If I had a dirham for every time the name Gabbar was uttered in Akshay Kumar’s latest film, then I would be a millionaire by the time the credits rolled at the end. But come to think of it, that was not the only annoying itch behind vigilante film Gabbar is Back. Cheesy one-liners from a sanctimonious and sage-like Kumar such as “I hate sorrys”, “Say no to corruption, otherwise Gabbar will be back” and “deeds of a hero, but the name of a villain: that’s Gabbar” are drilled into our skulls at regular intervals. To put Gabbar is Back in the category of an insightful, serious examination of the corruption that exists in Indian public offices is stretching it.
This is a Bollywood film shrouded in righteousness, but it lacks soul. Director Krish makes sure that he throws in a couple of romantic songs, a raunchy song-and-dance number featuring Chitrangada Singh and a few bombastic lines to mix things up.
The film opens with a wicked, bearded man (Kumar) orchestrating the kidnappings of ten tainted officials in the public sector and murdering the most sullied one. The culprit is hung at a public square in Mumbai. Around his neck is a bunch of files that underline his evil ways and a CD that has the voice of an unidentified man who calls himself Gabbar, the iconic villain from Amitabh Bachchan film Sholay.
The common people — fed up of greasing the palms of corrupt officials to get work done — hail him a national hero. The public is basking in his reflected glory and almost revels in his violent means of retribution.
Kumar — who’s let down by a lacklustre script — kills without remorse, but the inspiration behind his vigilantism is revealed much later. His zero tolerance for corruption is demonstrated through a series of episodes featuring greedy, morally bankrupt workers such as doctors who suck money from their patients. You need to be patient to sit through it all. Long enduring idol Kumar does his best to elevate the simplistic script to great heights, but he’s no miracle worker. He gnarls, smashes skulls and declares ominous threats with great fervour, but it’s still difficult to buy into his avenging angel act. What also lets him down is a bunch of cops who are portrayed as gluttonous egomaniacs with the collective IQ of a toddler. Barring a couple of honest officers played by Jaideep Ahlawat and Sunil Grover, the police force is portrayed as a bunch of imbeciles in digestive distress.
While Kumar is glorified at every turn with one diatribe after another, his detractors cut a sorry figure. Shruti Haasan, who plays a lawyer, doesn’t have much to contribute. She pouts perfectly and has an unhealthy dependence on Google search. Her introductory scene in which she swoops in to deliver a baby in the backseat of Gabbar’s car based on her internet research (long story… has no particular relevance to the film) is roll-your-eyes funny. Kareena Kapoor Khan in her role as Gabbar’s first love isn’t a knock-out portrayal, but the good news is that she just had a song cameo and was freed from mouthing any corny lines.
While the director and the actor’s hearts are in the right place, it would have served the viewers a lot better if they had paid more attention to the script. Gabbar is Back is strictly for Akshay Kumar fans who can tolerate his chest-thumping jingoism. He’s a rebel with a cause and he makes sure that no one forgets it for a second.
Out now
Film: Gabbar is Back
Director: Krish
Stars: 2.5 out of 5
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Shruti Haasan
