Date:11/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/11/stories/2008101150410200.htm

Karnataka

Exquisite stunts but only a few positives

Drona (Hindi)

Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Kay Kay Menon

Director: Goldie Behl

The much-hyped Drona has failed to live up to its larger-than-life characters and expectations.

Late into the second half, a sage tells Drona, you have to be Drona not just from body but also from the soul. The assertion comes too late.

Nevertheless, it exemplifies a film marred by a shoddy script and loose characterisation. It never connects.

Superhero films follow a simple rule: The protagonist lives dual lives. One as an ordinary man — most of the time he is shown as a cute romanticist — and the other, of course, is the all-prevailing hunk out to save the universe.

Abhishek Bachchan has not been given enough reasons to showcase his prowess.

Goldie has just given him a bearded look, no persona. The result is Abhishek looks confused.

In the second half when he transforms into a saviour, Drona continues to look hesitant, unsure of his powers. So, apart from the armour, there is no contrast between Aditya and Drona. Such films require a certain pace to keep them going.

Here as Abhishek broods, Drona drags. The real action starts almost 90 minutes into the film.

Among the few positives, Drona has some exquisitely crafted stunt scenes: the moving train in the desert, and the beautiful shots of desert meeting the ocean.

Goldie has also shown some ingenuity when he makes the villain speak through puppets. But then amazing shots and animation just make for scenery.