Brahmāstra Part One: Shiva is a 2022 Indian fantasy adventure film directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Namit Malhotra, and Ayan Mukerji under Dharma Productions, Starlight Pictures, and Prime Focus. The movie is the first installment in the planned Brahmāstra trilogy and stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Mouni Roy in pivotal roles. With its unique blend of mythology and modern-day fantasy, the film aims to create India’s first cinematic universe, the Astraverse.
Released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, Brahmāstra became one of the most anticipated films of the year, mainly due to its high-budget VFX, star-studded cast, and grand vision.
Plot Summary
Shiva’s Extraordinary Journey
Shiva (Ranbir Kapoor) is a young DJ from Mumbai who has a strange connection with fire. Unlike normal people, fire does not burn him. Unaware of his true heritage, he leads a simple life until he meets Isha (Alia Bhatt), a lively and curious girl who changes his world.
The Power of the Astras
Shiva soon discovers that he has a connection to the Brahmāstra, a powerful and ancient divine weapon that holds the energy of the universe. The film introduces the Brahmānsh, a secret society that protects the Astras (divine weapons) derived from various elements.
The Battle for Brahmāstra
Meanwhile, Junoon (Mouni Roy), a dark and mysterious woman, is hunting for the fragments of Brahmāstra to awaken her master, Dev. She leads a group of followers who are determined to bring chaos.
Shiva’s True Destiny
Guided by Guruji (Amitabh Bachchan), the leader of Brahmānsh, Shiva learns that he himself is an Astra, the Agni Astra (Fire Weapon). His journey becomes a mission to protect the Brahmāstra and uncover the truth about his origins.
The movie ends with a cliffhanger, teasing the next installment, where the mysterious Dev’s true identity will be revealed.
Acting Performances
Ranbir Kapoor as Shiva
Ranbir delivers a convincing performance, portraying Shiva’s transformation from an ordinary DJ to a destined hero. His emotional depth and action sequences are well-handled.
Alia Bhatt as Isha
Alia Bhatt brings charm and warmth to her role. However, her character feels underdeveloped, serving mainly as Shiva’s love interest.
Amitabh Bachchan as Guruji
Amitabh Bachchan plays the wise mentor who helps Shiva understand his destiny. His commanding screen presence adds gravitas to the story.
Mouni Roy as Junoon
Mouni Roy delivers an intense performance as the antagonist. Her menacing presence and powerful action sequences make her a standout performer.
Nagarjuna Akkineni as Anish
Nagarjuna plays a protector of the Brahmāstra, wielding the Nandi Astra. Though his role is short, he leaves an impactful impression.
Direction and Storytelling
Ayan Mukerji’s Vision
Ayan Mukerji attempts to blend Indian mythology with modern superhero storytelling. While the concept is unique, the execution feels uneven at times.
A Grand but Simplistic Narrative
The movie has a fast-paced yet predictable storyline. Some dialogues feel weak, but the spectacle of visuals and action sequences compensate for the shortcomings.
Cinematography and Visual Effects
A Visual Spectacle
The movie is a VFX-heavy experience, with breathtaking action sequences, grand cosmic visuals, and stunning fight scenes. The fire and energy-based effects are well-executed.
Action-Packed Sequences
The Astra battles are among the film’s highlights, bringing a fresh experience to Indian cinema with Hollywood-style CGI effects.
Music and Background Score
Soulful and Energetic Soundtrack
Composed by Pritam, the film’s music plays a crucial role in its emotional depth.
- “Kesariya” – A romantic track that became a massive hit before the film’s release.
- “Deva Deva” – A powerful song that highlights Shiva’s spiritual awakening.
- “Dance Ka Bhoot” – An energetic dance number celebrating Shiva’s carefree life.
Impactful Background Score
The background score, composed by Simon Franglen, enhances the film’s mythical atmosphere and action-packed sequences.
Pacing and Screenplay
The film has a strong first half, but the second half feels stretched. Some romantic portions slow down the momentum, affecting the overall narrative flow.
Box Office Performance
- Opening Day Collection: ₹37 crore (India)
- First Weekend Collection: ₹120 crore (India)
- Total Box Office Collection: ₹431 crore (Worldwide)
The movie became a blockbuster, marking one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of 2022.
Impact and Legacy
Brahmāstra marks the beginning of a new cinematic universe in Indian cinema, introducing the Astraverse. Despite storytelling flaws, the film succeeds in bringing a grand, visually stunning experience to the audience.
Verdict
Brahmāstra Part One: Shiva is a visually spectacular fantasy film that offers a fresh concept to Bollywood. While it excels in VFX, action, and music, its simplistic story and weak dialogues hold it back from being truly great.
Pros:
- Stunning visual effects and action sequences
- Engaging mythological concept
- Powerful background score and music
- Strong performances from Ranbir Kapoor and Mouni Roy
Cons:
- Predictable storyline
- Weak dialogues and romantic track
- Some pacing issues in the second half
Final Rating: 3.5/5
Brahmāstra Part One: Shiva is a bold step for Indian cinema, offering a visually rich and engaging experience despite its storytelling flaws. It lays the foundation for an exciting trilogy, leaving audiences eager for the next installment.
