Absolute Review: Ram Setu: Akshay Kumar starrer is an expedition that turns out to be tiresome

By:- Aakruti Bagla

Director: Abhishek Sharma

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Jacqueline Fernandez, Satya Dev, Nasser, Nushrratt Bharuccha, and Pravesh Rana

Duration:- 2hr 24min

Rating:- 1.5/5

Story 

Indrakant, owner of Pushpak shipping company is hell-bent on proving that the Ram Setu bridge is a natural creation and not man-made in order to get permission to demolish a part of the bridge to create an economical route for project Sethusamudram. In pursuit to prove this, given his lack of God and religious beliefs, he tasks Dr Aryan Kulshreshta with this dubious expedition. In this journey, what obstacles Aryan encounter and how his beliefs are changed is what the film is all about.

Review

The film begins with receiving adulation for discovering relics and important historical material post the Taliban explosion of the Buddha statue. During his speech at the Press conference, he avers being an atheist and believing in scientific facts. Moved by his ideology, Indrajit tasks him with proving the nature behind the existence of Ram Setu.

The story and concept of the film overall are quite interesting, but what does not work in the favour is faulty execution.

As we see in the film Akshay Kumar going out on the expedition, one wishes that the tension levels could have gone higher. A film like this should have had more edge-of-the-seat moments for added impact. Also, though the team is shown facing roadblocks, it seemed a bit convenient at most places with logic taking a back seat. After a time, it also seemed like the makers got lost in their own web as the film never made it clear whether it was challenging the belief or proving the science behind its existence.

It’s when the film progresses towards the climax, the arresting courtroom scenes were something to look forward to. The twist in the last 10 minutes, has a nice connection to Ramayana and comes across as a pleasant surprise.

Speaking of performances, Akshay Kumar tries to put forward a sincere act. Nushrratt Bharuchha has nothing much to offer. While Jacqueline lends decent support. Satya Dev (AP) is too good and is a surprise in the film. Pravesh Rana leaves a mark.

Talking of other technical aspects, as mentioned the film had shoddy CGI. The sea, the corals, the diving vessels, and even the Ram Setu itself are not appealing. 

The background music lent support to the story, while the lyrics of the anthem were catchy.

Overall, the film can be watched if you are really intrigued by the concept, but don’t do that with sky-high expectations.