Film: An Action Hero

Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana & Jaideep Ahlawat 

Director: Anirudh Iyer

Rating: 3.5 Moons

Blending action with thriller seamlessly is not easy, but Ayushmann Khurrana managed to make it look like a cakewalk with his latest release An Action Hero. Directed by Anirudh Iyer, the film stars Ayushmann as  Bollywood superstar Maanav Khuranna and how his lavish life turns upside down because of one mistake he makes. The film is based on how after getting caught up in an accident while filming in Haryana, film icon Maanav starts living in hiding. An Action Hero also stars Jaideep Ahlawat as Haryana's powerful gangster Bhoora who will go to any extent to satisfy his ego by terming it as revenge. 

The 2 hours 9-minute-long film begins with Maanav (Ayushmann Khurrana) being handcuffed at the British Criminal Department. The story then goes to a flashback to show how Maanav, a Bollywood iconic action hero, has ended up in such a situation. Maanav, while shooting for an action film in Haryana, gets into a heated argument with politician Vicky that leads to his accidental murder. Petrified of losing it all in one go, Maanav runs away to London to prove his innocence and fight his case on his own terms.

Recommended Read: Ayushmann Khurrana auditions for ‘An Action Hero'

But Vicky's elder brother Bhoora (Jaideep Ahlawat) makes Maanav's life miserable as hell as he follows him to London to kill him for his younger brother's murder. But hey, is it ever that easy? Maanav keeps getting out of difficult situations with the help of his well-wishers. What actually happens when Bhoora and Maanav actually come for a face-off? Well, for that you will have to watch the thrilling movie for yourself.

What makes An Action Hero an interesting watch is its enthralling storyline. With its slick action and offbeat, satirical sense of humour, the film will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. An Action Hero is as relevant as it gets. It openly shows the so-called boycott trend that has been taking over Bollywood and also shows the dark side of media trials. The combination of some really good action, situational comedy and a thrilling storyline makes An Action Hero an engaging watch. The twist in the climax will leave you shocked. What could make the film an even better watch would be crispier editing though. The film feels dragged in the second-half. 

Ayushmann Khurrana and Jaideep Ahlawat's performances light up the interesting storyline. Ayushmann as Maanav is as effortless as it gets. And why not? He is playing a superstar after all. But his action is what actually takes the cake. It actually is a treat to the eyes. Be it hand-to-hand combat or fighting sequences, the actor looks like a true 'Action Hero'. Jaideep is flawless as always. The terror he brings alive on screen is unmatched. His exhilarating face-off with Ayushmann is worth every watch. Akshay Kumar's entertaining cameo adds a nice punch to the film and Malaika Arora's special dance number brings in the much-needed charm. 

Hats off to debutant director Anirudh Iyer for his pitch-perfect direction in his first outing. He manages to blend difficult genres together seamlessly. Kaushal Shah's cinematography is brilliant. The way he shows action is commendable. Ninad Khanolkar's editing, however, could have been better. Music by Sunny M.R., Tanishk Bagchi, Biddu, Parag Chhabra and Amar Jalal adds good support to the film.

Watch An Action Hero to witness Ayushmann Khurrana's never-seen-before action avatar! 

PeepingMoon gives An Action Hero 3.5 Moons!