Ruslaan

Ruslaan (2024) : Movie Review -

After Antim, Aayush Sharma again gets into the mass zone to show some improvements, but gets a messy flick instead. This mass avatar of Aayush deserved a better script, a better screenplay, and a better film. Antim was saved due to the remake factor, which had something new for the Hindi audiences since they had not seen a masala flick made on farmers or their sons' issues. Ruslaan is way behind in time in that section. The same outdated ideas of patriotic movies from the terrorist's son prove his loyalty to the country. And if they think that the twist in the climax was really new, then they should have made this film in the 1990s, not 2024. It's startling to know that Hindi, or, for that matter, Indian cinema, is still holding onto those ancient theories when Adivi Sesh has already made a spy thriller like "Goodachari." Watch it and learn instead of wasting time, money, and talent on films like Ruslaan.

Little Ruslaan (Aayush Sharma) is adopted by ATS officer Sameer Singh (Jagapathi Babu) and his wife after he killed Ruslaan's terrorist father in an encounter. Ruslaan grows up to be a spy, trying to get a place in RA&W, but his madam, Mantra (Vidya Malvade), believes that he is not ready for it yet. He was given a mission to collect information from the college group of activists and provide it to other agencies. "Do not engage" is the only mantra he gets from Mantra. But his impulsive and aggressive behaviour always blows his cover. Therefore, Mantra sends a senior agent, Vaani (Sushrii Mishraa), to look after him. During one of the missions, Ruslaan finds himself in trouble as he is declared a terrorist by his own father and should be shot dead. There begins a new and personal mission for innocent Ruslaan to prove that he is loyal to his country.

What Ruslaan lacks is a good story, first of all, and then a screenplay that can hold on to that good story. It lacks both, and that's why I have to say that "there is no Jaan in Ruslaan." Exactly; there is no soul. You don't have a good story or engaging screenplay, and then you have over-the-top and low-grade action set pieces. How should one spend 130 minutes watching it? What are you giving us anyway? Seriously, they needed to look through the story before taking it to the floor. Paper work is cheap; filmmaking is expensive, you know. But did they know it before making the film? It might have suited decently in some low-grade cinema industries, but in Bollywood, you definitely need a production design of higher scale and quality. Ruslaan doesn't look like one, not from a distance. The same goddam chase sequences, the boring conversations between the hero and the villain, then the same old action sequences in slow mo and then there is that irritating twist. Please stop it, says the public with joined hands.

Aayush Sharma's performance is nothing special, but his mass image is definitely something. The presentation should have been better. In the first scene, you see his side angle in slow mo, then after 2 minutes, another slow motion from the backside, and then again another slow mo from the front, followed by slow mo action sequences. How many slow Mos were there, by the way? Somebody tell them one is enough. Sushrii again has nothing to do but be useful to make a good female pair. One bikini scene was mandatory, as per the 1960s rulebook, but sadly, they read it in 2024. A hot-looking intelligence officer like Vidya Malvade is the need of the time, but it can only exist in movies. The south dose of Jagapathi doesn't suit here in any way, but they had to have it to make a pan-India thing nowadays. Sal Yusuf, Beena Banerjee, Richard Bhakti Klein, and Manish Gaharwar get something to do and are grateful for it.

Ruslaan is about 2 hours long and still makes it look like a 3-hour ride. The editing by Rajendra Bhaat is at fault here. What are those songs anyway? Did I even look up at the screen once while they were playing? No, I didn't. Then why didn't he remove them? G. Srinivas Reddy takes you through his blink-and-miss frames in free time, while in busy time, he was looking for some free time, I guess. The production design of the film is bad. It never looks like a moderate-budget film that can be viewed as a decent entertainer. It's below what you call a "low level." Karan Butani is studying old books of masala flicks that don't help in today's time. The syllabus has changed, and he needs to buy new books now. Ruslaan is his mistake. He must admit it and move on to better projects in the future, because there can't be any explanation for making such a bad film. Better luck next time to Aayush and Karan both, and best of luck to those who are going to watch it.

RATING - 3/10*

What is a movie? Who is acting? What's screenplay? Some serious questions that need contemplation by the makers of this movie. This is some serious B grade from Bollywood. The lead actor, doesn't know acting apart from raising and twisting his eyebrows! What a joke of a movie! The action is lackluster! The music, horrible. Dialogues, noob. Story, idiotic. I would not recommend you watch this movie even at home for free. It's a serious waste of time. I humbly request, Aayush Sharma to stop dreaming of his acting career. Jagapathi Babu doing this B grade movie is beyond me. Save yourself, DO NOT WATCH!

"They prioritize flash over substance, thinking a hero's muscles suffice. Neglecting a compelling face and story, they fill screen time without depth. Balance visual appeal with narrative for genuine impact. Character development and engaging storytelling elevate a hero's physicality, investing audiences emotionally and intellectually.

Substance transcends superficiality, fostering connection and resonance. Meaningful narratives explore complexities, motivations, and growth. Investing in story enriches the cinematic experience, leaving a lasting impression.

Audiences crave authenticity, relatability, and emotional investment. Shallow storytelling alienates viewers, undermining potential. Well-crafted narratives weave themes, symbolism, and subtext, rewarding attention and reflection.

Visual spectacle complements, rather than replaces, narrative depth. Iconic films master this balance, resonating with audiences worldwide. Let's prioritize storytelling substance, crafting memorable, impactful cinematic experiences that linger long after credits roll."

If you really want to see a well paced and well directed movie then Ruslaan is the one. Every frame and every scene is perfectly executed by the team. Kudos to the team for that. Very hard to predict the movie and the story line is top notch. I personally enjoyed the second part of the movie more. Very good picturization done in Azarbyjan. Aayush looks very promising and has definitely come a long way from his previous movie. Jagatpati Bapu, what can we say is and has always been a legend. Flawless acting by him. Overall, if you're a thrill buff and fancy watching some really cool fight scenes then a must watch !

During the last few years Bollywood experimented with the theme related to the Lives, Struggles, Dedication and Supreme Sacrifices of those who work for the Intelligence Department of India. The films of such category may be seen as Tributes to those brave people and the Department that make us proud through their endeavours for the nation., Ruslaan 2024 is a new addition in this category. But about this particular film?

Plot- The Plot is simple. The film tries to depict the desperate effort of an individual to prove his loyalty to India rising above religious affiliation.

Narrative- The way the film has been narrated is boring. The film has drastically failed to take forward the action considering the interests of the viewers. So also, as a film lacks something essential related to military adventure.

Action Sequences - The most boring part of the film is its Action Sequences. The scenes are lengthy and repetition. So also, the film has failed in making Action Sequences realistic which is one of the essential aspects to make such film successful. The film depends more on melodrama.

Co-ordination: The most challenging aspect of such film is successful and effective co-ordination of different dimensions of a film. The Film has some aspects like Romance, Friendship, Paternal love, individual apathy and other aspects. However, the problem is: these are not properly connected to the pivotal theme.

Ending: The film keeps a surprising element at the end. The role-model of the young man Ruslaan discovers his foster father Jagapathi Babu as the traitor. But throughout the film there is no indication of this so that interests of the viewers remain intact to watch that surprising element as the film lacks the most important element; suspense. As audience is not prepared for such ending, this significant aspect of the film has failed to impact as per expectation.

Cast Aayush Sharma, Sushrii Mishraa, Vidya Malvade do not seem impressive. However, Jagapathi Babu proves his genius.

Final Remarks- The Realistic Purview of Ruslaan Movie 2024: it is Old Wine in a New Bottle.