'Hero' review: Despite a weak script, Sooraj and Athiya manage to shine

Film: Hero

Director: Nikhil Advani

Cast: Sooraj Pancholi, Athiya Shetty, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Aditya Pancholi, Vivan Bhatena, Chetan Hansraj, Sharad Kelkar, Anita Hassnandani

Rating: *** (3 stars)

What's it about: 

Almost similar to the original Subhash Ghai directorial, Nikhil Advani has tweaked 1983's 'Hero' a bit (character-wise!) to suit the modern sensibilities and create his own version. The story begins with a powerful introduction of Sooraj Kaushik (Sooraj Pancholi), a no-nonsense gunda. Albeit with a heart of gold. And there's Radha (Athiya Shetty)- who's busy taking selfies at a Bandra pub and the two meet and sparks fly. Soon, Sooraj is called by his Baba (Aditya Pancholi) and is put to work. What's the work? To kidnap Radha, who's the daughter of IG Shreekanth Mathur (Tigmanshu Dhulia), a policeman who's battling against Sooraj's Baba - Pasha- who's accused of murdering a senior journalist. A cat and mouse chase ensues and the two fall in love. Stockholm Syndrome, anyone? What follows is an archaic love story module- the girl brings in a change in the guy and makes him presentable for her dad. But will Sooraj and Athiya- the rebels in love- win over all oddities? 

What's hot:

Sooraj Pancholi. Yes, he's established as a star. From the very first scene (We're sure it will remind you of Salman's Dabangg ways). Ripped and sculpted body, amazing screen presence and with near perfect action stances, Sooraj makes an ever lasting impression right from the first frame. He bulldozes straight into your hearts and performs his action sequences with ease. And Bollywood is happy. They have two action stars- Tiger Shroff and Sooraj Pancholi- getting ready to take the baton forward. Athiya Shetty is confident and very gullible- something that her bimbettish Radha needed. Otherwise, the actress emotes well and scores more in emotional scenes. And it's their sizzling chemistry, palpable from the beginning that makes the film a lot more watchable. Aditya Pancholi packs in a punch as one of the prime antagonists and Vivan Bhatena too surprises in whatever little screen time he had. The songs are definitely a rage and while the Main Hoon Hero Tera seemed to be the best song in the album, watch out for the mesmeric Romeo-Juliet sequence in O Khuda, that encapsulates the entire story in about four minutes. The cinematography is commendable, given the way the scenes in Manali have been picturised. But expectedly, it's Salman's surprise towards the end credits that draws the loudest ceetees and taalis! 

What's not:

Jacky Shroff's Hero took about three weeks to consolidate its position at the box office. Hero will certainly open to magic figures on day one itself. But the main area where Nikhil's Hero falters is the script. Weak and half baked at many points throughout, the film's emotions fail to connect with the audience. Even at a rather short 2 hours 8 minutes, the film looks dragged and stretched, especially in the second half. After the intermission, Nikhil seems to lose the plot and the entire Paris sequence was absolutely unnecessary. Despite being really good and earnest in their approach, the anguish between the leading couple does not stike a chord. Also, small continuity errors here and there are the minor warts in the screenplay. Strangely, there are too many scenes that will remind you of Hrithik and Amisha from Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (be it the drunk Valentine's Day sequence or the way Athiya talks prior to that). Another scene where Radha prays to Buddhaji will bring back memories from Jab Tak Hai Jaan as well. 

What to do:

Despite a shoddy story line and a weak script, Hero will be worth your money. And it's majorly Sooraj and Athiya's earnest efforts that will set the ball rolling for the film. Here's to Bollywood's two new discoveries!