Movie Info. Movie Information
| Movie Name | Kick |
| Release Date | July 25, 2014 |
| Director | Sajid Nadiadwala |
| Lead Cast | Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Randeep Hooda, Nawazuddin Siddiqui |
| Supporting Cast | Mithun Chakraborty, Archana Puran Singh |
| Genre | Action, Comedy, Drama |
| Language | Hindi |
| Music / Score | Yo Yo Honey Singh, Pritam, Meet Bros Anjjan, Yuvan Shankar Raja |
| Running Time | 2 hours 20 minutes |
2. Introduction
Sajid Nadiadwala's directorial debut, 'Kick,' arrives with the colossal weight of Salman Khan's star power, promising a spectacle of action, humor, and an underlying narrative about pursuing passion. As the summer blockbuster season peaked, 'Kick' aimed to deliver the quintessential Salman Khan experience – a potent cocktail of paisa-vasool entertainment designed to captivate a wide audience.
The film, a remake of a Telugu hit of the same name, places its charismatic lead, Devi Lal Singh, affectionately known as 'Devil,' at the center of a thrilling cat-and-mouse game. This review delves deep into the film's offerings, examining its strengths and weaknesses to determine if 'Kick' truly delivers the exhilarating punch it sets out to achieve.
We will dissect its plot, evaluate the performances, analyze the technical aspects, and explore the thematic underpinnings, all while keeping an eye on SEO best practices to provide a comprehensive and searchable review.
3. Story (Spoiler-Free)
The narrative of 'Kick' revolves around Devi Lal Singh (Salman Khan), a man driven by an insatiable desire for thrill and excitement. He lives life on his own terms, quitting jobs the moment boredom sets in and constantly seeking new adventures. His unconventional lifestyle often clashes with the expectations of his loving father (Mithun Chakraborty) and the authorities. Enter Shaina (Jacqueline Fernandez), a psychiatrist tasked with understanding Devi's erratic behavior.
Shaina finds herself drawn to Devi's infectious zest for life, even as she struggles to comprehend his seemingly impulsive decisions. Their budding romance takes a backseat when a formidable adversary emerges in the form of Inspector Himanshu Tyagi (Randeep Hooda), a diligent police officer determined to apprehend Devi. However, Himanshu soon realizes that Devi is not merely a lawbreaker but a vigilante of sorts, operating with his own unique moral code. Devi's motives become clearer as his elaborate schemes are revealed, often involving him 'kicking' corruption out of the system in his own flamboyant style.
The film masterfully interweaves action sequences with moments of humor and emotional depth, building towards a climactic confrontation that tests Devi's resolve and Himanshu's understanding of justice. The plot, while simple in its core premise of good versus evil, is elevated by the charisma of its lead and the larger-than-life execution, aiming to keep the audience engaged with its twists and turns, and signature Salman Khan swagger. The underlying message of finding one's true calling and living life with passion forms the emotional anchor of the story, making it more than just a generic action flick.
4. Characters & Performances
At the heart of 'Kick' is Salman Khan's electrifying performance as Devi Lal Singh. Khan fully embodies the 'Devil' persona, exuding charm, wit, and a powerful screen presence that single-handedly carries the film. His ability to seamlessly transition between comedic timing, intense action, and moments of genuine emotion is a testament to his stardom. He delivers his dialogues with his characteristic flair and executes the action sequences with the energy expected by his fans. Jacqueline Fernandez as Shaina serves as a pleasant romantic lead, her character arc focusing on understanding and appreciating Devi's unique worldview.
While her role is largely supportive, she brings a much-needed freshness to the screen and shares a good chemistry with Khan. Randeep Hooda delivers a commendable performance as the determined Inspector Himanshu Tyagi. He provides a grounded counterpoint to Khan's flamboyant character, portraying the internal conflict of a duty-bound officer facing an unconventional opponent. His serious demeanor and effective dialogue delivery make him a formidable presence. The standout supporting performance comes from Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the antagonist Shiv Awasthi.
Siddiqui, known for his nuanced portrayals, injects a chilling and menacing energy into the villainous role. He is a formidable force, matching Khan's intensity and delivering a performance that is both memorable and impactful, adding a significant layer of credibility to the film's conflict. Mithun Chakraborty and Archana Puran Singh provide effective support, adding warmth and familial grounding to Devi's character.
5. Action & Visual Effects
The visual effects in 'Kick' are largely geared towards enhancing the larger-than-life action sequences. The film employs a fair amount of CGI to facilitate elaborate stunts, including car chases, fight sequences, and high-octane action set pieces. While the VFX are not groundbreaking, they are sufficiently competent to support the narrative and the overall spectacle. The aim is to create an immersive and thrilling experience for the audience, and in this regard, the visual effects do their job effectively.
Explosions are rendered with adequate impact, and the physics-defying stunts are visually communicated with clarity, even if they stretch believability. The integration of CGI with practical effects appears consistent throughout the film, contributing to the overall polished look of the action choreography. While there aren't many subtle or intricate VFX moments, the emphasis is on impact and scale, which the technical team generally achieves.
6. Direction
Sajid Nadiadwala, in his debut as a director, takes on the challenge of helming a Salman Khan starrer, and largely succeeds in delivering a mass entertainer. His direction is characterized by a focus on spectacle and maintaining a brisk pace. Nadiadwala understands the pulse of the Salman Khan fan base and crafts scenes that cater to their expectations, be it the elaborate action sequences or the comedic interludes. He keeps the narrative moving forward, ensuring that the runtime doesn't feel stretched, and orchestrates the film's major set pieces with confidence. The director effectively utilizes Salman Khan's star charisma, allowing him to dominate the screen and carry the film.
