Its been close to a month since Bell Bottom premiered in cinemas, the first one to come out post the pandemic era. So understandably , I was able to watch this much anticipated film only yesterday when its streaming in Amazon prime. To be frank, the film did meet my expectations as it accomplished what it promised in its trailer , and yet, its also a tad underwhelming

Bell Bottom is based in 1984, when an Indian airplane carrying 210 passengers is hijacked and flown to Lahore. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (a completely unrecognizable Lara Dutta) handles the situation with her coterie of officials . This is also the era when India- Pak relationships were at its peak. To resolve this conflict, RAW chief calls in Bell Bottom , an undercover code name of Anshul ( Akshay Kumar), a multi faceted RAW agent who is personally invested in resolving this due to a personal tragedy linked with 1979 hijacking. Anshul is a committed husband to his wife ( Vaani kapoor) and a dutiful son, but is also a national level chess player, armed with sharp memory and versed with multiple languages. The film revolves around his covert operation in rescuing the hostages and incarcerating the 4 hijackers involved.

Based on true events and supported by a solid ensemble of actors ( Adil Hussain, Huma Qureshi), Bell Bottom is nothing different from Akshay’s recent films ( Baby, Airlift, Rustom) , with a healthy dose of patriotism intertwined with a thriller angle . The actor has mastered this genre and unsurprisingly, is in fine form . He is dapper in his looks and looks fit and agile as an undercover RAW agent. Akshay literally carries the entire film on his genre and he doesnt dissapoint. What also works for the film is the sepia canvas embellished all throughout, to match up with the times of the 80’s. Director Ranjit Tewari ensures minute details to recreate the atmospherics of those times and he does an excellent job in furnishing that. Considering the film was shot during the pandemic, kudos to the entire team to create a authentic framework right from start to finish. The film also has some tender moments between Akshay and his mother, played by Dolly Ahluwalia which will touch your heart.

But what doesnt work is the lack of urgency , which is so pivotal in a spy thriller. You are invested in the proceedings but you dont get any goosebump moments to relish, since the makers make everything so convenient. Loopholes are glaring, and the twists are good but not solid. Also, the film is extremely disappointing in the climax, since the built up till that point had a pace and one expected a crackling finish but it ends up abruptly. I was also surprised with the way Huma Qureshi’s character was handled, as she definitely deserved better. The film also suffers from a weak screenplay, particularly in the second half, as you dont get to see the agony of the hostages neither any major focus on the minds of the hijackers.

Despite being flawed, Bell Bottom keeps you entertained, specially with some sharp one liners and the inherent subtlety to the proceedings. There is no shrill, no jingoism – and though the enemy is Pakistan, both parties are shown to be skilled in all their machinations to achieve their mission. Also, the casting is spot on, especially Lara Dutta who nails it as Indira Gandhi. Adil Hussain lends solid support as well, and Vaani Kapoor gets limited scope. The film never loses its momentum despite the convenience of the proceedings.

Its refreshing to see a Bollywood film made on a huge scale ( shot in Dubai, Scotland) amidst the pandemic restrictions. To celebrate the spirit of that, Bell Bottom is an ideal entertainer to spend an evening. I am going with 3 out of 5 for Bell Bottom, currently streaming on Amazon Prime. Despite all its blemishes, you will never be bored!