Revolver Rani Review {2.5/5} & Review Rating
It's back to the hinterland. Back to the region of goons, bullets, bloodbath and slimy netas. Back to the world where human life is cheap, the characters are either grey or black, the lingo is loaded with expletives and the games people play may seem contemptible to us, but is a way of life for them. Striding into the territory of Tigmanshu Dhulia's PAAN SINGH TOMAR and BULLETT RAJA and Anurag Kashyap's GANGS OF WASSEYPUR, REVOLVER RANI, directed by Sai Kabir, is set in the region where alliances are twisted according to convenience.
While Kangna's Plain Jane act in QUEEN continues to wow spectators across the globe, the talented actress sports a new avatar in REVOLVER RANI. It's a 180 degree turn actually, since Alka [Kangna's character in REVOLVER RANI] is wild, kinky, impulsive, explosive and violent.
Let's enlighten you about the plot before we move forward! REVOLVER RANI is set against the backdrop of goons and politics. The reign of Alka Singh [Kangna Ranaut], a politician, has come to an end and her opponents [Zakir Hussain, Kumud Mishra, Pankaj Saraswat], who have won the elections, are out to settle scores with her. But before that they decide to hit where it hurts: they kidnap Alka's toy boy Rohan [Vir Das], an aspiring actor...
While the promos may give an inkling of what to expect from the film -- one expects the film to shatter the laws of conventionalism -- the fact is REVOLVER RANI comes across as a distant cousin of BULLETT RAJA and GANGS OF WASSEYPUR. Now this is all the more surprising since a name like Tigmanshu Dhulia is attached to the project -- someone who has consistently raised the bar and carved his own path with several remarkable films. Director Sai Kabir attempts to amalgamate a love story with hi-octane drama, political maneuvers and rustic action and also coats it with the local flavor to make it seem authentic and bona fide, but something's amiss. After a fairly engrossing first hour, the post-interval portions slide downwards.
Let me elaborate! REVOLVER RANI isn't consistently engaging and that's a minus. The sparkling moments dry up in the second hour and what ensues is the usual game of one-upmanship between two warring factions. Random sequences are forced into the goings-on and they make no impact whatsoever. A tighter and an invigorating screenplay would've only helped -- the director had a clever concept on hand, frankly -- but he lets go of the opportunity.
The characters too -- the opponents especially -- transform into being mere caricatures after a point. In fact, most twists and turns are foreseeable, except for a few fleeting moments that catch your attention. The director does come up with an interesting twist towards the closing stages, but making Kangna single-handedly eliminate dozens of attackers appears unreal. The makers have also kept the provision for a sequel, which seems unnecessary.
The soundtrack of REVOLVER RANI gels with the mood of the film, but the appeal is restricted. The dialogue are raw and rooted in reality.
Kangna goes full-throttle in REVOLVER RANI and emerges trumps. There's a strong possibility that people may walk in keeping Kangna's stellar act in QUEEN in mind, but the actress is sure to make heads turn with yet another super act in REVOLVER RANI. Enacting the part of a woman who has the power and loves to flaunt it, Kangna shoulders the attitude with aplomb. The body language, the lingo and the attire [including funky glasses and metal accessories] makes her appear alluring, no doubt. Vir Das gets ample footage [despite Kangna dominating the screen time] and the actor makes a strong impression.
Piyush Mishra effectively plays out the part of Kangna's trusted uncle. Zakir Hussain continues to deliver in his own way. Kumud Mishra is in his elements. Pankaj Saraswat is alright. Zeishan Quadri gets minimal scope.
On the whole, REVOLVER RANI has engaging moments, but they are few and far between. This being Kangna's immediate film release after the remarkable success of QUEEN may benefit the film to an extent.
