Brahmastra Part One Shiva is a fantasy adventure film theatrically released on 9th September 2022. It is written and directed by Ayan Mukerji, and produced by Dharma Productions, Starlight Pictures, and Prime Focus in association with Star Studios, along with Ranbir Kapoor and Marijke DeSouza.
It has a runtime of about 2 hours and 40 minutes in total. The cast of the film includes Amitabh Bachchan as Guru, the leader of the Brahmansh, Ranbir Kapoor as Shiva, Alia Bhatt as Isha, Mouni Roy as Junoon, Nagarjuna Akkineni as Anish Shetty, Dimple Kapadia, Saurav Gurjar and Gurfateh Pirzada.
-Brahmastra Part One Shiva Review Does Not Contain Any Spoilers-
This is the story of Shiva who sets out in search of love and self-discovery. During his journey, he has to face many evil forces that threaten our existence. The world we live in has many superhumans who possess the power of unique astras which were born from the Brahm-Shakti.
They derive from elements in the natural world like Jal (water) Astra, Pawan (wind) Astra, Agni (fire) Astra, and even from animals and plants. These astras’ are disguised as everyday objects that grant those who wield them the power of that element and they become the members of Brahmansh.
Above all, there’s the most powerful Astra, Brahmastra, a supernatural celestial weapon that’s said to be able to destroy the universe, which was broken into three pieces to save it from the dark forces. But the dark forces have been relentlessly searching for it and now they are getting closer to their goal.
The film is set against the background of Dussehra and Diwali, which is particularly celebrated for the victory of good over evil. This forms the base plot of the story, our male lead Shiva is a good-hearted DJ who doesn’t get hurt by fire but even he doesn’t know why. He sees a girl at the Dussehra celebration and instantly falls in love.
As nobody could stop fate, he meets the girl Isha again and sparks fly for both of them. But who would know that his meet-cute would end up changing the complete course of his life, as the powers that reside in him are finally coming to the surface. He is also haunted by some visions and he must find out the reason behind them.
But as what’s meant to be will always find a way, Isha holds Shiva’s hand tightly and together they both get on the magical journey of love, light, fire and self-discovery with lurking dark dangers following them. In a general sense, the film wants to show how love and goodness will always win over dark and evil energies, no matter how powerful or universally destructive they might be.
The whole concept of Astraverse is definitely well planned and doesn’t leave you feeling confused or boggle your mind with many theories or questions. The film reveals information in a well-paced manner, without feeling too rushed or dragging for long. The action sequences are spectacular to watch and hype up the audience as well.
And like many films that have tried their hand at visual effects and animation and terribly failed, Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva conquers these failed attempts and brings something amazing to the Indian cinema which could be on par with the big Hollywood films. They might not win over it completely but definitely raise the bar for Indian cinema.
Summing Up: Brahmastra Part One Shiva
The film definitely brings something fresh and visually spectacular to the Indian screens. However, it also overpowers the other elements of the film like the acting. The film is a core love story but they breeze through it quickly without building up the love story part which feels a bit rushed and forced.
Creators did try to add some light moments in the scenes with some one-liners and abrupt dialogues but they ended up looking bad and awkward for a superhero film. It is to note that the film is made for 3D viewing primarily, it might not feel as grand on normal screens. The film is said to be a trilogy and the creators are testing the waters with its first part.
But looking at the houseful theatres and cheers throughout the film, they should get started on the next parts as well, as the public will be demanding more. Also, be ready for some surprising cameos that steal the show.
Brahmastra Part One Shiva is currently available in theatres in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.
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