Arjun Pandit caught my attention months ago, but it was only recently that I was able to watch the film. Even though the version on Disney+ Hotstar is censored, the film manages to be so intense and engaging you can't even easily predict where the cuts have been made. It has a lot of action, tension, twists and a power-packed performance from Sunny Deol, who surprises as the meek protagonist later becoming the deadly titular antihero Arjun Pandit.
Juhi Chawla equally contributes to the film's quality with her terrific performance. Since the film is a romantic action thriller, her portions are truly integral to the story and much more than just the singing, dancing and romancing with the hero. The Haridwar setting was another big reason I fell in love with this film since I hail from Haridwar and the depiction of its locales at times serves as a throwback to the late 90s when I was born. The Mumbai setting is equally impressive.
There are many times you will find Arjun Pandit a villainous character and wonder if he really has a justification to act the way he does. For that, you have to keep watching and your patience will be rewarded. The music is also excellent, especially the famous "Kudiyan Shehar Diyan" which I have listened to repeatedly both before and after watching the film. While it's a powerful action thriller, it's also a meaningful love story where the hero and the heroine are written with brilliance. The conclusion to the film is an impressive one, and as someone who likes to think and examine the psyche of characters, I found it brilliant in a number of ways. Editing wise also the film is gripping and fast-paced despite being longer than 2 hours. Action choreography is stunning, be it the fighting, shootouts or car chases. Dialogues have been written and delivered with finesse and there are many moments where you will laugh and smile due to excitement.
Lastly, it's Sunny Deol whose screen presence and charisma make it even better. He has the action hero image which has been portrayed well in this film too. It manages to strike the perfect balance between being an action movie and a love story, and by the end, is a totally enjoyable and engaging ride. Must watch!