on screen with a good presence as a boost. Apart from the skin show, there is hardly anything worthwhile as an actor, though.
Analysis
Karthik G Krish writes and directs Takkar. The movie is a hotchpotch of several genres, from action to romance to drama, with a mismatch of quirky and predictable characters.
The movie starts with a flashback and has one intrigued regarding the central character and why he takes the decision. The same continues when different characters are introduced. They generate curiosity, and one is interested to see where the story will head with them.
However, the exciting beginnings of various threads are all that Takkar offers. There needs to be an engaging follow-through. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen.
The hero with his desire to become rich, the kidnapping mafia track or the Chinese with their routine – none manage to go to the next level in the narrative. These introductions and various threads consume a lot of the first half. They make for a (barely) passable first half, as curiosity is there to see where things are headed with these characters and set-up.
The second half, unfortunately, is a massive disappointment. The different threads are left, and the narrative takes an entirely different discourse. We get a long, laborious, forced love track that looks more lust on screen. The songs and exposure continue with very little engaging dialogue. It feels as if Takkar has become a different film altogether.
The characters from the first half appear only in bits and pieces. Even calling them half-baked would be an overstatement in this case. They seem to appear only to remind the viewer of the movie seen in the first half and to have a climax for the love story.
The ending offers no respite with his unconvincing and outlandish kitsch. After all the build-up, the threat barely has any teeth left by the time one reaches the climax.
Overall, Takkar appears dated, half-baked (neither action-thriller nor complete urban romance) and is unconvincingly executed. The second half kills any little interest it evokes, making it a forgettable fare.
Performances by Others Actors
Several faces are seen throughout the film, but only a few register apart from the lead pair. The first one is Yogi Babu. The comedian’s act offers nothing new and is cringe to watch on screen. It is still a passable variety in the first half but doesn’t work during the later hour.
Abhimanyu Singh of Gabbar Singh fame plays the villain. His role starts interestingly but eventually turns out to be half-baked like many others. Munishkanth is wasted, whereas others hardly make any impact despite the initial spike of curiosity via the characterisations.
Music and Other Departments?
Nivas K Prasanna’s music is lost in translation. None of the songs makes any impression on screen due to their mundaneness and placement. The background score is no different and is underwhelming. Technically Siddharth movies carry a slickness, but it is missing here. There is a dated vibe, and it is felt visually. V Murugesan handles the camera. GA Gowtham’s editing also doesn’t help the matter. The writing is barely passable, with mostly routine and predictable lines.
Highlights?
Parts Of the First Half
Interesting Beginnings
Drawbacks?
Second Half
Half Baked Characters
Lifeless Love Track
Unconvincing villain track
Songs and Outdated Comedy
Did I Enjoy It?
No
Will You Recommend It?
No
Final Report:
After a somewhat manageable first half, the second half becomes completely clueless with a lifeless love track. Moreover, the heart of the story, the villain track is highly unconvincing. Surprisingly, the well-known actor Siddharth fails to contribute anything substantial, and his screen presence isn’t impressive either.
First Half Report:
Takkar’s first half features a few ineffective over-the-top action blocks and a familiar storyline.
— Takkar has begun. Siddharth takes the stage, and a few minutes into the show, the movie unveils his flashback.
Stay tuned for Takkar Review, U.S. Premiere report.
Cast: Siddharth, Divyansha, Abhimanyu Singh, Yogi Babu, Munishkanth, RJ Vigneshkanth.
Written & Directed by Karthik G Krish
Producers: TG Vishwaprasad, Abhishek Agarwal.
Co-Producer: Vivek Kuchibotla
Music by Nivas K Prasanna
Cinematographer: Vanchinathan Murugesan
Editor: GA Gowtham
Art Direction: Udaya Kumar K
Stunts Choreography: Dinesh Kasi
