INDIA: Antim is a remake of Pravin Tarde’s 2018 Marathi film Mulshi Pattern. He also appears in the film as the famed Nanya Bhai. Who is a ruthless gangster with an entirely unexpected persona? Pravin Tarde’s acting skills were so top notched in the original movie, that it has infused the film with complete dread and chaos.
This Bollywood remake is directed by Mahesh Manjrekar. He has also appeared in Mulshi Pattern as Shirpya. With his directorial debut, he gave a cult classic film Vaastav (1999) starring Sanjay Dutt, affirming his grasp on crime thrillers. This makes him an ideal choice for Antim as director.
A man rises from a humble son of a farmer to a gangster of the town as a result of the traumatic existence of a farmer family owing to financial restrictions. This sets the notion of ultimate showdown between inspector Rajveer Singh (Salman Khan) and mobster Rahul (Aayush Sharma).
A completely unexpected experience with greater performances
The majority of Bollywood films these days are either remakes or illogical sequels to prior films. In the case of Antim, it is a remake, but even though it stars Salman Khan, it is not a standard masala film with clichéd action sequences. It is not as dark as the original, but it manages to provide a unique experience.
Salman Khan as inspector Rajveer Singh gives a compelling performance compared to his previous film which feels fresh. His persona is portrayed in such a way that he does not overshadow the other characters, particularly Aayush Sharma. In a nutshell, he is featured as a supporting character. Upendra Limaye is portrayed as a police officer Vitthal in the original film, which is a similar role to Salman Khan’s character. However, he plays Nanya Bhai in this film, and his acting is quite distinctive from Pravin Tarde’s.
Rahul Patil is played by Aayush Sharma, who offers an outstanding performance. At times, his persona’s feeling is comprehensible, and the way his character evolves is remarkable. Whereas in the original film, Om Bhutkar’s performance as Rahul steals the spotlight, his performance here might be called the movie’s primary highlight. Mahima Makwana, who plays Mandana, a tea seller, is Rahul’s love interest. Their chemistry works well in the crime thriller narrative.
Sachin Khedekar as Dattaram Patil is Rahul’s father and also a farmer who sells his land due to financial constraints. His character can be called one of the most intelligible and morally correct, since he will always do what is ethically correct, regardless of the circumstances. In comparison to the original film, Sachin Khedekar’s performance is phenomenal. Seeing his son embark on a morally wrong course affects him the most, and as viewers, we can feel his pain.
What could have been better
At times, the film tries to stray from its path, and it appears to be following the same tone as Vaastav. The original film was a unique experience in and of itself. Which is based on non-linear storytelling, whereas Antim is based on linear storytelling.
The film’s music is the sole uncomfortable element; it not only disrupts the story’s link but also feels forced and unneeded at times. It falls short of the original in terms of supporting characters. Although the characters are well-written, they are underdeveloped in terms of the plot.
Verdict
Antim may not be as good as Mulshi Pattern, but its straightforward grasp on the crime thriller tone, along with captivating performances and great emotional values, puts it in the category of a technically sound remake. This is not a typical Salman Khan movie tripped on Romance but a must-watch for the masses.
Transcontinental Times ratings: 3.7/5
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