/> Star Cast : Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjay Dutt, Juhi Chawla, Mukul Dev, Salman Khan (cameo)

Direction: Ashwni Dhir

Duration: 2 Hr 19 Min

Rating: * * *

For Bollywood which seems to running short of ideas and innovations, it looks like ace cinematographer S.S. Rajamouli and his widely entertaining cine cantatas are the new ray of hope, which Bollywood cine sorcerers are loving to serve these days after dabbling them in new treacle of entertainment.

Be it Rowdy Rathore inspired from Vikramendu or the recently released cine flick Son of Sardar which is reportedly inspired from another masterpiece Maryada Ramanna of this talented director.

Though Son of Sardar has its conceptual roots in Maryada Ramanna, but as far as the plot is concerned than it is embedded in a different culture where a community known for its cheerful and fun loving nature is moved forth to entertain the masses. This much talked about home production of Ajay after scratching the belly of YRF, finally made it to silver screen with an occupancy of 85% at multiplexes.

Story:
As the story takes off, it begins with a bone-crunching fight sequence where Jassi (Ajay Devgn) is seen bashing the baddies in a club at London where he works for his friend (Salman) and his uncle.

Soon after Jassi receives a notification from his native place Phagwara in Punjab, stating that he is about to inherit a piece of land. With an objective of selling of his patriarchal land and return back to London, Jassi lands up in Punjab but on his way to this land of mustard field he bums into Sukh (Sonakshi) while boarding the train.


Oblivious to the fact that their families have an long standing patriarchal feud, where Sukh happens to be the niece of Balwinder Singh Sandhu alias Billoo (Sanjay Dutt), whose brother was killed by Jassi's father many years ago.

Soon after reaching Phagwara, Jassi has a rendezvous with Billoo and his nephews [Mukul Dev, Vindu Dara Singh] who got to know that Jassi belongs to their arch rivals Randhawas, who killed their father and Billo's elder brother, hence they start looking for an opportunity to kill Jassi.

But the only hitch which hinders their path is Jassi's being in their home and as per their patriarchal legacy, all guests are to be treated as God while being in their mansion. And from there amid a volley of humor and action begins a joy ride of entertainment

Script:
By now message would have gone across, that Son of Sardaar is a remake of SS Rajamouli's Maryada Ramanna, therefore leaving very less scope for the pouring in of some innovative ideas in the writing department.

Undoubtedly the movie intended to showcase the cheerful and courageous side of Sikh community, but as far as getting into the soul of the culture is concerned then it thoroughly fails in doing so.


Except a few Tom and Jerry humour moments and a few gravity defying action sequences, many a times Son of Sardar seems to be somewhat a dragging saga which adversely impacts the captivating quotient of the movie.

One thing which can be said about the script of SOS is that though it tried to serve a different dessert but it somewhat lacked that fragrant spice which could have made it a marvellous delight.

Dialogues:
Unlike previous cine flicks of Ajay, which had tons of rhetoric ammunition Son of Sardar seems to be lacking in verbal charisma. As far as that feel of Punjabi culture and lingo is concerned then despite being in Punjabi land, movie fails in showcasing and authenticating the culture with the excellence, which its preceding cine with similar backdrop have done.


Screenplay:
With well stirred dose of Tom and Jerry humor (to be be more precise the Home Alone genre of humor) and gravity defying action sequences, SOS has got a smooth flowing screenplay which uptill an extent succeeds in offering a delightful entertainment but as far as flow of the narration is concerned then at few places it gets too dragging that it starts giving you a feel of monotony.

On the whole direction of Ashwni Dhir and screenplay of Robin Bhatt manages to keep your gazes glued to the celluloid. And one thing which deserves tons of accolades is that, inspite of somewhat a week script Ashwni Dhir manages to keep all the components of the cine flick well within proportions. Be it humor or action or the masala factor nothing gets derailed at any point during the whole run time of the movie.

Performances:
In the robe of fun loving bubbly Sardar, Ajay tries his level best to make an impact but somewhere falls short of his previously set bench marks. Though it's Ajay's charisma which keeps you occupied with the onscreen proceedings but as far as signature acting legacy of this otherwise talented actor is concerned then you may find it missing in Son of Sardar.

Sonakshi has improved her acting skills and looks better in Punjabi kudi avatar, where she up till an extent succeeds in making her presence feel.


Inspite of being in a different premise, Sanjay looks more of a reincarnated scion of his Chettan Chauhan avatar from cine flick Rascals and repeatedly recites those bland humour punch lines assigned to him by the writer. In fact it won't be wrong to say that Sanju Baba's performance looked somewhat dependent on the presence of Ajay.

On the other hand, Juhi has looked charming as Dutt's desperate fiancee of 25 years, who constantly tries to woo him by romantic overtures.

As far remaining star cast is concerned, then it very well supplements the performances of protagonists, but Mukul Dev is a thorough delight in supporting cast who succeeds in leaving a good impact with his simpleton yet impressive humour skills.


Music:
With tracks like Rani Tu Main Raja, Kamaal Di Kaudi, Himesh Reshamiya's music in Son of Sardar is definitely captivating which offers an aural delight to your ears. But as far as being the best is concerned then Vichran deserves to be tagged as best pick off the deck.

BO Potential:
With ample dose of humour, and those gravity defying action sequences, despite being a partially dragging tale SOS has got all the elements to recover a sound profit on BO. And on top of it Ajay's charisma will further supplement the BO performance of SOS.


Verdict:
To sum up, with those Tom and Jerry humour moments and over the top action sequences SOS is a good watch, with a well stirred blend of all the necessary spices required to make a good entertainer.