Myra (Kriti), an aspiring assistant director in the film industry, aims to make a biopic about the notorious gangster Bachchan Paandey, known for his swift and brutal actions. As she convinces him to cooperate, a relationship forms between them, leading to unexpected changes in both their lives and the gangster’s identity.
“Bachchhan Paandey” suffers from a poorly executed trailer that reveals too much of the movie’s plot and a lack of resemblance to its original source, “Jigarthanda.” The remake, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Farhad Samji, lacks the finesse and style of the original, resulting in an over-the-top and disjointed narrative. The film’s opening credits and song sequences are poorly executed, with a lack of continuity throughout. The characters are exaggerated and lack depth and the decision to introduce a romantic angle between Myra and Bachchan feels forced and unrealistic.
Akshay Kumar’s portrayal of Bachchhan Paandey struggles to shine amidst prosthetics and an unconvincing accent. Kriti Sanon tries her best, but her character’s purpose often feels overshadowed by the focus on the gangster. Jacqueline Fernandez’s role is short-lived and lacks impact.
Arshad Warsi and Pankaj Tripathi provide some relief with their performances, injecting humour and energy into the film. The direction by Farhad Samji emphasizes comedy but becomes repetitive, with the overall execution failing to engage.
The cinematography captures a Western gangster vibe with a Desi twist, while the music consists mostly of remade songs. Ultimately, “Bachchhan Paandey” falls short of delivering the masala entertainment it aims for, focusing more on caricatures than substance.
Rating: 6/10