'Rocky Handsome' review: This John Abraham outing is meant for hard-core action fans

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

The cardinal rule while attempting a remake is to either try and better the original or, at least, be as effective. Sadly, Nishikant Kamat has never been able to follow it. Force was a pale version of the Tamil film Kaakha Kaakha. The Hindi Drishyam was quite easily the worst among all its official remakes. His new offering, Rocky Handsome, is an official adaptation of the Korean film, The Man From Nowhere. And once again, Kamat fails to rise to the occasion despite a phenomenal portrayal by lead man John Abraham. This one’s about mystery man Rocky (John) who runs a pawn shop in Goa; his only connect of any sort is with his little neighbour Naomi. When Naomi’s mother gets into drug trouble, the bad guys kidnap the daughter. What follows is Rocky going on a mad rescue mission that’s filled with blood and gore all the way.

WHAT’S HOT:

The one thing that Nishikant succeeds in is getting the mood of the film right. It is dark and somber; just the way the subject demands. There are no compromises on that front; even the daylight shots are embellished with rain to get the noir effect. The film’s action (designed superbly by Suniel Rodrigues and Kecha Kammpakdee) is its second hero. It’s hand-to-hand but the styling is unique; something one hasn’t seen on Hindi screen before. John Abraham storming the screen with his larger-than-life presence is the film’s biggest highlight. The pre-interval part that reveals his identity is a winner all the way. Rocky Handsome places the actor firmly in the list of top action heroes of our times.

WHAT’S NOT:

The film’s biggest drawback is Nishikant’s inability to connect the action with the emotion in the film despite the fact that he had all the material. He fails most in establishing the bonding between Rocky and Naomi – which is actually the premise for all the action. Instead, there is more focus on Rocky’s past (Shruti Hassan), which has nothing to do with the film’s main plot-point. The screenplay by Ritesh Shah is very weak; the dialogues actually make the film look archaic at times. The director’s choice of actors in other roles is also disappointing – not one stands out, including Nishikant himself who plays the villain.  The little girl meant to melt your heart ends up annoying you with her grown-up lines and acting.

WHAT TO DO:

Rocky Handsome is meant for hard-core action fans. And for those who want to discover a bigger (much, much) and better John Abraham.

Movie: Rocky Handsome
Starring: John Abraham, Shruti Hassan (special appearance), Nishikant Kamat, Divya Chalwad
Directed by: Nishikant Kamat
Ratings:  **1/2