What’s up, I’m dos Santos and this is Ulven Reviews: movies and series from all over the world and all eras. Today let’s talk about AK vs AK directed by Vikramaditya Motwane.
The actor Anil Kapoor and the director Anurag Kashyap (who are both playing themselves in this movie) clash in an interview program. Following the controversy, most people side with Anil, while Anurag Kashyap gets canceled.
Falling in disgrace, the filmmaker decides to get back at his enemy by kidnapping his daughter, also a Bollywood star, Sonam Kapoor.
AK vs AK is a very original movie, from my perspective, that was released on Anil Kapoor’s birthday and is set almost entirely on the same day. Maybe it’s a reference to the 24 India series, in which Anil Kapoor is the main hero.
The concept of the plot is straightforward and absurd. It’s very funny and entertaining, mostly because of this absurdity of the concept. Action and adventure are present, however, what I like the most, by far, is the comedy. I laughed a lot during this film, and although being a dark comedy with many fast-paced action moments, I think it was perfect for me to relax a bit at the end of the day.
The problem I had with the plot is that we reach a point with a dead-end, so I think the conclusion of the story did not have the same level as the rest of it. At least, it didn’t completely ruin the journey we went through to get to this final point.
Although playing themselves, both Anil and Anurag are playing a version of themselves, a character. That’s not actually how they are in real life… At least, I think.
Anurag is a douchebag from the beginning of the movie, very arrogant, a really dislikable figure. During his evil plan, he turns himself into a very nice villain. That smug director gives place to a sadic kidnapper, always laughing and mocking the victims.
Anil begins as a warm and kind figure, much more likable than his antagonist. Later becoming a desperate father, of course.
The way these characters are presented makes us, as the audience, already take a side from the very beginning, which I think is a smart move. From then on, from this clear dark, and light situation, we never know if our expectations are gonna be met or are gonna be subverted.
The whole movie is driven by the performances of these two actors, especially Anil Kapoor because he is the centerpiece. He is the so-called hero, trying to save his own daughter. The camera, most of the time, is on him.
However, Kashyap doesn’t disappoint me at all. I never expected him to be such a good actor, since I only knew him from directing. By the way, he is my favorite Indian director, and is definitely, easily among my top favorite directors in general. I can’t wait to bring to the channel more of his movies, with him behind the camera this time.
Back to Anil Kapoor, I have to confess I didn’t know him previously, even though I’m constantly binging on Indian movies. He was absolutely magnificent in this role. I’m already looking forward to seeing more from him.
And I have to mention a voice cameo by Nawazuddin Siddiqui. I mean, the guy is on my little scenario almost every video of 2021 so, I couldn’t let this go unnoticed.
Now, the cinematography. Since this movie is somewhat of a mockumentary, what we have is a very basic, and handheld camera. And the most compelling in it is the use of some mirrors, sometimes. But that’s about it, really.
The score is mostly unremarkable. The song after the opening credits is nice and fits well with the moment. However, the rest didn’t affect me at all and is slightly generic.
AK vs AK is a very original movie, very different than everything we are used to seeing nowadays. The conclusion disappoints me a little, but not too much, and the performances are the high point of the film. I’ll give AK vs AK 8 moons.
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Thanks for watching see you in the next video.
Dos Ratos 