Aiyaary

Aiyaary tells a distinct and engaging story of espionage, rebellion, and intrigue set against the backdrop of the Indian Military Intelligence. Directed and produced by Neeraj Pandey, the movie is a thrilling ride filled with plot twists that captures the complexities of military intelligence and corruption.

The story opens with Colonel Abhay Singh, brilliantly played by Manoj Bajpayee, who is an accomplished officer in the military's covert intelligence unit. Abhay Singh is revered by his men and respected by his peers for his unwavering commitment to his duties and ability to get to the deepest crevices of the enemy's defenses. His exemplary services to the nation have put him in charge of the most sensitive operations ever undertaken by the Indian Military.

Alongside him, the film introduces us to Major Jai Bakshi, portrayed by the talented Sidharth Malhotra. Jai is a sharp and intuitive soldier who idolizes Colonel Singh. He is a rising star in the unit and is considered a valuable asset by his seniors. Jai's skills in gathering intelligence and his dexterity in combat situations make him indispensable to the unit.

However, things take an abrupt turn when Major Bakshi disappears. The sudden and unexplained absence of Major Jai, following a significant operation, throws the unit into disarray. Colonel Singh takes it upon himself to find Jai and return him to the folds of the unit before he can cause damage to the country's security.

The film then takes us on a thrilling chase as Colonel Singh sets out to track down his protégé. The canvas of the chase is expansive, ranging from the busy streets of Delhi to the exotic landscapes of London. As Singh pursues Bakshi, secrets unfold, alliances shift, and the motives of both men are gradually laid bare.

The narrative is further augmented with a sub-plot involving Rakul Preet Singh, playing the character of Sonia Gupta. Sonia is a surveillance expert and Jai’s love interest in the movie. Her role, though limited, is significant in the overall plot, providing a necessary emotional balance.

As the film unfolds, it outlines the deep-seated corruption within the system. It shows how powerholders, staying behind the veil, exploit their position to disturb the nation's harmony. It also outlines how individuals with less power are manipulated into causing harm.

Throughout the film, the line between right and wrong blurs and the viewer is kept guessing about the true motives of the characters until the very end. Aiyaary perfectly showcases the dilemmas faced by those serving in the shadowy world of intelligence where choices are rarely easy and the consequences can be severe.

One of the key strengths of Aiyaary is that it assigns equal importance to the smaller characters, giving an engaging account of their lives and exploring their relationships with the leads. The film also delivers a strong social message on honesty, integrity, and patriotism.

Both Bajpayee and Malhotra deliver commendable performances in their complex characters. Bajpayee, with his intense and captivating portrayal of the stoic Colonel Singh, engages the audience and keeps them hooked. Malhotra, on the other hand, didn't fall far behind and hits the right notes as the conflicted Major Bakshi who is torn between duty and truth.

Director Neeraj Pandey, known for delivering popular Indian titles like Special 26 and Baby, once again brings his unique style of storytelling to this film. His trademark touch of suspense, combined with the efficient storytelling and realistic action sequences, makes Aiyaary an engaging and thought-provoking watch.

On the whole, Aiyaary is a captivating and military thriller that will leave you pondering long after the credits roll. It’s a film that thrives on layered screenplay, enticing performances, and a well-nuanced narrative that leaves the audience at the edge of their seats until the very end.