In the realm of Indian cinema, where expectations run high and viewers are constantly on the lookout for fresh and innovative stories, ‘Ganapath,’ starring Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon, has undoubtedly fallen short. This review delves into the film’s shortcomings, ranging from its clichéd storyline to questionable direction and execution.
A Clichéd Dystopian Narrative:
From the very beginning, ‘Ganapath’ embraces a dystopian world where society is divided into the ‘ameer’ and ‘gareeb’ categories. This premise immediately evokes comparisons to other dystopian tales like ‘Divergent’ and ‘The Hunger Games.’ Unfortunately, ‘Ganapath’ fails to bring anything unique to this well-worn concept. Instead, it relies on predictable tropes, creating a clear divide between the wealthy and the impoverished.
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The ‘gareebs’ cling to the hope that Ganapath, prophesied by an elder (Amitabh Bachchan), will emerge to liberate them. However, they are advised not to take any action until Ganapath’s arrival. In the meantime, they resort to training through wrestling matches to prepare for the eventual confrontation with the ‘ameers.’
An Unconvincing Protagonist:
Tiger Shroff, who plays Guddu, attempts to embody both the carefree playboy and the savior of the ‘gareebs.’ Unfortunately, this character falls flat, and the transition from the former to the latter feels forced and implausible. Guddu’s sudden transformation into Ganapath lacks depth and fails to engage the audience.
The predictability of the story is further exacerbated by the lackluster script, penned by Vikas Bahl. Bahl, known for the critically acclaimed ‘Queen,’ disappoints this time, offering a narrative that feels as formulaic as Tiger Shroff’s shirtless dance sequences in his films. The lack of depth and originality in the screenplay is evident, making it challenging to invest in the characters and their journey.
Underwhelming Visual Effects:
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A notable disappointment in ‘Ganapath’ is the subpar quality of the visual effects (VFX). The film heavily relies on VFX to create a computer-generated video game world, but the results are far from impressive. Viewers may notice frame lags and repetitive sequences, detracting from the overall viewing experience. This lack of attention to detail in the VFX department suggests a level of laziness on the part of the filmmakers.
Performances and Character Development:
Tiger Shroff’s performance in ‘Ganapath’ showcases his physical prowess in dance and action sequences, but it fails to elevate the lackluster material. The film’s narrative does not allow him to shine, as it primarily hinges on action and little character development. It is clear that the saturation point has been reached in terms of Tiger’s signature dance and fight sequences, and the audience demands more substance in his roles.
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Kriti Sanon, fresh off her National Award win for ‘Mimi,’ finds herself in a regrettable position with ‘Ganapath.’ Her earnest performance is overshadowed by the film’s inherent flaws, making it challenging for her to make a lasting impact.
Additionally, the film’s supporting characters lack depth and often act in ways that defy logic, further detracting from the overall quality of the storytelling.
Direction and Music:
Vikas Bahl, the director of ‘Ganapath,’ is responsible for the film’s underwhelming execution. The promise of post-production enhancements falls short, leaving the film feeling disjointed and disjointed. The visual appeal and coherence of the narrative suffer as a result of the hasty and uninspired direction.
Amit Trivedi’s music, while present, remains unremarkable. The songs seem inserted solely to provide Tiger Shroff with opportunities to dance and do not leave a lasting impression.
‘Ganapath’ disappoints on multiple fronts, from its clichéd storyline to underwhelming visual effects and lackluster character development. While Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon do their best with the material they are given, it is clear that the film struggles to deliver a fresh and engaging cinematic experience.
The movie appears to be divided into two distinct parts: one resembling a video game and the other a more realistic setting. The film’s inability to effectively bridge the gap between these two worlds is a testament to the overall damage done to the project.
In a time when the Indian film industry is witnessing an increased appetite for unique and thought-provoking stories, ‘Ganapath’ feels like a missed opportunity to break free from clichés and deliver a truly captivating narrative. While Tiger Shroff’s action and dance skills continue to impress, they alone cannot rescue a film burdened with predictability and uninspired storytelling. ‘Ganapath’ serves as a reminder that audiences deserve more than just flashy action sequences and superficial plots.