The visual framing often emphasizes Khan's heroic stature, a common trope in his films. While the narrative might tread familiar grounds, Nadiadwala's confident handling of the action and his ability to extract strong performances from his cast, particularly Nawazuddin Siddiqui, are noteworthy. He manages to balance the film's comedic elements with its more intense action moments, creating a cohesive viewing experience. The film's pacing is a key directorial strength, ensuring that the audience remains engaged throughout its runtime, a crucial aspect for a commercial entertainer.
7. Music & Background Score
The music of 'Kick' is a significant contributor to its commercial appeal, featuring a mix of catchy tunes and energetic tracks. The soundtrack boasts contributions from several popular music directors, including Yo Yo Honey Singh, Pritam, Meet Bros Anjjan, and Yuvan Shankar Raja. 'Jumme Ki Raat' and 'Hangover' became chartbusters, characterized by their infectious beats and energetic performances, particularly by Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernandez. These songs are strategically placed within the narrative, often serving as elaborate dance numbers that amplify the film's entertainment quotient. Yo Yo Honey Singh's 'Jumme Ki Raat' is a high-energy track that perfectly complements Khan's style, while 'Hangover' offers a more sensual and upbeat vibe.
Pritam's contribution, 'Tu Hi Hai,' provides a slightly more melodic and romantic touch, fitting into the film's emotional subplot. The background score effectively enhances the action sequences, building tension and excitement during critical moments, and reinforcing the film's larger-than-life feel. The music effectively amplifies the film's celebratory and energetic tone, making it a memorable aspect for many viewers and contributing significantly to its box office success. The score ensures that the film maintains its high energy levels, especially during the song and dance sequences which are a staple in Salman Khan's films.
8. Themes
The Pursuit of Passion and Thrill
'Kick' is fundamentally a film about a man who lives life on his own terms, driven by an intrinsic need for excitement and purpose. Devi Lal Singh's character embodies the idea of not conforming to societal norms or mundane routines. His 'kick' comes from pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo, whether it's quitting a job the moment it becomes predictable or engaging in acts of vigilantism. The film suggests that true fulfillment lies in pursuing what ignites one's spirit, even if it appears unconventional to others. This theme resonates with the desire for a life less ordinary and the courage to follow one's own path, a sentiment often explored in popular cinema.
Justice and Vigilantism
A significant theme explored is the concept of justice and the blurred lines between legality and morality. Devi Lal Singh operates outside the conventional legal framework, targeting corrupt individuals and entities that have evaded the law. His actions, while illegal, are presented as serving a greater good, challenging the inefficiency or corruption within the system. The film raises questions about the effectiveness of traditional justice systems and the public's yearning for swift, albeit unconventional, retribution against wrongdoers. This theme adds a layer of complexity to Devi's character, positioning him as a flawed hero with a Robin Hood-esque appeal.
The Father-Son Relationship
The dynamic between Devi and his father, portrayed by Mithun Chakraborty, provides an emotional core to the film. His father's constant attempts to guide Devi towards a conventional path, coupled with his unwavering love and eventual understanding, highlight the enduring bond between a parent and child. Devi's actions, though seemingly reckless, are often driven by a desire to prove himself and make his father proud, albeit in his own unique way. This relationship adds a human element to the otherwise action-heavy narrative, emphasizing the importance of family and the struggle for parental approval.
9. Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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10. Rating Box
Category-wise Ratings
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Story | 3/5 |
| Performances | 4/5 |
| Direction | 3.5/5 |
| Music | 4/5 |
Critics & Audience Ratings
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| IMDb | 6.2/10 |
| Hindustan Times | 2.5/5 |
| Filmibeat | 3/5 |
| Indian Express | 2/5 |
| Cinejosh | 3/5 |
11. Final Verdict
'Kick' is a quintessential Salman Khan film that delivers on the promise of paisa-vasool entertainment. While the plot may not offer groundbreaking originality and some characters could have been more fleshed out, the film's strengths lie in its high-octane action, infectious music, and the undeniable star power of Salman Khan. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's antagonist is a significant highlight, providing a formidable challenge to Khan's charismatic hero.
Sajid Nadiadwala's directorial debut is competent, focusing on spectacle and maintaining a brisk pace that keeps the audience engaged. If you are a fan of Salman Khan's brand of cinema – a potent blend of action, comedy, and larger-than-life drama – then 'Kick' is a film that will surely leave you entertained. It's a movie designed to be enjoyed for its sheer entertainment value and star appeal, rather than its narrative depth.
12. FAQ
Is 'Kick' a remake?
Yes, 'Kick' is a remake of the 2009 Telugu film of the same name, which starred Ravi Teja and Ileana D'Cruz in the lead roles.
Who is the main antagonist in 'Kick'?
The main antagonist in 'Kick' is Shiv Awasthi, portrayed by the critically acclaimed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
What is the central theme of 'Kick'?
The central theme of 'Kick' revolves around the pursuit of passion and thrill, with the protagonist Devi Lal Singh living life on his own terms and seeking excitement in everything he does. It also touches upon themes of justice and vigilantism.
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