Kangana Ranaut and Sarvesh Mewara’s ‘Tejas’ attempts to carve its niche in the action genre, with Kangana Ranaut in the lead as the daring and rule-defying pilot, Tejas. However, despite its promising premise, the film fails to achieve the gripping heights expected of a military thriller.
While the movie embraces a patriotic fervor, it struggles to maintain a cohesive and engaging narrative, ultimately falling short of the mark set by similar genre hits.
High-Flying Ambitions, Grounded Reality
From the onset, ‘Tejas’ introduces us to the determined and audacious Tejas, a pilot with an unwavering passion for flying jets. As the plot unfolds, the character finds herself entangled in a high-stakes mission to rescue an Indian spy from a group of Islamist terrorists led by a chilling and bloodthirsty mastermind. Despite the initial promise of adrenaline-pumping action, the film’s execution falters, unable to sustain the tension required for a truly engaging experience.
Thrill vs. Tackiness: The Dichotomy of Tejas
Although marketed as the female counterpart to the successful ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike,’ ‘Tejas‘ falls short of delivering a polished and gripping narrative. With a screenplay that often veers into the realm of tackiness and a lack of intricately crafted sequences, the film struggles to create the necessary suspense and intrigue that defines a successful thriller. Mewara’s vision, unfortunately, fails to match the finesse and precision exhibited in Aditya Dhar’s acclaimed work, leaving the audience yearning for a more refined cinematic experience.
Tejas Character Dynamics: The Bright Spots Amidst Turbulence
Amidst the turbulence of the film’s narrative, the character of co-pilot, Afia, played by Anshul Chauhan, serves as a fleeting beacon of positivity. Afia’s portrayal injects some much-needed levity into the otherwise lackluster storyline, providing a contrasting dynamic to Tejas’s solemn and one-dimensional persona. However, even this glimmer of hope isn’t enough to salvage the overall impact of the film.
Patriotism or Cliché: Examining Kangana Ranaut’s Portrayal
While Kangana Ranaut‘s portrayal in the movie embodies an unwavering sense of patriotism, it often succumbs to clichés, leaving her character feeling predictable and uninspiring. Despite her undeniable commitment to the role, Ranaut’s depiction of Tejas comes across as a caricature of the quintessential nationalist, lacking the depth and complexity needed to truly resonate with the audience.
In summary, ‘Tejas‘ struggles to find its footing in the realm of Indian military thrillers, faltering in its attempt to deliver a gripping and compelling narrative. While the film boasts moments of potential, they are overshadowed by a lackluster execution and an overreliance on tired clichés, leaving audiences yearning for the high-flying excitement promised but never fully realized.