The Ghazi Attack Movie Review: Poor Script, Flawed Direction Dilutes The Impact

Direction: Sankalp Reddy

Cast: Rana Daggubati, Kay Kay Menon, Om Puri, Nasser, Atul Kulkarni, Taapsee Pannu

What makes films that fall in the submarine genre really effective is how the director deals with the life-and-death aspect of it, and unravels the mystery that lies deep within the dark ocean. Since The Ghazi Attack is India’s first underwater war film, the expectations were clearly high. We were expecting more action on-board the submarine, underwater movements that make for a dynamic viewing and more threats of dying underwater. While the film manages to offer it, it doesn’t make an impact with it.

Set in 1971, the story of The Ghazi Attack revolves around the triumph of India's submarine S-21 over Pakistan's PNS Ghazi, a submarine which was used to annihilate INS Vikrant.

Since majority of the viewers had never watched 2 big lumbering underwater machines fight it out in Indian movies, the very idea which has action, drama and patriotism all rolled into one – appeared interesting, but the execution doesn’t make for an engrossing viewing.

The film features Captain Ranvijay Singh (Kay Kay Menon), the commander who leads the submarine S-21 with a specially appointed officer named Arjun (Rana Daggubati) and second officer, Devaraj (Atul Kulkarni), who have to battle against Pakistan's PNS Ghazi spearheaded by commander Razaak Khan (Rahul Singh).

The film which is largely set in the interiors of the submarine comes across as a failed attempt by director Sankalp Reddy to the underwater genre. While we like the way he has used patriotism, his direction is as unimpressive as his writing.

As far as performances are concerned, Rana Daggubati looks impressive, but can’t do much, courtesy poor script. Kay Kay Menon plays his part well. Atul Kulkarni doesn’t have to put extra effort to pull off his role. Taapsee Pannu has nothing to do, except stare as action gets started. Sadly, veteran actor Om Puri's potential remains under utilised.

All in all, "The Ghazi Attack" is utterly disappointing.

Rating: 1.5/5