Action movies as a genre are specialised movies where the aim is to get the adrenaline pumping with dare devil stunts, thrilling chases; and state-of-the-art special effects; the walking away from an explosion kind of thrill.
In the Hindi film industry, where the emotional quotient of stories is always higher than Western films, action films can be patriotic films, period films or just the favourite good-versus-evil narrative. Through the years, the narration has changed, but with the advance of technology and the access to global talent, action films have become slicker and visually competitive with the best in the world.
BizAsiaLive.com looks back at some recent movies that have followed the successful action template:
‘Dhoom 2’The second of the ‘Dhoom’ series, upped the ante and had some terrific action set pieces including the train sequence and heist scenes. It was a typical cops and robbers movie with Hrithik Roshan playing the intelligent, international thief; Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra playing cops. Aishwarya Rai also a thief added to the glamour quotient, making it an enjoyable caper.
‘Force 2’‘Force 2’ once again went a step ahead of its predecessor. The movie is an out and out action drama between a RAW agent and a cop played by John Abraham. A visual delight, some scenes that stand out are John Abraham’s introduction scene, some stunning chase sequences in the first half and an unexpected twist; all sure-shot winners for an action thriller film of its type.
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‘Commando’‘Commando’ actually has two sequels starring Vidyut Jamwal. The franchise runs on his ability to infuse excitement in his stunts and his strong, macho man persona. The actor has made a unique space for himself as the ‘tough action hero’. The first movie is about a condemned commando, who protects a young girl from a feared politician. The action scenes had been described as ‘raw and brutal’.
‘War’A part of the Yash Rah Spy universe which feature RAW agents, it starred Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff. War is an action thriller, about an agent, from Indian Intelligence, named Kabir gone rogue. His protege Khalid (Tiger Shroff) gets the mission of shooting Kabir on the spot. The movie is filled with plot twists and progresses in a non-linear format that keeps the public guessing throughout, while entertaining them with slick action sequences.
‘Pathaan’The latest release on the block, ‘Pathaan’ features Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and the action specialist John Abraham. Touted as SRK’S first action film, the movie keeps the audience engaged as it moves from copter chase sequences to bike chases and even ice skating action. This is the first film that sees an amalgamation of the Yash Raj Spy Universe as it features a high octane train action sequence with both SRK and Salman Khan as Tiger!
Action movies through the years have only increased in popularity. Jaw dropping stunts, gravity defying sequences provide the viewer a vicarious thrill of pleasure, while in a safe, controlled environment.
