It's a film about girls harassment on the way to school and upto what level people can suffer for this dirty act. The film starts with the story of a young daughter who is the witness of acid attack to a girl on the street while going to school. During interrogation by the police only she came forward to be the witness. After that her life started being miserable by the friends of the criminal. Through the motivation by her father she learned martial art to save herself. During saving herself from the same kind of acidic attack accidentally the boy who attacked her, burnt his face by acid. The prosecution starts and Akira suffered her 3 years student life in the juvenile rehabilitation home. After releasing from home it is showed that her father passed away & her only brother not keeping any contact with the family as family not accepted her love and he settled with her love in the Mumbai after marriage. But while he was unable to bring up his newly born child he called her mother repeatedly to come Mumbai and stay with him. Akira was reluctant to go to Mumbai and told her mother that the boy who never called up last few years suddenly calling themselves only to use his mother as servant. But her brother came to their village and both of her brother & mother convinced Akira through the college principal that studying in Mumbai will be better for her academic career. She shifted to the college hostel and concentrated on her studies. The ACP and few police officers in the Mumbai police branch showed highly corrupted and for the stealing habit of one of the students in the college where Akira was studying, again brought her life in danger. Inspite of her wish to concentrate on the studies by the coincidence and nature Akira went through the life like hell. The character Akira shown different compared to common girls and this kind of nature we can find in our society very rare. The trauma agony suffering she went through should be felt by the common audience. The acting of Anurag Kashyap is outstanding in the centre role as ACP Mumbai police branch and found flawless. Very few in the film industry has the caliber to act at this level and I can't think any otherone in the this role right now. All other actors and actresses maintained their quality. Good fight sequence. All over a good film to see.
26 Reviews
Some very good fight sequences and both Sinha and Kashyap keep the film's momentum going with their arresting screen presence
fillerruth2 September 2016
This movie is remake of Tamil film Mouna Guru (2011). That Tamil film was a very good thriller and a sleeper hit of Tamil box office. A.R Murugados remade two of his film in Hindi but this time he remakes not his own film. the story is engaging and this is a very good choice for him. the original film is not female lead cast movie but he makes thisd movie some little changes.
This is the story of a college girl Akira, she has grown up with the ideals of being self reliant. Her life spirals out of control when she becomes unwillingly involved in a crime involving four corrupt police officers. very good story and very engaging. There are lots of thrilling moments and lots of unorthodox twists in this story. I am not revealing the story but I just want to tell you the twists are very intriguing and full of suspense. You will enjoy it surely.
performance wise Anurag Kashyap has done a very good job and as a corrupt police officer he is the best choice for this role. i think he will think about his acting career also and it will be a very good decision for him. Sonakshi Sinha as Akira has done a good job but not great. It is good for a sexy girl on action with his nice moves but sometimes this is not relevant for her role. I am not telling she is a bad actor. Her screen presence was good but it could have been better if the director just give some reality based content for her role. Rest of the casts are niot very important but Atul Kulkarni and Konkona Sen Sharma have done good job for their role. Music is not up to the mark but background score is good. The stroy and the screenplay were very good but if the director would concentrate the relevancy beyond the theme then this movie would be a gem. The fight sequences are very good and of course watchable and entertaining. I think this is a good comeback for Sonakshi After a serial of flops.
This is the story of a college girl Akira, she has grown up with the ideals of being self reliant. Her life spirals out of control when she becomes unwillingly involved in a crime involving four corrupt police officers. very good story and very engaging. There are lots of thrilling moments and lots of unorthodox twists in this story. I am not revealing the story but I just want to tell you the twists are very intriguing and full of suspense. You will enjoy it surely.
performance wise Anurag Kashyap has done a very good job and as a corrupt police officer he is the best choice for this role. i think he will think about his acting career also and it will be a very good decision for him. Sonakshi Sinha as Akira has done a good job but not great. It is good for a sexy girl on action with his nice moves but sometimes this is not relevant for her role. I am not telling she is a bad actor. Her screen presence was good but it could have been better if the director just give some reality based content for her role. Rest of the casts are niot very important but Atul Kulkarni and Konkona Sen Sharma have done good job for their role. Music is not up to the mark but background score is good. The stroy and the screenplay were very good but if the director would concentrate the relevancy beyond the theme then this movie would be a gem. The fight sequences are very good and of course watchable and entertaining. I think this is a good comeback for Sonakshi After a serial of flops.
Let down by predictability and poor execution.
ajit21068 September 2016
Lately, we have been witnessing many movies on women empowerment and emancipation like Queen, Kahani, Mardaani, English Vinglish, NH10, Parched etc. Akira is an addition to these kinds of flicks from directed by A.R. Murugadoss (Gajini, Holiday fame).
