This Fox-distributed film is Hollywood’s latest attempt to jump on the lucrative Bollywood bandwagon. It’s a 2013 update of the staple ‘Dirty Harry’-style flicks which enjoyed immense success in Hindi cinema in the ’80s. In the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, wastrel Raja (Saif Ali Khan) gatecrashes a big fat Indian wedding where he meets Rudra (Jimmy Shergill), the bride’s cousin, and they quickly become new best friends. When they discover a plot by a local landowner to murder them in order to steal Rudra’s land, the duo take matters in hand and eliminate the plotters. Soon these career criminals become ‘political commandos’, acting as henchmen for local government Minister Ram Babu (Raj Babbar). Meanwhile, hunky cop Singh (Vidyut Jamwal) is hot on their trail.
This is an unapologetic masala movie which attempts to be not quite as mindless as its predecessors. It largely succeeds due to a realistic script, engaging performances and a knowing celebration of the formula. Expect endless shootouts, witty one-liners, the customary romantic subplot, the obligatory twist at the end and the now essential spicy ‘item’ dance number. Director Dhulia even throws in critique of the corrupt politics so endemic to India. Fans of guns, girls and gore galore will be satisfied. In this respect, ‘Bullett’ hits its target.