A Flying Jatt movie review: A terrible superhero spoof that turns into an Environmental Science lecture

There is no standard potion to make a fine superhero film. There's the usual drill - a man in his cape,  his goofy love story and his David-versus-Goliath epic fight. There is pummeling galore and in parts, that works here too. However, the film's story is far too juvenile to strike a chord with adults. The only person who would be really happy about this movie is my former Environmental Science teacher. Director Remo D'souza has reduced his work considerably by sewing together the story of a goody and silly young chap, who derives his superpowers from nature and fights the evil villain, who gets powerful by toxic waste. Quite a lesson for kids who shirk studying that subject. In fact, it would've been pretty appropriate to run a line with the title - A Flying Jatt (An EVS lesson to remember...) 

When you've sat through something that reminds of your least favourite subject in school,  the experience, too, could be encapsulated in few words - Boring, dull and its other synonyms.

There is some charm, some laughs, some novel thinking but the problems weigh them out. Clearly, the target audience is children. What else explains the clichéd depiction of waste in barrels that read 'Toxic'. Spoonfeeding the audience is a dangerous space (even if it's kids). Dear filmmakers, trust the IQ of your viewers. They are not as dumb as you think. Sincerely, a poor chap who didn't get a chance to figure out things for himself. It sucks out the fun from a film. In some ways,  this movie is a concoction of everything Hollywood has done away with in their superhero films - bad writing, lack of depth, superficial stories. After villains like Joker, it is hard to watch a menacing figure, who is scary just coz of his brawns and physical brute. Our desi superhero is a Mamma's boy.  She stitches his cape and this Maa Da Ladla returns the favour by cleaning cobwebs with his superpowers (It happens only in India) and bringing lauki for her. There's a preachy scene about the wonders of gourd of its nutritional values. 

The only thing worth watching out for in this film, is Tiger Shroff. Every trick in the book has been used to make him look good and he is sincere. He dances like a dream, fights flawlessly and dares to step out of comfort zone. He might not have the robustness of a superhero but his effort is worth applauding. Though am not sure whether to compliment his attempt to be different than his Baaghi, Heropanti avatars or question his guts to do something so silly.  Whatever he does, at least he is damn good. His nemesis, Raka played by Nathan Jones is a unidimensional character. We have no backstory. He pops out of nowhere, inhaling waste and feeding on everything that pollutes the environment. Neither are we told how Tiger suddenly develops superpowers. In middle of a fight sequence, he develops healing powers. Good thing is Tiger tries his hand tickling your funny bone and he is half decent at it. Amrita Singh as the nagging, spirited (ahem!) mother is adorable. She brings out the best in Tiger in their scenes together, which are perhaps the film's most memorable parts. 

But there is a lot not right with the movie. After interval, the film goes downhill. The tempo drops and not like it was some sort of infallible fun even before that. But at least, you could laugh. Post-interval, it becomes an unbearable mess. There is a love story, where the couple has no chemistry. Jacqueline Fernandez looks dolled up, but their doe-eyed beauty can't cast a spell. Her character is not fleshed out well and she has little material to work with. There are space fights and Chinese rockets, which have nuclear battery labelled on it. I guess the makers were confused with they were making a superhero flick or a spoof. The minute the action shifted to space, it was clear that cinematic liberty, as a term, has found a new definition. Jai Ho's tanker scene was a benchmark of being lame, this beats it hands down. Well, if it is the latter, Remo has a done a terrible job at it. If I want to watch a public service announcement, there is enough of it playing before the film - from the cancer poster boy Mukesh to the Khushi kaun nahi chahta kid. Why should I have to watch a film which feels like one? If you want to spoil your weekend watching a documentary (meant for kids) on global warming and environmental pollution, this is a safe bet. If you are looking for a superhero film, we will have to ask Krrish to return. All those who love their Ironman, Spider-Man and Superman, avoid. Vishwas uth jayega. 

We rate this film a 40% on the Pinkvilla Movie Meter.