We get the message delivered at the very beginning when younger Akira confronts the acid attackers and later we see how she engulfed in a web of endangerment. Now she has to challenge the murky system and penance involved in the execution.
The intention is noble and it was accomplished in some measure during the first half, however, it becomes predictable and clichéd in the later half. The screenplay is little sloppy and representation of some characters loses the grip. Sonakshi Sinha did justice to her role but the expressions and demeanor lacked in many important scenes.
We see Konkana Sen Sharma is a very strong character but it was underdeveloped. Anurag Kashyap's menacing act is promising but lacks authenticity as a Marathi Cop. Other supporting cast did a good job.
Action scenes are good and well-choreographed, music is average and background score is just fine.
So, overall did the message get delivered, well, it depends on the perception because it has the same theme and execution which we have been served trillions of time, a protagonist rises against some malicious hoodlums then scuffles survives and finally becomes a conqueror.
We get the message delivered at the very beginning when younger Akira confronts the acid attackers and later we see how she engulfed in a web of endangerment. Now she has to challenge the murky system and penance involved in the execution.
The intention is noble and it was accomplished in some measure during the first half, however, it becomes predictable and clichéd in the later half. The screenplay is little sloppy and representation of some characters loses the grip. Sonakshi Sinha did justice to her role but the expressions and demeanor lacked in many important scenes.
We see Konkana Sen Sharma is a very strong character but it was underdeveloped. Anurag Kashyap's menacing act is promising but lacks authenticity as a Marathi Cop. Other supporting cast did a good job.
Action scenes are good and well-choreographed, music is average and background score is just fine.
So, overall did the message get delivered, well, it depends on the perception because it has the same theme and execution which we have been served trillions of time, a protagonist rises against some malicious hoodlums then scuffles survives and finally becomes a conqueror.
Missed the punch.
ozaanish5 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
To begin with the review, Akira is Hindi remake of Tamil film Mouna Guru (2011). The original film was a success.
Akira means 'Graceful Strength' in Sanskrit. The movie begins with a thrilling sequence of encounter and then the plot is reversed to flashback. Akira played by Sonakshi Sinha learns martial arts after her father played by Atul Kulkarni encounters the need for her to learn it. Akira who remains silent all the time moves to Mumbai with her mother and lives in a hostel. There are few action sequences which are very well choreographed. Every time a action sequence is on the big screen you enjoy. Mumbai's ACP Rane played by Anurag Kashyap along with his corrupt officers manipulates a crime scene for handsome amount of money. Anurag Kashyap is entertaining only in restricted scenes which many time leads to boredom. While first half is unpredictable and entertaining, Second half is dull and also repetitive story track along with very big let down climax is avoidable. How Akira gets involved in this? Will she be able to prove herself innocent? Find out in the movie.
First half is very interesting as the movie gradually passes in a well maintained pace. SP Rabia played by Konkona Sen Sharma gives a stand-out performance and leaves a mark even though she gets little time space in the movie. Sonakshi Sinha screen time is quite less as compared to Anurag Kashyap (which is shocking), and you are left with a question whether the main star is Sonakshi Sinha or Anurag Kashyap? Supporting roles played by Amit Sadh, Raai Laxmi and Teena Singh are pretty decent. Music of the above is a very big let down. Raaj Raaj Ke song is missing from the movie and other songs are played in the situation that arises. Action masters the movie whereas Screenplay and poor direction is a big let down. Message of the movie is delivered in some introductory scenes itself.
A.R.Murugadoss who have made some great movies like Ghajini and Holiday, fails to leave a mark with Akira.
Akira means 'Graceful Strength' in Sanskrit. The movie begins with a thrilling sequence of encounter and then the plot is reversed to flashback. Akira played by Sonakshi Sinha learns martial arts after her father played by Atul Kulkarni encounters the need for her to learn it. Akira who remains silent all the time moves to Mumbai with her mother and lives in a hostel. There are few action sequences which are very well choreographed. Every time a action sequence is on the big screen you enjoy. Mumbai's ACP Rane played by Anurag Kashyap along with his corrupt officers manipulates a crime scene for handsome amount of money. Anurag Kashyap is entertaining only in restricted scenes which many time leads to boredom. While first half is unpredictable and entertaining, Second half is dull and also repetitive story track along with very big let down climax is avoidable. How Akira gets involved in this? Will she be able to prove herself innocent? Find out in the movie.
First half is very interesting as the movie gradually passes in a well maintained pace. SP Rabia played by Konkona Sen Sharma gives a stand-out performance and leaves a mark even though she gets little time space in the movie. Sonakshi Sinha screen time is quite less as compared to Anurag Kashyap (which is shocking), and you are left with a question whether the main star is Sonakshi Sinha or Anurag Kashyap? Supporting roles played by Amit Sadh, Raai Laxmi and Teena Singh are pretty decent. Music of the above is a very big let down. Raaj Raaj Ke song is missing from the movie and other songs are played in the situation that arises. Action masters the movie whereas Screenplay and poor direction is a big let down. Message of the movie is delivered in some introductory scenes itself.
