Movie Review: Boss is unpretentious in its effort to draw you in with humor, action and some trademark filmy drama

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Mithun Chakraborty, Danny Denzongpa, Ronit Bose Roy, Shiv Pandit, Aditi Rao Hydari, Parikshit Sahni, Govind Namdev
Director: Anthony D'souza
Rating: ***1/2
 

What's it aboutA throwback to the 90's era with a modern day twist, Boss rides the wave of super successful films that have been tailor made to draw in the masses and regale them with puremaar dhaad and unadulterated entertainment. A genre that doesn't work for the young ones like Shahid Kapoor (Phata Poster Nikhla Hero) and Ranbir Kapoor (Besharam) but seems to work every time with the 40-plus gang of  Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar. 

Boss, a contract killer with a heart, whose life is as colorful as the linen jackets and shirts he sports. After being abandoned in his childhood by his ideological  father (Mithun Chakraborty) who is a believer in using non-violence to make justice prevail, he is adopted by Bigg Boss (Danny Denzongpa) who takes him under his wings. The twist in the tale comes when he reunites with his bother (Shiv Pandit) who is caught in a murky nexus between a rogue cop (Ronit Bose Roy) and a politician (Govind Namdev). The second half is where the action begins with Akshay Kumar in his element showing his peers that he is still the asli khiladi!

What's hotBoss is unpretentious in its effort to draw you in with humor, action and some trade mark filmy drama. But it stands out in its treatment in comparison with the crowd of wannabe pleasers seeking to use the same formula. The production values are high, attention has been made to every single frame ensuring the star of the film looks like a million bucks. Technically, too, there are moments of brilliance, be it the stylish hip-hop influenced title track, or the songs that are beautifully shot, or the action scenes that look like real street fights and not a showdown of vehicles being blown up; all of these elements come together in a cohesive way.

The ensemble is an interesting blend of senior actors Mithun and Parikshit Sahani who bring a sense of dignity to the characters with a mix of a fresh pairing of Shiv and Aditi. Background score is remarkable especially in the torture scenes with Ronit. Dialogues are razor sharp and written keeping the genre in mind. Despite the peripheral entities, one man who makes Bosswork is its lead actor - Akshay Kumar. Reminding us of why he's been such a star performer at the ticket window over the last two decades and more, Akshay looks like he was meant to play the part. Be it his introductory scene which sets the tone of the film, or the final hand to hand combat fight with Ronit, he stays true to form.

Shiv Pandit offers superb support and exudes the right amount of confidence. Ronit Roy as the menacing police officer is extraordinary and catches your attention from the very first frame. Both the Party all night and Har kisiko nahi milta tracks provide the right melody to the eclectic soundtrack.

What's notAkshay fans will have to be patient as he makes his entry a little late in the first half of the film. Even though the wait is worth it, there is a sense of uneasiness as we wait for Boss to make his grand entry. The flashback scenes with the child actors narrating the backstory seem a bit jarring and could have been better edited. Mithun and Parikshit Sahani's repartee is weak and some times unnecessary. Also the scene leading up to the big climax with Akshay and Mithun exchanging some emotional moments could have been written in an more unconventional way.

What to doA complete paisa vasool experience at the movies, Boss is an overdue treat for Akshay Kumar fans who have been waiting for him to return to his forte. A true mainstream entertainer in every sense, this Boss does pack a solid punch!