All brawn but redemption for Abishek

S Shyam Prasad| NT

Bengaluru: Following a forgettable debut, Abishek Ambareesh finds redemption in an exciting star vehicle crafted by director Suri.

In "Bad Manners," the film effectively leverages the advantages the actor brings to the screen— an imposing presence, a brusque voice, and the weight of his late father's legacy.

While "Bad Manners" may not stand as the pinnacle of cop-gangster dramas from Suri's imaginative mind, it undeniably succeeds in steering Abishek's career back on track.

Staying true to Suri's distinctive style, the first half presents an eclectic mix of all the elements the film has in store.

The storyline may seem elusive, but the narration swiftly transports you through the ominous realm of 'Goda' and its more menacing inhabitants. Our protagonist, 'Rudresh/Rudra/ Rudri,' capriciously takes on the task of eliminating and incapacitating the denizens of this desolate place.

The whimsical dialogues, eccentric characters, and nonconformist scenes captivate the audience, keeping them engaged in their seats.

Much like a "masala puri," where the ingredients are so intricately blended that discerning individual elements is challenging, yet the overall flavor remains enjoyable.

It's in the second half that the ingredients of the "masala puri" are unveiled one by one, prompting the audience to connect them to the earlier served taste.

Suri faced the formidable task of persuading the audience of Abishek's acting prowess, and once again, he demonstrates that a film is truly the director's art.

Given the nature of the action-packed saga, where the protagonist is engaged in shooting, throwing villains in the air, or slamming them onto the ground in the majority of scenes, the challenge might have seemed more straightforward.

Abishek's physique authentically conveys the impression that he is genuinely shattering skulls or demolishing a dilapidated wall with his bare fist. Even in the scenes requiring the portrayal of vulnerable emotions, Abishek handles them with apparent ease.

Numerous characters populate the film, yet each occupies a minimal role. While their characterizations are discernible, there is insufficient time for their development.

In contrast to most of Suri's films where the songs become chart-toppers, "Bad Manners" presents a more subdued musical backdrop.

Nevertheless, the songs seamlessly integrate into the storyline, avoiding any sense of incongruity. The film falls short in delivering standout "wow" moments.

With the exception of a specific scene showcasing Abishek's physical prowess, there are scarce instances that evoke goose bumps. However, a handful of creatively crafted scenes hold the potential to spawn standalone movies; a prime example being the hero's ingenious tactic of shackling two gunrunners to break them.

"Bad Manners" is by no means a lackluster film. However, in a cinematic landscape dominated by blockbuster events, it falls short of the grandiosity that typically draws audiences to theaters. In a different era, this could have been deemed a remarkable debut movie for the actor.