A.R.Murugadoss who have made some great movies like Ghajini and Holiday, fails to leave a mark with Akira.
Realistic and hard-hitting..
sushankonar13 December 2016
This is a story of the relentless persecution of a woman, daring to break out of the stereotypical mold, by a failed social system which is both corrupt and broken. Hard-hitting and depressing - mainstream Bollywood seldom gets this realistic. Yet, this is such an ordinary, everyday story - being played out again and again all around us. In Indian society, a young girl who dares to question the system, a girl who dares to protest - is an anachronism. She is either disciplined and that rare spark of life is extinguished even before it is properly lit. Or she gets lucky and finds a supporter, like Akira did in her father. In reality it is more of a misfortune. Apart from that unusual mentor the unusual woman remains utterly alone all through her life. In fact, the society raises even steeper barriers in her path overcompensating for that one supportive mentor whether or not s/he continues to be around. In the end, the lone struggle of the young woman invariably runs out of options and we are once again left saddened with the depressing realisation that it is not easy to be a woman even in the twenty-first century.
Poor plot - Poor Acting
mreetfst9 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Even though being a remake of a super hit movie, Akira, fails to leave a mark. The movie plot in itself is pretty weak and feels stretched at the wrong places. The background score isn't remarkable too. The loopholes of the plot provided to make Sonakshi look like a Superwoman is quite indigestible.
Anurag Kashyap has done a good job as ACP but rest of the cast deserves some serious acting classes. An action thriller movie, where the stunts performed are not even convincing. Sonakshi's portrayal of Akira seems boring and as mentioned lacks the originality in action sequences. The effects are so bad that while injecting Sonakshi with sedatives the needle can be seen.
Do yourself a favor and avoid watching this movie.
Anurag Kashyap has done a good job as ACP but rest of the cast deserves some serious acting classes. An action thriller movie, where the stunts performed are not even convincing. Sonakshi's portrayal of Akira seems boring and as mentioned lacks the originality in action sequences. The effects are so bad that while injecting Sonakshi with sedatives the needle can be seen.
Do yourself a favor and avoid watching this movie.
Great action sequences in an Indian movie after a long time
guptaaks0076 March 2018
It is a shame that this movie has 5.6 out of 10 on iMDb. Such a gripping story highlighting the amorality extent in our society and how somebody can become a victim in such circumstances.
The action sequences are quite amazing, something missing in our movies or overly exaggerated like in Salman Khan movies.
Good movie with a bad ending
zeeshanabid11 October 2023
I don't care if the movie is remake of a South Indian masterpiece. I never watched that South Indian movie. So I can't relate this movie with that original. This movie, however, I found very good overall, but it's ending failed to deliver a good impact. Maybe because the protagonist here was a woman instead of a man. And after what she went through the entire movie such a passive ending with mostly negativity for her made it extremely unsatisfactory. The movie till the ending was a extremely good, however. And I'm really impressed by how Sonakshi Senha played her role. Anurag Kashyap also did extremely well, and so did the rest of the cast. Action sequences and choreography was also marvelous. If the ending was handled properly this could have become a masterpiece, and one of the best Indian movie involving a female protagonist. Sadly, the ending ruined the movie for which I cannot rate it too highly.
