ROWDY RATHORE (15, 143 mins)
Starring Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Nasser. Director: Prabhu Dev

South Indian actor Prabhu Dev is best-known for his vivacious dancing and larger-than-life histrionics on the silver screen throughout the 1980s and 1990s, but has occasionally tried his luck behind the camera.

With only a handful of movies under his belt, Dev recently proved his mettle as a director with action-packed cop thriller Wanted, which went on to become a runaway success at the box office. Hence, Rowdy Rathore is released at the cinema with very high expectations.

Lead actor Akshay Kumar is on a winning streak after Desi Boyz and Housefull 2 and he yet again fails to disappoint in his latest offering. Cast in a double role for the first time since Sunil Agnihotri’s Jai Kishan almost two decades ago, Kumar excels in his roles as Shiva and Vikram Rathore. As Shiva, he entertains the masses, whereas as Vikram, he aims at serious movie lovers.

Filmed partly as homage to the 1980s cinema, Rowdy Rathod carries a hefty punch both with its delivery and execution. Shot at a frantic pace with jaw-dropping action scenes, Dev’s direction is ruthless as he successfully delivers a film that will no doubt be one of the biggest hits of this year.

Kumar’s acting is text book as he effortlessly moves between his two characters. In saying that, rising star Sonakshi Sinha in her role as Priya is a welcome addition to the film industry.