Bandra Movie Review: Tamannaah & Dileep's Starrer Promises Riveting Cinematic Brilliance
The film, split into two distinctive halves, attempts to explore the mysterious suicide of 90s Bollywood actress Thara Janki
Dileep and Tamannaah starrer "Bandra," directed by Arun Gopy and scripted by Udaykrishnan, unfolds as a cinematic paradox. The film, split into two distinctive halves, attempts to explore the mysterious suicide of 90s Bollywood actress Thara Janki, gradually revealing a tale of underworld involvement in the glitzy world of Bollywood. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that the film's strength lies in its first half, while the second half devolves into chaos and confusion.
Storyline
The film initiates with a rookie director investigating the reasons behind Thara Janki's tragic suicide. Thara seeks refuge in the opulent home of Alexander Dominic (Aala), a prosperous man smitten by her beauty. The actress unveils a distressing tale of a controlling adoptive mother, a ruthless film producer (Dino Morea), and the dark realms of the underworld. The first half unfolds relatively smoothly, albeit with a poorly written romance between Thara and Aala.
However, the second half loses its grip, descending into a convoluted mess. Thara completes her contractual obligations with the menacing producer but faces career hurdles. Aala, now in Mumbai, suggests she produce her own film, involving criminal activities to finance the project. The narrative spirals into a disjointed and messy resolution, attempting to tie up loose ends while leaving room for a potential sequel.
Positive Points
- Intriguing Premise: "Bandra" introduces a promising premise, delving into the murky underworld's influence on Bollywood during the 90s.
- First-Half Momentum: The initial storytelling is engaging, creating intrigue around Thara Janki's predicament and her association with Aala.
Negative Points
- Deteriorating Narrative: The second half loses coherence, succumbing to chaotic plotlines and a rushed resolution, diminishing the impact of the initial setup.
- Underutilized Potential: The film squanders the opportunity to explore the intriguing backdrop of underworld involvement in Bollywood during a critical era.
Overall
"Bandra" is a film of contrasting halves, with a compelling start overshadowed by a convoluted and messy conclusion. Despite an intriguing premise and moments of engagement, the film fails to capitalize on its potential, leaving the audience with a sense of unfulfilled promise. Dileep and Tamannaah's performances, while not lacking, fail to inject the vitality needed to salvage the film from its narrative pitfalls. In the end, "Bandra" struggles to harmonize its dual narratives, resulting in an uneven cinematic experience.
