"Border 2" Movie Review: A Mix of Nostalgia and Modern Challenges
The highly anticipated sequel, "Border 2," has hit theaters, stirring a mix of nostalgia and debate among audiences. While some viewers are drawn by the pure nostalgic factor, eager to relive the essence of the original, others approach the film with a critical eye, prepared to dissect its flaws.
The Good:
Sunny Deol's Powerful Presence: The film opens and concludes its first half with Sunny Deol, who serves as the pivotal link between other characters. His commanding voice, described as "lion-like," is effectively utilized, though at times it can be overwhelming.
Soulful Music: The songs in "Border 2" are highlighted as a major positive, particularly those with emotional depth, enhancing the film's overall feel.
Varun Dhawan's Performance: Despite initial skepticism and past trolling for his smile and accent, Varun Dhawan delivers a surprisingly strong performance, exceeding expectations.
Mona Singh's Heartfelt Portrayal: Mona Singh's portrayal of a soldier's mother is particularly touching and well-executed.
The Not-So-Good:
Nostalgia Factor vs. Casting: While nostalgia is a strong draw, the casting choices, especially Ahan Shetty, are noted as detrimental to this very sentiment, with Ahan Shetty not suiting his role.
VFX Issues: The visual effects, particularly in the final battle sequence, are criticized for appearing dark and unnatural, as if day scenes were poorly converted to night.
Excessive Length: At 3 hours and 20 minutes, the movie is considerably long. The reviewer suggests shortening it by at least half an hour to maintain thrill and pacing. The prolonged fight sequences, in particular, become monotonous.
Misleading Cameos: News of cameos from the original "Border" film created buzz, but these appearances are described as a "pure scam," serving more as a tribute than a significant plot point.
Overall Balance:
The film struggles to find a consistent footing, often balancing its positives with noticeable negatives. For instance, a strong performance by Sunny Deol might be countered by a weak one from Ahan Shetty; good songs are juxtaposed with poor VFX; and an engaging first half gives way to a mediocre second half. The storyline is decent, but the direction is not particularly noteworthy.
Verdict:
The reviewer rates "Border 2" at a balanced 2.5 stars. Points are deducted for the VFX, the unnecessarily extended runtime, and Ahan Shetty's casting. Despite these criticisms, the film is considered family-friendly and might be worth watching for those driven by the nostalgia factor of the original "Border."