Ranneeti REVIEW: Jimmy Shergill, Lara Dutta and Ashish Vidyarthi’s show presents a fresh take on Balakot Strike

Film:
Ranneeti- Balakot & Beyond Review

Director: Santosh Singh

Writer: Maitrey Bajpai, Sanjay Chopra, Aniruddha Guha, Ramiz Ilham Khan, Sudeep Nigam, Vasim Kapadia

Star cast: Jimmy Shergill, Ashutosh Rana, Lara Dutta, Satyajeet Dubey, Elnaaz Norouzi, Mir Sarwar, Aakanksha Singh, Sandeep Chatterjee, Ashish Vidyarthi, Suneel Sinha, Sandeep Chatterjee

Episodes: 09

Runtime: 360 minutes

Platform: Jio Cinema

Ranneeti- Balakot & Beyond Review

Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond, directed by Santosh Singh, lets viewers dive into the intricate workings behind India’s largest defence operation. Blending fiction with true events, the series delivers a gripping narrative centred around the 2019 Balakot operation and the subsequent mission to retrieve a captured wing commander from Pakistan. With a stellar cast including Jimmy Shergill, Lara Dutta, Ashutosh Rana, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Prasanna, the series promises a riveting viewing experience.

Unlike typical war-centric productions, “Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond” doesn’t rely solely on intense battleground scenes. Instead, it delves into the realm of strategic warfare, focusing on the battles fought with cunning minds and sharp strategies. While there are undoubtedly moments of tension and action, it’s the clever tactics of the characters that truly captivate audiences. This unique approach ensures that viewers are in for an immersive experience unlike any other, where the mind becomes the ultimate battleground.

Story

Post the deadly Pulwama attacks, Kashyap and his team strike back with a fitting reply. In the age of hybrid warfare, they must race against time to bring back their captured pilot while also battling Pakistan’s lies in global media.

What’s good?

Story of Abhinandan: It’s indeed refreshing to see different narratives from real-life events being explored in media. Abhinandan Varthaman’s story, especially his bravery and resilience during the tense situation between India and Pakistan in 2019, captivated the nation’s attention. Highlighting his story in the show can provide a new perspective on the events and the individuals involved, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of such significant moments in history. It’s usually important to diversify the storytelling landscape to encompass various perspectives and experiences, offering audiences a broader understanding of the events and the people involved. Ranneeti- Balakot & Beyond is all about touching those important points.

Air choreography: It’s understandable how the timing of the release might evoke a sense of déjà vu, especially for those who have watched movies like “Fighter” and “Operation Valentine.” Even though each film was created at different points in time, the thematic overlap inevitably invites comparison. However, despite this similarity, it’s commendable that the filmmakers managed to infuse their distinct style and perspective into the narrative. One aspect that particularly stands out is the air choreography, skillfully directed by Steven Moth. The execution of these scenes is remarkably crisp and thrilling, drawing audiences into the heart of the action. The fast-paced nature of the series keeps viewers glued to their screens, ensuring an immersive experience from start to finish. Despite any thematic resemblances, it’s the execution and attention to detail that truly set this production apart.

Storyline:

Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond offers a refreshing perspective by shining a spotlight on the crucial role of strategic intelligence in warfare. It was enticing enough to see how the officers outside the battlefield secured victory through their sheer intellect and crafty strategies. The meticulous storytelling, written by Maitrey Bajpai, Sanjay Chopra, Aniruddha Guha, and others, ensures that all important events are carefully woven into the narrative. While the Pulwama Attack may not be depicted in detail, the series effectively highlights other key points. This includes the political tensions between China and Pakistan, Pakistan’s economic failure and others. It offers viewers a comprehensive understanding of the broader geopolitical landscape.

One notable aspect of the series is its inclusion of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). A significant infrastructure project that adds a unique political dimension to the storyline. By touching upon this subject, the series not only adds depth to the narrative but also sheds light on lesser-known geopolitical dynamics. Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond explores various other subjects that are bound to leave viewers intrigued.

Editing: Unnikrishnan P.P.’s editing in “Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond” demonstrates a high level of skill and ingenuity. By deftly blending strategy scenes from both Pakistan and India, he creates a narrative that is engaging. This approach adds depth and complexity to the storytelling. Allowing viewers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events unfolding on both fronts. Furthermore, Joel Crasto’s background score enhances the overall viewing experience by injecting thrills and intensity into the scenes. His upbeat music complements the fast-paced nature of the series, heightening the tension and keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

What’s bad?

Predictable: While Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond offers a fresh perspective on historical events, some aspects of the story and characters may feel predictable. Despite being based on true events, the narrative could benefit from more unexpected twists and better coherence in certain parts. For instance, Elnaaz and Satyajeet’s characters were very easy to guess.

Climax: The climax of “Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond” falls short of expectations after a buildup across the nine episodes. While it sets the stage for a second season, the ending feels underwhelming. It lacks a compelling drive to continue watching. Several scenes are left unexplained or inconclusively resolved, leaving viewers wanting more clarity and closure.

Performances

Jimmy Shergill‘s evolution as an actor is indeed remarkable. Transitioning from romantic roles like the lover boy in Mohabbatein to portraying strong and impactful characters. His performance in Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond shows his versatility and depth as an actor.

Similarly, Lara Dutta adds another layer of depth and intensity. As a pivotal character, she embodies strength and power, standing tall with unwavering might. Her ability to balance seductiveness with intensity adds complexity to her character, further enriching the narrative. Together, Jimmy Shergill and Lara Dutta contribute significantly to the series, elevating it to new heights.

Ashutosh Rana as the antagonist in the series is nothing short of fantastic. His commanding presence and captivating aura instantly draw viewers in whenever he appears on screen. It’s refreshing to see him in the role of a villain again. He executes it with perfection, bringing a sense of menace and intrigue to his character.

Satyajeet Dubey‘s performance is marked by its honesty and attention to detail, particularly for adapting the Kashmiri accent. Elnaaz Norouzi is a revelation, proving her talent extends beyond her striking appearance. She impresses with her strong presence and adds depth to her character. Aakanksha Singh, despite her limited screen time, delivers a commendable performance as an officer in the Indian Air Force.

Ashish Vidyarthi brings his trademark intensity and gravitas to the series, anchoring it with his strong presence and emotive performance. Additionally, Suneel Sinha, Sandeep Chatterjee, Prasanna, Smaran Sahu, and Uday Tikekar all deliver performances marked by conviction, further enriching the narrative with their contributions. Together, the ensemble cast elevates the series with their impressive portrayals, making it an engrossing viewing experience.

Conclusion

Overall in the review, Ranneeti- Balakot & Beyond is engaging while adding the right amount of thrills and suspense. While the series may lose some intensity and engagement in certain parts, Santosh Singh’s direction ensures a politically charged atmosphere that keeps audiences invested. Strong performances from Jimmy Shergill, Lara Dutta, Ashish Vidyarthi, and others further enhance the viewing experience, making it a compelling watch for those interested in political dramas. It comes with a new perspective that is beyond the Pulwama attack

Watch the trailer of Ranneeti- Balakot & Beyond after the review

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