Movie belongs to nineties
dineshprakash3 September 2016
Nothing is new in this movie. Just for momentarily tension build up they unnecessarily stretched most of scenes. There is a classic example of this. In a scene, if you have watched few action dramas then you are damn sure that girl is not going to die but then makers come up with a tension build up plan. They executed and conceived that scene in such way. Three Police men take to three person including girl for encounter. One person shoots a guy , as he moves towards girl, he gets call from his senior, who narrates some change in plan but then first person mobile switches off due to battery run down, another person does not carry his mobile due to mistake, then they decide to leave a person after some lengthy argument to hold handcuffed rest two on gunpoint , while they go to some distance in their Police van to call their senior. They get instruction to shoot all of them as they try to come back, their Police van does not start due to mechanical fault so one of them takes a bicycle, already kept there, God knows why and instructs another person to shoot the girl. It tests fifteen minute of your patience where you are over sure about the outcome. Film starts with scenes of heavy issue of acid attack and visually established it but then no use in further script only it was stuffed just for giving the lead girl inspiration to learn marshal art. Scenes unfolds like ,goons throw acid to a girl, lead become witness, goons threat her then she learns marshal arts and beats the goon. Much time is wasted just for giving the reason of her learning marshal art and going to juvenile remind home. It should be in flashes rather than taking so much time. Then movie moves forward to some college female goon angle with some lame college Politics and scenes like, Villain girl hits her food plate in canteen then unplugs the mike cable so she can not give her speech. All are so stale scenes, then shockingly lead girl come up with sign language. Only makers know where she learns it and what was the motto behind this preachy and illogical scene. Police sends girl in mental asylum because they can't kill her then an eunuch, who looks and behaves mentally unstable but suddenly tries to help the lead girl. He sneaks the key from cricket watching warden with the help of a stick, again stale scene. Police manipulates girl's family that she is mentally sick and they believe it by default. Again girl is trapped then suddenly that eunuch comes to rescue her as an ambulance driver, never established that he can drive. In climax, Police superintendent, who has been established good one turns grey and instructs a honest female Police officer to leave free the culprits and she does so, because she believes that lead girl is sufficient able to handle Villain, how could she come up with such a drastic conclusion. She had never witnessed lead strength. A line comes on end credits that " Film is dedicated to all women , who fought back" but leading lady of this film just reacts most of the time to the situations rather than fighting. Performance wise Sonakshi Sinha as Akira is good. Konkana Sen Sharma is fantastic. Anurag Kashyap is OK.
An expertly executed piece exposing the reality of our society
bhimdivya16 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I didn't think very much of this movie initially- I mean what would this spoiled Dabbang wife have to offer- well her real DABBANG.
Akira is the story of a woman who shatters the shackles imposed by Indian society on women. A story about the single handed power of a woman that refuses to bow to the injustices imposed upon her, and fights till the very end for the valor of her honesty.
Barring her fearless, and determined nature Akira is a compassionate and selfless young woman who constantly values the welfare of others above her own- even if it comes at her own detriment.
The society that Akira is fighting in, is one where honor, pride and paisa (money) are given the utmost importance. A society where the truth could be so scarring and painful that taking pain killers (or anything that can re route the truth) as a diversion to the pain may just be a better option.
Will Akira be able to emerge victorious, or will she be dosed by the poisons of Indian society? only time will tell.
In terms of acting, the cast displayed a brilliant realistic grasp of the emotions required by their roles! Definitely worth a watch
Akira is the story of a woman who shatters the shackles imposed by Indian society on women. A story about the single handed power of a woman that refuses to bow to the injustices imposed upon her, and fights till the very end for the valor of her honesty.
Barring her fearless, and determined nature Akira is a compassionate and selfless young woman who constantly values the welfare of others above her own- even if it comes at her own detriment.
The society that Akira is fighting in, is one where honor, pride and paisa (money) are given the utmost importance. A society where the truth could be so scarring and painful that taking pain killers (or anything that can re route the truth) as a diversion to the pain may just be a better option.
Will Akira be able to emerge victorious, or will she be dosed by the poisons of Indian society? only time will tell.
In terms of acting, the cast displayed a brilliant realistic grasp of the emotions required by their roles! Definitely worth a watch
Story itself confused between women empowerment and patience to tolerate oppression.
octune-105867 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was supposed to talk about women power revolution. At some points it does. But what actually it focuses on, is the age old common slogan in India that our women are familiar with. A slogan which has been injected in their mind by our society since the ancient age....."NO MATTER WHAT...WOMEN MUST KEEP HOLD OF THEIR PATIENCE. "Your life, your relations, your career, your identity....no matter what is at stake....if you are a woman....you have to compromise; you have to crucify yourself like Akira did. Now that's the ruling order of man empowered society and this film intentionally or unintentionally supports that, which is shame. The story over emphasizes on women patience than women empowerment and it certainly has crossed it's practical limit.
Sonakshi Can't Save the film Alone...!!!
kumarvarun198910 September 2016
little girl learns early that submitting to wrong-doing is not right, even if you have to suffer for it. Good tip, and Akira (the remake of a Tamil actioner) begins with promise, showing us how girls can choose karate over 'kathak' and flower. Akira (Sonakshi Sinha), no relation to Kurosawa, makes the journey from a colourful Rajasthan 'chota shehar' to 'mahanagari' Mumbai, and runs slam-bang into a convoluted plot involving a murder and missing cash and a bunch of corrupt cops, headed by the vicious ACP Rane (Anurag Kashyap, enjoying himself hugely and being extremely effective, even if very far from a Marathi-speaking native: I wouldn't like to meet Rane in a dark alley). Rane's khaki-clad cohorts who go about looting and pillaging and shooting innocents in cold blood get a lot of play: is this film the reason why the latest edict on not depicting the police 'in bad light' been announced? There is a sole 'good' cop in the movie, Konkona Sen Sharma's very pregnant, very dedicated officer ( clearly modeled on Francis McDormand's character in 'Fargo'), but she is only one against many. Having a young woman kick serious butt should be a matter of joy: what's not to like about strong female characters in male-dominated mainstream cinema? But what do you do if you are saddled with the most craven plot this side of the Vindhyas, which gives you wings, and then sets about clipping them? Sonakshi Sinha does a good job working the limitations of her role, but she alone cannot help this film from falling into a sinkhole.
