Top Feature/ Ganapath Review: Tiger Shroff, Kriti Sanon film is a slogfest

Ganapath introduces a never-seen-before world, one that is based in the future where the fight for resources has created a lopsided reality leading to stark demarcation between the have and the have-nots. While the concept may be new to Bollywood, there is a lot riding on director Vikas Bahl to introduce newer elements to the post-apocalyptic genre, mastered in the West.

The storyline, at a glance, has plenty to offer. But, is Ganapath able to deliver to the expectations? Does the genre hold promise for the Indian film industry given how such concepts rely heavily on a grand vision and deft execution, backed by cutting-edge VFX?

Hot Take

Tiger Shroff has emerged as one of the most sought-after actors when it comes to action. It is evident that he does not use a body double and this automatically lends credibility to any project he attaches himself to. However, seeing him in back-to-back action films over the years has prepared the audience for all that he has to offer.

Unfortunately, while the premise holds promise, it is restricted by the director's vision and his intentions to not go off the beaten track. The plot is heavily inspired by movies that precede it - Mad Max, Blade Runner, The Walking Dead- all we get with Ganapath is a formula film that offers no novelty. 

Does Ganapath live up to the hype?

The movie opens up with Amitabh Bachchan's baritone voiceover giving us the context of the storyline. A war engulfs the world as we know it. The rich and the poor are divided by a wall that needs to be brought down for the establishment of a new world order. This is what those living in deprivation are hoping for. And who shall accomplish this task at hand? Their 'hero' Ganapath who must come face-to-face with his past and herald his own into a new future.

Treatment does not do justice to the plot

While this storyline in itself is nothing new, the sloppy treatment makes things worse. The VFX which were meant to showcase a futuristic world, are outdated and fail to impress. Early on, the film is fast-paced and there are fleeting shots that establish nothing. This becomes problematic when the film slows down for talkie scenes. The transition isn't smooth and it is jarring to witness.

Halfway through the film, the director loses focus. The rich vs poor storyline is side-tracked for a forced and confusing love angle between Ganapath and Jassi (Kriti Sanon). The song sequences are woeful and distract from the hero's larger purpose. Another confusion that the storyline lends is whether Ganapath's fight is for the people or his love for Jassi. Amid all the uncertainty that drives the story forward, the film completely loses track of its setting. After a point, only tattered clothes serve as a reminder of the film's post-apocalyptic setting.

Ganapath is Kriti's big miss

While it was expected that the film would show Kriti in a never-seen-before action avatar performing daredevil stunts, she does little action barring a couple of scenes. In fact, in a lot of scenes that require Kriti to perform stunts, it is evident that a body double has been used. Kriti looks the part but does not come on top to deliver on the action or the emotional front. She is reduced to a damsel in distress as the dragging climax approaches.

Tiger and Kriti's chemistry does not fit well in the scheme of things and the subplot of their brewing romance is at times rushed, and in other instances ill-timed. Since there is no antagonist in Ganapath, only an overarching idea of his existence, the stakes never really rise for us to choose sides.

Watch it or skip it?

Ganapath is a slogfest. All the elements that were supposed to come together are haywire, delivering an experience that is best avoided. There are too many faults in the movie to sit through. After a point, Vikas Bahl seems to just surrender and the story trudges to the conclusion.

Bottomline

Ganapath's ending has teased a sequel, which should not be made. The film is best skipped.

Rating: 1.5/5