Bazooka Movie Review: A Missed Opportunity for Mammootty
Cast: Mammootty, Gautham Vasudev Menon
Director: Deeno Dennis
Star Rating: ★★
Diving into the cinematic realm isn’t an easy feat, especially when you have a revered star like Mammootty, also affectionately known as Mammukka, in your corner. However, debut director Deeno Dennis stumbles significantly in his ambitious attempt with Bazooka. The film, marketed as an exhilarating game thriller, promises so much yet ultimately fails to deliver, leaving the audience longing for a more satisfying experience.
What is Bazooka About?
Set against the backdrop of a crime-ridden Kochi, the film introduces us to the charismatic ACP Benjamin Joshua, played by Gautham Vasudev Menon. His mission? To restore order to the chaos. But things take an unexpected twist as a cunning criminal—dubbed Mr. Mario—leverages video games to execute his nefarious schemes, effectively outsmarting ACP Joshua at every turn. In a bid to decipher the criminal’s tactics, our hero teams up with the former forensic expert, John Caesar, portrayed by Mammootty.
The film’s premise suggests a captivating concept. But instead of exploring advanced technology, we’re left with child-like games such as Super Mario and Snakes and Ladders. While Mammootty’s undeniable charm and talent shine during numerous action sequences, the real question lingers: Does the storyline hold water? The answer, regrettably, is no.
Where Bazooka Falls Short
In his quest to create a visually stunning film, director/writer Deeno Dennis seemingly overlooks the essential elements of storytelling. He fumbles in crafting a coherent plot, resulting in a narrative riddled with plot holes and lacking logical consistency. Despite including some visually enticing slow-motion shots intended to glorify Mammootty, the film ultimately loses its narrative focus.
While the film features an engaging score by music director Saeed Abbas—complete with a danceable track, Loading Bazooka, performed by the talented actor-singer Sreenath Bhasi—the shortcomings of the script overshadow these highlights. Cinematographer Nimish Ravi’s skill behind the lens ensures Mammootty’s presence is striking, encapsulating the charm and charisma that fans adore. However, the film’s editors, Nishadh Yusuf and Praveen Prabhakar, struggle to piece together a cohesive and engaging story.
A New Genre Undermined
A thrilling foray into the world of gaming is an exciting premise, and yet Deeno Dennis allows this opportunity to slip through his fingers. The narrative fails to authentically explore the complexities of heist-centric criminal networks, leaving both Mammootty’s character and the audience asking, “Why did he choose this poorly crafted script?”
Ultimately, while Bazooka may be watchable for die-hard Mammootty fans, even the illustrious actor cannot save it from its lackluster execution. It’s a film that raises more questions than it answers, solidifying its position as a missed opportunity in the matinee spotlight.
