Director: Anthony D’Souza

Producer: Ashwin Warde

Writer: Sajid-Farhad

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Ronit Roy, Shiv Pandit, Mithun Chakraborty, Aditi Rao Hydari, Danny Dengzongpa

Genre: Comedy/ Action

Rating: * * * ½

By: Keyur Seta

Story Outline: Shiva (Akshay Kumar) falls out with his father Satyakant (Mithun Chakraborty) following a terrible incident. He is adopted by Big Boss (Danny Denzongpa) after he saves his life. Although Big Boss runs a transport business, he is famous as a hero of the oppressed. When Shiva grows up, he acquires the title Boss (Akshay Kumar) as even he becomes the messiah of the poor.

Fate brings Boss face-to-face with his father and younger brother Shiv (Shiv Pandit). There comes a situation where Boss has to save Shiv from the evil of the corrupt, monstrous cop Ayushman (Ronit Roy).

Review: Hardcore, hero-centric masala entertainers have become a regular feature in Hindi cinema in the post-GHAJINI era. Such films provide high doses of entertainment in various forms to the masses. While some of these films have managed to impress, some have failed. Thankfully, Anthony D’Souza’s Boss falls in the former category due to various entertaining factors, provided you are game to rest the topmost organ of your body.

The biggest factor here is the dialogues by the writer duo Sajid-Farhad, who can add another name in their long list of successful films. The lines are a mixture of PJs, slapstick and crazy humor that provide bucket full of laughter regularly. What’s more impressive is that, like their previous works, they have refrained from surrendering to vulgarity.

The initial moments, however, are not high on entertainment though due to the late entry of Akshay. But that doesn’t hurt much since after his arrival, the film takes you on an enjoyable ride till almost the climax. A combo of crazy situations, jokes and some creative action sequences are on offer. Some of the memorable scenes include:

• Akshay’s entry
• His scene with Mukesh Tiwari
• His first encounter with Shiv
• A fight scene in the premises of a temple
• An action scene where Ronit’s goons chase Akshay

But there are a few issues that go against the film. The suspense at the end of Akshay’s flashback is unconvincing. The characterization of Ankita’s friend is confusing. Lastly, the finale isn’t as exciting as expected.

The technical department can hold its head high. Daredevil stunts (Anal Arasu) coupled with some smart camerawork provide excitement. The background score complements different situations perfectly. The film scores high even on music due to the title track, ‘Hum Na Chhode’, ‘Har Kisi Ko’ and ‘Party All Night’.

Akshay Kumar once again proves that only he deserves the title of Khiladi. His comic timing is terrific while he is super impressive in those difficult action sequences. His fans are sure to love this act. Ronit Roy is impressive in the role of a ruthless, corrupt cop. Mithun Chakraborty shows the right emotions needed from the character, although he looks uncomfortable sometimes.

Shiv Pandit makes use of the opportunity and provides a decent act. Danny Denzongpa is perfect in the role of Big Boss. Aditi Rao Hydari is not bad. After a long time, Johnny Lever is in good form. Aakash Dhabade is excellent! Rest of the actors like Sanjay Mishra, Parikshit Sahani and Govind Namdeo provide adequate support.

Overall: Boss is a typical massy entertainer. It has a chance at the box office but due to the not-so-great hype, it relies on word-of-mouth.