“Mission Raniganj,” starring Akshay Kumar, is a film that promised to bring to light the real-life heroic tale of Jaswant Singh Gill, who averted a disaster in the coal mines of Raniganj. While the story of Gill’s bravery and determination is undoubtedly compelling, the film’s execution, especially in terms of visual effects and production quality, has left much to be desired. This review delves into the shortcomings of “Mission Raniganj” while acknowledging the potential in the story it aimed to tell.
A Missed Opportunity
Before delving into the critique, it’s crucial to emphasize that the criticism is not directed at the film’s storyline. The real-life events surrounding Jaswant Singh Gill’s remarkable mission have always held the potential to make for a gripping cinematic experience. The disappointment lies in the film’s execution, particularly in terms of production quality and visual effects.
Akshay Kumar’s “Limited Efforts”
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One of the significant criticisms leveled against “Mission Raniganj” is the perceived lack of effort in its production. The film’s low budget is not an excuse for subpar visual effects that fail to meet industry standards. While a limited budget can present challenges, it should not compromise the overall quality of a film.
One glaring issue highlighted in the review is Akshay Kumar’s apparent reliance on a template of “limited efforts.” The criticism stems from the belief that if a film cannot be completed within a specified time frame, it reflects a lack of commitment and dedication to the project. The review suggests that more time and effort should have been invested to ensure a higher standard of quality.
Visual Effects and Green Screen Woes
One of the most significant shortcomings of “Mission Raniganj” is its use of visual effects and green screen technology. The film’s use of VFX has been heavily criticized, with the reviewer noting that the green screen is glaringly apparent in several scenes. The lack of integration between the background and foreground elements makes it challenging for the audience to suspend their disbelief, as the illusion of a realistic setting is shattered.
The reviewer also points out that it appears Akshay Kumar may have shot many scenes alone, with the director relying on choppy editing to stitch these scenes together with those featuring other actors. This approach results in a disjointed and unconvincing visual experience.
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The comparison with “Kaala Patthar”
The review draws a stark visual contrast between “Mission Raniganj” and the 1979 classic “Kaala Patthar,” led by Amitabh Bachchan. “Kaala Patthar” is highlighted as a superior film, both in terms of storytelling and visual execution. This comparison serves to underscore the shortcomings of “Mission Raniganj,” particularly in light of the fact that “Kaala Patthar” was released over 40 years ago.
Star Performances
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While the review acknowledges the importance of Akshay Kumar’s prolific career and his efforts to create job opportunities within the industry, it suggests that this approach may be negatively impacting the quality of his projects. The reviewer notes that both “Ram Setu” and “Mission Raniganj” seem to prioritize speed of completion over the quality of storytelling and production.
The film’s talented ensemble cast, which includes Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Kumud Mishra, Jameel Khan, Ravi Kishan, and Pavan Malhotra, is viewed as being underutilized in the film. This is seen as a missed opportunity to leverage the potential of these skilled actors.
Direction and Music
Director Tinu Suresh Desai, who previously surprised audiences with “Rustom,” is criticized for the lackluster execution of “Mission Raniganj.” The film is described as a mess from the very beginning, with poor attention to detail and visual quality.
The choice of music is also questioned, with the review pointing out the mismatch between the film’s resources and the utilization of talent. The decision to have Satinder Sartaaj sing for the film’s signature song is noted as a missed opportunity for a more powerful musical impact.
Sandeep Shirodkar’s background music is deemed too loud, failing to match the loudness of the film’s visual effects. This disparity results in a jarring auditory experience.
The Final Verdict
“Mission Raniganj” suffers not from a lackluster story but from the manner in which it was executed. The film’s potential deserved a better team and a more committed approach. While Akshay Kumar’s dedication to multiple projects is admirable, it should not come at the expense of storytelling and production quality. The film’s VFX issues and green screen challenges, in particular, have significantly impacted its ability to engage and immerse the audience.
Despite the film’s shortcomings, the true story of Jaswant Singh Gill and his heroic mission remains a captivating tale. It is a story that, with the right execution, could have made for a compelling and visually impressive cinematic experience. “Mission Raniganj” serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing speed and efficiency with quality in the filmmaking process.