a disappointing affair...
narendrarastogi6 September 2016
Movie had nothing new to offer. The pacing was at its worst. Acting was good by Anurag kashyap and sonakshi. But other than this there is not much to appreciate. What's good.. 1. Acting - Anurag and sonakshi. 2. 1st half of the movie. 3. Dialogues - mainly Anurag kashyap's. 4. No extra song or romantic angle. 5. Konkarna sen 's cameo. What's bad. 1.Jumbled Second half. 2. One dimensional character. 3. Slow Pacing. 4.Preachy narration. I didn't expected this from A.r. murgadoss. But happy with performance of sonakshi. At one point in the movie you are shocked how family members of sonakshi send her to mental hospital without any reason. On the whole a disappointing meal.
amazing
lovesahota-165368 November 2016
i really liked the movie.mind blowing performance by sonakshi sinha and anurag kashyap was too brilliant in the role.the people who giving low stars did not really understand these type of movies.i really want you to see this movie in theatre because of extraordinary direction,acting & story.this movie gave me goosebumps and i am sure it will do same with you.sonakshi really fits in the role very well.i also think that this is best debut actor movie for anurag kashyap.these type of movies rise our country's reputation.so plz support these type of movies.its my humble request.its the kind of movie that will give you great feeling.it lets you feel the emotions,family drama and true face of corrupt police officers.a really must watch movie of 2016.10/10 stars from me.
Watch Some Bones Break. ♦ Grade C-
nairtejas2 September 2016
Director A R Murugadoss makes movies that take their subjects far too seriously. And in this action drama, which reminds us more of Malayalam action film Kochi Rajavu (2005) than Mouna Guru (2011), the Tamil film which it is actually a remake of, the titular character takes herself so seriously that she fails to impress or inspire.
Akira (Sinha) is a tough adolescent who was brought up rather aggressively by her father. At a very young age, she used to stand up for herself and her causes (whatever that means), and as a result, had to do time for three years for a crime that she didn't commit (or did she?). So, naturally, her familial relations are sorta sticky. It is when she moves to Mumbai and gets involuntarily entangled in a serious crime involving a bunch of corrupt cops that her audience really get a wind of what Akira is capable of: break some bones and stare at the camera in slo-mo after the deed has been carried out.
The story is a mixture of popular plot elements we have been seeing in films generally in India. A silent nobody whose principles sound great on paper, but are practically boring and non-feasible in a world where working towards the greater good is everything. Throw a bunch of vindictive villains in this mixture, and there you have it. Just like someone has mentioned in the mainstream media how the active theme of the story is given a dramatic punch by introducing family members is very much true. But, the compassion that should've accompanied it seems to be missing.
Of course, the 140 minutes are not boring if one can prevent oneself from asking questions that are related to logic and common sense. But, then again, one should understand that they are watching a Murugadoss film, which are infamous for defying logic.
Sinha is surprisingly good in the role of a rugged action hero who lands some heavy punches. Her deadpan expression is all that I had qualms about, but let's appreciate her for this feat anyway. Kashyap is average, but that is because of the formulaic approach adopted by his character. Supporting cast is fine.
Overall, a feminist who has gotten the original sense of the word completely wrong may adore this movie and its central character, for she strives to be like a man here. Also, we cannot call it a film about women empowerment; watching a one-woman-show trying to subdue the forces of man-made insanity is not exactly the best way to depict that trending virtue (?). Konkona Sen Sharma also plays a narrator in the film, but I cannot accept what she delivers asn an epilogue: that our daughters should aim to be like Akira. Of course, I would want my daughter to have guts like Akira, but what might look appealing on theory does not always yield good results in real life.
BOTTOM LINE: A R Murugadoss's "Akira" is a decent entertainer with some fine stunts delivered by a woman who should be stopped taken seriously the moment one exits the theater hall. Wait for DVD, and then rent it.
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
Akira (Sinha) is a tough adolescent who was brought up rather aggressively by her father. At a very young age, she used to stand up for herself and her causes (whatever that means), and as a result, had to do time for three years for a crime that she didn't commit (or did she?). So, naturally, her familial relations are sorta sticky. It is when she moves to Mumbai and gets involuntarily entangled in a serious crime involving a bunch of corrupt cops that her audience really get a wind of what Akira is capable of: break some bones and stare at the camera in slo-mo after the deed has been carried out.
