‘Bhimaa’ review: A massiest comeback from Gopichand

Gopichand, whose last hit has been a while, has high expectations from the action drama "Bhimaa." Directed by Kannada filmmaker A. Harsha, the film stars Malvika Sharma and Priya Bhavani Shankar as the female leads. With a promising trailer, "Bhimaa" released on MahaShivarathri day, and audiences are eager to see if it brings success to Gopichand.

Story

In "Bhimaa," Gopichand portrays a playful cop with a distinctive approach to dealing with criminals. His character becomes a formidable challenge for Bhavani (Mukesh Tiwari), who holds sway over Mahendragiri. Bhimaa finds love in Vidya (Malvika Sharma), a school teacher with deep respect for the medicinal expertise of Ravindra Varma (Nassar). When Ravindra Varma requests a favor from Bhimaa, it sets off a chain of events that turns Bhimaa's life upside down. To uncover the answers to the ensuing mysteries and witness Bhimaa's pursuit of justice, audiences must experience the film firsthand.

Performances

"Bhimaa" finds Gopichand at the film's core, delivering a commendable performance as both Bhimaa and Rama. His portrayal anchors the movie, showcasing versatility. Nasser's solid acting stands out, offering notable support to the narrative. However, the supporting cast, including Priya Bhavani Shankar and Malavika Sharma, doesn't bring fresh elements to the table. Despite Gopichand's impactful presence and Nasser's reliability, the film lacks innovation in the performances of the supporting characters, leaving them with limited contributions to the overall cinematic experience.

Technicalities

Director A. Harsha skillfully incorporates a fantasy element into the mass-action drama, elevating key scenes and climax portions. Gopichand's portrayal is solidly presented, emphasizing his mass appeal. However, the love track's weak writing and presentation prove to be a significant drawback, potentially impacting the film's overall impact. The back-and-forth screenplay adds an element of confusion, a notable aspect requiring attention. The film doesn't fall short in delivering stunning visuals, thanks to the commendable cinematography by Swami J. Gowda, especially shining in night sequences. With high production values, the movie boasts decent songs and an impactful background score by Ravi Basrur. Notably, Bhimaa successfully delivers on the expectation for engaging action scenes in a mass film.

Analysis

Gopichand's portrayal in "Bhimaa" marks a resurgence, exhibiting a vibrant and energetic side rarely seen in recent roles. The film kicks off with an engaging narrative, exploring the historical backdrop of ParasuramuniKshetram, creating an immediate connection with the audience. The interval sequence intensifies expectations for the latter part. Malvika Sharma's role gains prominence during the pre-climax, showcasing her commendable performance. The movie peaks in its final half-hour, delivering impactful emotions, powerful dialogues, and high-voltage heroism, supported by superbly conceived action sequences and an evocative background score by Ravi Basrur.

However, "Bhimaa" encounters challenges in maintaining its grip as it progresses. The introduction of the love track, though intended for mass appeal, is marred by a vulgar design, potentially discomforting certain audience segments. The film's first half, dedicated to Bhimaa's characterization, is impacted by an excessive focus on the love narrative. The delayed introduction of the main plot and the secondary character's insufficient exploration hinder the overall narrative flow. Despite these shortcomings, Gopichand's dynamic performance and the film's intense concluding segments contribute to a memorable cinematic experience.