Review: Attack puts together a unique concept with high voltage action in a relatively straight plotline

After his past few performances in a similar genre, it looks like John Abraham and action go hand in hand. With John's story and Lakshya Raj Anand's vision to create something unique and at par with Hollywood actioners, Attack emerges as a decent attempt. 

Lakshya strives to weave a science fiction drama with a dusting of romanticism and humour into the narrative without stealing too much time from the viewers. Hence, as I watched the movie, my 123 minutes of watch time bring me to the following conclusion.

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The Plot

The narrative begins by introducing us to Arjun Shergil (John Abraham), an army officer, who leads his team on a mission in 2010 and emerges victorious combating all the enemy forces. Arjun's personal and romantic life follow suit as he meets Aisha (Jacqueline Fernadez) during his flight and falls in love with her. During their brief courtship, a bolt from the blue transpires in Arjun's life, augmenting the story to its expected purpose. Taking a leap 10 years ahead, officer Arjun is extended a new life by Saba (Rakul Preet Singh), who is again pulled into the duty of national security as a super-soldier by her boss (Prakash Raj).

The second half of the film follows Arjun's journey forward as a super-soldier, who operates on artificial intelligence in order to safeguard the country from terrorist attacks. The screenplay has one noteworthy feature: it proceeds in a relatively straight and predictable manner, but that leaves little room for unexpected surprises or plot twists.

The Direction

One can give a shoutout to Lakshay Raj Anand for Attack as his debut directorial project. The one thing which came out as he expected it to be were the high octane action sequences. The VFX surely played a part to communicate his vision to the viewers, but it stands out in the entire film. To make it a fast-paced film, the story does lack some sort of substantiality and binders, but it manages to keep you at the edge of your seat. 

With pop culture and political references, Lakshya manages to fill in voids in this story. The director's ideology never deviates from the conventional good against evil conflict, while still imparting principles of patriotism. While the framework is vital, the implementation isn't up to par. It is the film's booming background score, deeper foray into science fiction, and over-the-top action make it feel a tad disillusioned.

The Performances

John Abraham is, as usual, in his comfort zone, with not many expressions to deliver but takes on the audience with his charismatic and muscular personality. It appears that he has gotten into the skin of the character with utmost ease and portrayed his action avatar flawlessly. 

Rakul is given significant screen time and she assures to deliver it with a balance of emotions and practicality. Jacqueline Fernandez is basically the rope that holds on to the plot, but her role isn't something that can't be called a cameo. She keeps it natural and appears to play herself. Ratna Pathak Shah and Prakash Raj have stepped in their comfortable shoes and fulfill your expectations of their respective characterization. 

Music and sequences worth mentioning

Shashwat Sachdev has composed the movie's music, while Kumaar and Bjorn penned the lyrics. The song Ek Tu Hai by Jubin Nutiyal has the ability to build a room in your mind and heart. Aside from that, there are a few additional songs that you are likely to connect to and will make your fingertips tap to the beat. Few action sequences, especially in the second half, are a spectacle and John Abraham with his chiseled body punching and jumping can never go wrong. 

The Verdict

The director's vision to introduce a never-seen-before concept of a super-soldier doesn't completely fail. The craftmanship - both in its action and dramatic parts, as well as a second half that practically lurches at a breakneck pace, assures that you rarely lose focus on what's unfolding on-screen. Touted as science fiction with a pinch of romance, drama, patriotism, and highly loaded action, Attack strikes a balance with viewers of all age groups.

Rating- *** (3/5)

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