The story is a mixture of popular plot elements we have been seeing in films generally in India. A silent nobody whose principles sound great on paper, but are practically boring and non-feasible in a world where working towards the greater good is everything. Throw a bunch of vindictive villains in this mixture, and there you have it. Just like someone has mentioned in the mainstream media how the active theme of the story is given a dramatic punch by introducing family members is very much true. But, the compassion that should've accompanied it seems to be missing.
Of course, the 140 minutes are not boring if one can prevent oneself from asking questions that are related to logic and common sense. But, then again, one should understand that they are watching a Murugadoss film, which are infamous for defying logic.
Sinha is surprisingly good in the role of a rugged action hero who lands some heavy punches. Her deadpan expression is all that I had qualms about, but let's appreciate her for this feat anyway. Kashyap is average, but that is because of the formulaic approach adopted by his character. Supporting cast is fine.
Overall, a feminist who has gotten the original sense of the word completely wrong may adore this movie and its central character, for she strives to be like a man here. Also, we cannot call it a film about women empowerment; watching a one-woman-show trying to subdue the forces of man-made insanity is not exactly the best way to depict that trending virtue (?). Konkona Sen Sharma also plays a narrator in the film, but I cannot accept what she delivers asn an epilogue: that our daughters should aim to be like Akira. Of course, I would want my daughter to have guts like Akira, but what might look appealing on theory does not always yield good results in real life.
BOTTOM LINE: A R Murugadoss's "Akira" is a decent entertainer with some fine stunts delivered by a woman who should be stopped taken seriously the moment one exits the theater hall. Wait for DVD, and then rent it.
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
Starting to really like these Indian / Hindu movies on Netflix
lovettstough17 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I am really starting to like these Indian / Hindu movies on Netflix. This was a great action & adventure & crime & drama movie. I do not like the way it ended though with Akira being sacrificed so to speak to cover up the dirty corrupt police even though the bad ones got what they deserved in the end. It makes their country & justice/judicial system look as flawed & crooked & corrupt & evil as the U.S. does right now under the evil crooked corrupt chump trump & his evil administration/regime. I'm a white american (democrat/independent, never a republican or anything from the right) I've heard India is a beautiful country & every Indian female I've ever seen whether it be here in the U.S. or on television & movies they are way more beautiful than any american female.
Sonakshi's stunt double for the win
Pramitheus18 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
A.R. Murugaddos should direct only one half of a movie and then just simply give the screenplay to another director. If you see his filmography till now (Ghajini(2008), Holiday(2014)), they all start out great. It is almost grounded and then as soon as the movie hits the half-hour mark, Murugaddos starts going haywire. I maybe panned for writing negatively about a movie basically about women empowerment but let's see if I care. I'll just say this that Ghostbusters(2016) is proof enough that interchanging the gender of the protagonist with the opposite sex isn't the right way to promote women empowerment. If this movie had a guy, doing the same thing which Akira was doing, my review wouldn't have changed.
STORY/SCREENPLAY(?) - We follow Akira(Sonakshi Sinha), a girl from Jodhpur, who from an early age takes on the habit of fighting bullies and eve-teasers. Cut to Akira in present day, where she is being taken by her brother to Mumbai, where she can continue her studies. I mean, not completely against her will. She was reluctant but her Principal coaxes her to move from her small town and go for better opportunities. She joins a college and sudden cut to a corrupt police officer, ACP Rane(Anurag Kashyap) who does villainous stuff and is caught in the act. Then Akira is framed and linked to ACP Rane and then I don't know what happens. I really don't. At one point she is put in an insane asylum, she breaks out and has a Mexican stand-off with Rane. The point till Rane is introduced, the movie has some good topics like acid-attack victims(though it is done extremely crudely), bullying, ragging. Then it becomes extremely formulaic and masala. I am saying that the acid-attack topic is done very crudely is because of the way it is shown. In which part of the town does the whole town comes to see how the victim looks? I don't know.
DIRECTION - As I mentioned earlier, it feels like for the entire second half of the movie, Murugaddos just got drunk and did whatever the hell he felt like. The movie begins with a narration of Konkona Sen Sharma's character, Rabia. Probably I skipped a lot, but I am pretty sure it wasn't sure who Rabia was narrating this story to. The editing is straight from hell. In one shot in particular at about 16 minutes into the movie a breakfast scene is going on. You can see nobody standing behind Akira's brother and all of a sudden her mother appears. Completely out of nowhere! I am clubbing the fight choreography into this section. As it is evident from the title, they should have used Sonakshi's stunt double instead of Sonakshi Sinha. I absolutely love Sonakshi Sinha but you can see whenever she is on-screen during the fight scenes, she isn't at par with the requirements of the scene. Suddenly when her stunt double appears, Akira is doing flips and stuff. It's 2016. Come on already. The audience isn't blind anymore, and what's with happy endings, man? Just put a grim, realistic ending. Ah! You've to make a realistic movie first, right?
