Samrat Prithviraj (2022)

[Drunk Monk]

It’s been a while since I’ve checked in with Akshay Kumar aka Akki, one of Bollywood’s top action stars. This latest film has him in the role of King Prithviraj, based on a historical figure I knew nothing about. There’s big battles, sword fights, big dance numbers, lavish costumes, ornate sets and Manushi Chhillar, who is absolutely gorgeous with huge eyes. Seems like something I’d like, right? It falls flat. It’s odd because it has all the elements on a massive scope, but there’s just something about it’s pacing that feels like their just going through the motions. There are some scenes that should be poignantly moving moments of self sacrifice but they just don’t do it. No feels at all. The fight choreo is lackluster despite its magnitude. Akki can still sell a punch but his skills are dreadfully underused here. For all it’s bombast, there’s nothing that outrageous or impressive. The opening fight (which is also the finale fight because the whole story is a flashback during this fight) blinded Akki fights cgi lions and there’s nothing fresh about it at all. Such a disappointment 

Not D00M recommended.