Back in 1970-80’s the Hindi-film industry was referred to as the one-man industry. The Bachchan mania was unbeatable. And here comes the one where Amitabh Bachchan returns as the angry young man at the age of 69 and slams every person calling him ‘Buddha’ saying ‘Buddha Hoga Tera Baap’. No, this isn't Bachchan's best and may not compare with his classics. Nevertheless, Buddha... is a high dose entertainer when the veteran actor never stops amazing you with the range of his histrionics. Bachchan, the ultimate showman industry ever produced, enacts the role of a defiant, flamboyant hit-man in his inimitable style. He bashes the baddies, squeezing them like oranges and a thrilling shoot-out that has you clapping in the end.
Viju [Amitabh Bachchan], an ex-gangster, arrives in Mumbai on a mission. He is flamboyant, wears loud clothes, is arrogant and hits back when people call him 'Bbuddah'. At first, everyone thinks that he's on a mission to assassinate the ACP [Sonu Sood], but there's a hidden agenda, which is revealed much later.
The story actually takes off at the interval point, when an unexpected twist startles the viewer completely. From this point onwards the film only scales higher and higher, reaching the peak towards the action-packed finale and the subsequent emotional reunion.
Director Puri Jagannadh ensures that he doesn't disappoint the hardcore fans of the icon. Bachchan is known for, besides his acting potential, larger than life roles and witty/smart dialogue. Vishal-Shekhar do a super job while composing the medley of Bachchan hits, 'Go Meera Go', the soft and soothing 'Haal-e-Dil' and the title track, which comes at the very start of the film.
On the flip side, the first hour works sporadically. There are multiple tracks in this hour which get on your nerves. The scenes in the coffee shop, for instance, are most irritating. Also, the track involving Raveena Tandon comes across like an unwanted guest. If the intention was to evoke laughter, sorry, it doesn't work.
The flip side doesn’t matter a lot. Because Bachchan is truly the Baap and this film reiterates this fact yet again. His character, his attitude and the dialogue he delivers will remain etched in your memory for a long, long time. Despite his age, he grabs eyeballs with his action cuts, his comic cameos, and romantic ditties with Hema Malini (she being very graceful as usual), his libidinous encounters with Raveena, his emotional bytes, his derring-do, and his over-the top sartorial sense. Like a one-man colossus, he towers over the screen and still manages to give you one of the finest re-mix rap numbers of all his earlier hits.
On the whole, Buddha Hoga Tera Baap is a must-watch for Bachchan fans. Even if you're not a Bachchan fan, face it because no Hindi film actor has ever had the opportunity to portray a part that Bachchan gets to portray at the ripe age of 69. Salute to this iconic actor for delivering an electrifying performance and his indomitable spirit and energy.
Filmy Friday Ratings – 3.5/5
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