ACTING - Anurag Kashyap as ACP Rane clearly kills it as the corrupt police officer. He never has an off-beat scene. Sonakshi Sinha is exceptional when she verbally stands up against the bullies but during the fight scenes, she just ruins it. Lokesh Gupte as Manik had a lot of screen-time, but he botched it up too. I keep saying that the writing is very important. So the writing could also have been the reason.
FINAL VERDICT - Obviously give it a pass but do one thing, please. Just go around the 15 minute mark in the movie where the family is having breakfast and witness the shocking magical appearance of Akira's mother. It's worth a watch.
STORY/SCREENPLAY(?) - We follow Akira(Sonakshi Sinha), a girl from Jodhpur, who from an early age takes on the habit of fighting bullies and eve-teasers. Cut to Akira in present day, where she is being taken by her brother to Mumbai, where she can continue her studies. I mean, not completely against her will. She was reluctant but her Principal coaxes her to move from her small town and go for better opportunities. She joins a college and sudden cut to a corrupt police officer, ACP Rane(Anurag Kashyap) who does villainous stuff and is caught in the act. Then Akira is framed and linked to ACP Rane and then I don't know what happens. I really don't. At one point she is put in an insane asylum, she breaks out and has a Mexican stand-off with Rane. The point till Rane is introduced, the movie has some good topics like acid-attack victims(though it is done extremely crudely), bullying, ragging. Then it becomes extremely formulaic and masala. I am saying that the acid-attack topic is done very crudely is because of the way it is shown. In which part of the town does the whole town comes to see how the victim looks? I don't know.
DIRECTION - As I mentioned earlier, it feels like for the entire second half of the movie, Murugaddos just got drunk and did whatever the hell he felt like. The movie begins with a narration of Konkona Sen Sharma's character, Rabia. Probably I skipped a lot, but I am pretty sure it wasn't sure who Rabia was narrating this story to. The editing is straight from hell. In one shot in particular at about 16 minutes into the movie a breakfast scene is going on. You can see nobody standing behind Akira's brother and all of a sudden her mother appears. Completely out of nowhere! I am clubbing the fight choreography into this section. As it is evident from the title, they should have used Sonakshi's stunt double instead of Sonakshi Sinha. I absolutely love Sonakshi Sinha but you can see whenever she is on-screen during the fight scenes, she isn't at par with the requirements of the scene. Suddenly when her stunt double appears, Akira is doing flips and stuff. It's 2016. Come on already. The audience isn't blind anymore, and what's with happy endings, man? Just put a grim, realistic ending. Ah! You've to make a realistic movie first, right?
ACTING - Anurag Kashyap as ACP Rane clearly kills it as the corrupt police officer. He never has an off-beat scene. Sonakshi Sinha is exceptional when she verbally stands up against the bullies but during the fight scenes, she just ruins it. Lokesh Gupte as Manik had a lot of screen-time, but he botched it up too. I keep saying that the writing is very important. So the writing could also have been the reason.
FINAL VERDICT - Obviously give it a pass but do one thing, please. Just go around the 15 minute mark in the movie where the family is having breakfast and witness the shocking magical appearance of Akira's mother. It's worth a watch.
Read This Before Watching
anmol_prince4 September 2016
If you likes sensible movies then this movie is surely not for you. If you want unnecessary entertainment, you can waste your money. The Only thing Good about the movie is Sonakshi's and Konkana's Acting. There are many holes in the story lines and there are many stretched scenes which breaks the feeling to continue the movie. Maximum of the scenes of this movie is Dramatic and Unreal, like with no issue a boy was going to attack akira with knife and she was the God of fighting she can handle everyone at a time. You can easily guess what is going to happen? Like 3 police officers were going to kill 3 person one of them is akira. The movie has just started and it was sure that she is not going to be killed and that escaping scene is stretched for more than 15 minutes. I have given 2 starts and that's all for acting. Since I watch sensible movies. I gave this 2 star but some people don't go for logic they just go for watching their fav actress and enjoyment. It's your choice go and enjoy!!
