Hot Trend/ Tejas Review: Kangana Ranaut's hammy acting is the movie's biggest flaw

Kangana Ranaut has worked in a few action movies, like Revolver Rani (2014), Manikarnika (2019) and Dhaak (2022). However, her latest film Tejas promised to be unique in more ways than one. In various interviews in le-up to its release, actress stated that Tejas is India’s first aerial-action movie. Does it make for a unique viewing experience? Let's find out.

Hot Take

Tejas is neir a biopic nor is it based on a true story. film, however, derives its title from a major chapter in India’s history when nation inducted its first batch of fighter aircraft under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, which was named Tejas. In essence, it is a tribute to India’s valiant soldiers and idea of patriotism.

Does Tejas live up to hype?

Tejas delivers on its promises to an extent. It is full of thrills and brimming with patriotism. However, as is case with such films, Tejas often goes overboard and doesn’t know where or how to hold back. As a result, it becomes overbearing and difficult to sit through.

Token feminism attempts to hide film’s jingoism

re are certain moments where Tejas captures camarerie between its two primary characters -- Tejas (Kangana Ranaut) and Afiya (Anshul Chauhan). Both have come up in life all on ir own and have stood by each or through thick and thin. Despite it starting off as a story of equals, narrative pushes Aafia to background. She is archetypal Muslim friend who will remain supportive of those around her. It puts character in a box and looks like an attempt at tokenism.

In one scene, Tejas reminds Aafia of what ir mission could mean for empowerment of women. But in same breath, she ends up idealising a world where women become superior to men, and latter are treated differently, which goes against idea of feminism.

Crisp duration works in its favour

Even though Tejas feels a bit too scattered and rushed, especially in second half, film’s short duration works in its favour. pacing is quick and film consistently goes from one high point to anor. Even though director Sarvesh Mewara's treatment of material is not up to mark, especially with regards to use of background music in some scenes where great dramatic potential goes to waste, Tejas never becomes unwatchable owing to quick flow of events.

Misplaced ideological pride

film, for a large part of its first half, oscillates between Tejas’ past and present. It tries to establish character, her dreams and people she is working for. However, it falls apart moment it tries to convince us about le character's righteous stance, passing off a personal motive as patriotism.

Ironically, it becomes clearer when Tejas herself says in a scene, “It’s not personal,” right after showing a chain of events that establishes a direct personal link between Tejas’ mission in present timeline to wounds from her past. From this point, onwards, it just becomes impossible to take character seriously or invest in her zeal towards mission that comprises most of second half. final act in particular feels more vengeful and is misplaced at best.

Watch it or skip it?

If one can stay patient with an overdose of patriotism at cost of narrative fluidity, n Tejas just might be an experience worth experiencing. Orwise, film is too mired in its self-righteous ideas about loving one’s nation and has nothing more to offer. 

It is too scattered to make for an engaging or even a watchable film.

Bottomline

Strangely enough, it’s Kangana Ranaut’s strained and hammy performance that never lets Tejas rise up to its potential.

Rating - 2/5 stars