Movie review 'Holiday': Action of Akshay Kumar and the brains of A R Murugadoss

Director: A R Murugadoss
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Govinda
Rating: 3 stars

A R Murugadoss’ ‘Holiday’ is a well researched film on sleeper cells (trained terrorists who become a part of the society) and their modus operandi. It reflects on the topic that anyone around us could be one of them, behaving absolutely normal but could be one of the most dangerous ones around. To combat them in a realistic manner, the director needs a presence like Akshay Kumar (Virat Bakshi) to convince and justify all the action.

Virat Bakshi from the very first scene looks like a man on a mission, a brave heart, intelligent and a personality that one can’t mess with. Only his father had the audacity to con him and force him to do something against his wish, when he arrives in Mumbai for a holiday.

Unlike few films of Akshay Kumar, where one could predict the plot, ‘Holiday’ manages to hold on to your attention and surprise you at many levels. Virat Bakshi is ruthless to his enemy, has a no non-sense attitude at work but has a loveable side as well. He catches the sleeper cells one by one, not just by chasing them down but intelligently laying a trap that outsmarts even his own department. What happens after they are caught? He brings them to his house and puts them in his cupboard. His style of interrogation is for you to watch out for. With top notch thrills, the film has the action of a ‘Khiladi’ and brains of A R Murugadoss.

Sonakshi Sinha is a pretty face to watch on screen but not in a film like this where the subject is too gruelling to get distracted. She is like those annoying endorsements that come in between important cricket matches. She fills in more screen space with few songs that only give the audience some time to chit chat. It’s not her fault. She does her given part much dedicatedly but it’s not of much use to take the story ahead.

The film’s background score does bring in a lot of life to Akshay’s performance. The villain of the film, debutant Farhad Daruwala, holds attention in front of such a prominent presence. His entry is marked by a certain tune which is used very often to a good result. Govinda brings smile to your face in his small role.

Full marks to Akshay for pushing himself to do a well designed stunts with controlled aggression. Playing a defence intelligent officer, and saving the city from a serious threat, the film is built up to a final 20 minutes of outstanding climax. It’s rough, has a punch and will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The unpredictable treatment of the storyline keeps you hooked. While going for the Holiday, you might want to take it again.

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Also watch, the hit track Shaayrana from the film 'Holiday'

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