Starting was good but then story gone awful. Finishing disgusting.
nicks_novel4 November 2016
Anurag Kashyap has done a good job as ACP. Sonakshi Sinha did a great job. The story was tension build up they unnecessarily stretched most of scenes. most funny thing was of this movies, Akira want to prove she is not mad and she forget about her torture. they (police) wanted to kill her and she wanted to prove she is not mad. this is _____.
i want to know Anurag, why you make this film. you are a great director and you proved you are a great actor too.
middle of this film is so boring. it could be better. if Akira kill all corrupt police then it will include some strength.
i waste my time to watch this movie. movie story will be good but in the end its gone pathetic end.
i want to know Anurag, why you make this film. you are a great director and you proved you are a great actor too.
middle of this film is so boring. it could be better. if Akira kill all corrupt police then it will include some strength.
i waste my time to watch this movie. movie story will be good but in the end its gone pathetic end.
Blew my mind
jayeairsoft20 January 2021
Akira could have been one of the best action movies ever but it actually gives you a headache
london-fanboy28 February 2024
When I went to watch Akira, I wanted an action movie better than Tiger Shroff's Baghi. I consider Baghi to be one of the best action movies of Bollywood of all time. And Baghi didn't even have a relatable story. Nor does Tiger Shroff a regular Indian by any measure. But he makes up for it with his exemplary action sequences.
In Akira, we had a highly relatable story. A girl from small town India moves to Mumbai. With an irritating sister-in-law and meek brother who brought her home with his mother only to take care of his child. Sonakshi Sinha has also got the perfect looks and build for the part. It's impossible not to feel for Akira. All the time I wanted her to beat the bad guys black and blue with her bare hands until they die. Which eventually happens but there is too little action to keep one engaged. In the process too many pains are inflicted on Akira. When I watch an action movie I would rather have something like Taken. The good guy should remain mostly unscathed while killing the bad ones. Here Akira almost dies and becomes a mental patient. Really sad.
An action movie should give you 10x more highs than the lows. Here it's the opposite. Mostly you are feeling sad and depressed with occasional wins.
In Akira, we had a highly relatable story. A girl from small town India moves to Mumbai. With an irritating sister-in-law and meek brother who brought her home with his mother only to take care of his child. Sonakshi Sinha has also got the perfect looks and build for the part. It's impossible not to feel for Akira. All the time I wanted her to beat the bad guys black and blue with her bare hands until they die. Which eventually happens but there is too little action to keep one engaged. In the process too many pains are inflicted on Akira. When I watch an action movie I would rather have something like Taken. The good guy should remain mostly unscathed while killing the bad ones. Here Akira almost dies and becomes a mental patient. Really sad.
An action movie should give you 10x more highs than the lows. Here it's the opposite. Mostly you are feeling sad and depressed with occasional wins.
One of the best movies of my life
prakumk9 February 2019
Poor Story Writing
rohitskvac28 December 2021
If u can love Ghajini, why hate Akira.
bsekliar9 November 2020
It a brilliant movie guys. I hardly write a review. When i saw the trailer, i was thrilled and was expecting a good blockbuster movie. But then reviews went out and it was very low. And I never liked Sonakshi so I decided not to watch. Also i only read what is this movie about : action, fight scene, college girl etc (and that too in Bollywood) so I completely made mind that i won't be spending tims watching this movie.
But today when there was nothing to watch on TV, I watched for few minutes. That accident scene and what Police officer decided there made me curious and I immediately went to online platform to see it completely. Never for a moment i thought to take a break. Even the fight scene were performed very well. Yeah some unbelievable coincidences are there but come on guys, that is purely fine. But such kind of incidents can surely happen with anyone. Yes. But coming out of those situations depends on who you are, who is behind your back for support etc.
The acting is fantastic. Anurag, Konkana and all other police officers played their roles very well. Yes, Sonakshi killed it in this role..Lovely.
The ending made my heart heavy when she talks to the children in that sign language. Go watch it friends.
But today when there was nothing to watch on TV, I watched for few minutes. That accident scene and what Police officer decided there made me curious and I immediately went to online platform to see it completely. Never for a moment i thought to take a break. Even the fight scene were performed very well. Yeah some unbelievable coincidences are there but come on guys, that is purely fine. But such kind of incidents can surely happen with anyone. Yes. But coming out of those situations depends on who you are, who is behind your back for support etc.
The acting is fantastic. Anurag, Konkana and all other police officers played their roles very well. Yes, Sonakshi killed it in this role..Lovely.
The ending made my heart heavy when she talks to the children in that sign language. Go watch it friends.
Epic Strong Thriller Movie (khatarnak ekdum)
deepaliverma-389312 May 2020
I am shocked to see less rating and review. I created imdb account to give a review to this movie. Kuddos to director and sonakshi who made such a touchy strong movie. Incredible Acting/Action by sonakshi. Movie had lot of twists n turns. At the end i felt little sad that the truth has not been revealed to public, but it does happen in reality. In the movie Akira fought alone and won, she could have shown the facts and truth to public at end, but to save thousands of people because of politics she conquered silently. "Khatarnak Ekdum"
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