Kangana Ranaut, the Bollywood powerhouse, has undoubtedly made her mark as an actor, with multiple National Awards and a Padma Shree to her name. However, her recent choices in films post-COVID have left many wondering about the quality of her roles. “Tejas,” directed by debutant Sarvesh Mewara, is one such film that showcases Kangana as the heroic Tejas Gill, a fighter pilot who can do it all. This review delves into the movie’s shortcomings and explores its misplaced focus on glorifying its leading lady rather than delivering a coherent storyline.
Tejas: A Kangana Worship Session
“Tejas” introduces Kangana Ranaut’s titular character as the ultimate savior of the nation, capable of extraordinary feats like flying fighter jets and single-handedly thwarting criminals. While it’s not uncommon for Bollywood to portray larger-than-life heroes, the film’s emphasis on Kangana’s character feels more like a worship session than a compelling narrative. Tejas appears to be a template heroine who effortlessly tackles every challenge the script throws her way, diminishing the need for other characters to contribute meaningfully.
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Logic Takes a Backseat
The film takes a convenient and often illogical path, ignoring the complexities of real-world military operations. Tejas suggests a mission into Pakistan to rescue a hostage without any objections, as if such actions are routine. Meanwhile, the motives behind the hostage situation and Pakistan’s demands for free Kashmir lack clear exposition, leaving the audience to question the script’s coherence.
A Compilation of Kangana’s Instagram Stories
At times, “Tejas” feels like a montage of Kangana Ranaut’s Instagram stories, strung together into a horizontal screen reel. The character, Tejas Gill, experiences dramatic life events, such as losing her parents in the 26/11 attack and preventing an attack on Ram Mandir. While the film is set in the present day, it offers a skewed depiction of reality, particularly regarding the construction status of the Ram Mandir. The dialogues lack subtlety, emphasizing melodrama over nuance.
Kangana’s Performance
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Kangana Ranaut, who has proven her acting prowess in the past, seems to prioritize making a point over her performance in “Tejas.” Her portrayal of Tejas Gill as a defense student appears somewhat childlike and uncomfortable. There are moments where her talent shines through, but they are few and far between. It’s evident that she is playing herself more than her character, which is disappointing for her fans and those expecting a transformation.
Supporting Cast and Direction
Anshul Chauhan, in her role as a comic relief and sidekick to Kangana, shows promise, but the script fails to fully utilize her talent. The supporting cast exists primarily to serve Tejas Gill’s character and lacks meaningful roles. The direction by Sarvesh Mewara appears to be more of a fan’s tribute to Kangana than a well-thought-out vision. The film’s VFX falls short of professional standards, resembling the work of an amateur. Additionally, the music, while good, feels excessive and unsuitable for a movie of this nature.
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“Tejas” fails to live up to the expectations set by Kangana Ranaut’s previous work, offering a disjointed and largely uninspiring tribute to her on-screen presence. The film’s misplaced focus on glorifying the protagonist results in a story that lacks substance and coherence.
Its disregard for logical storytelling and reliance on melodrama make it a disappointment for audiences seeking a meaningful cinematic experience. While there are glimpses of Kangana’s acting prowess, they are overshadowed by the film’s overall lackluster execution. “Tejas” ultimately feels more like a compilation of Kangana’s Instagram stories than a compelling narrative deserving of the actress’s talent.
