Brahmastra Part One: Shiva is packed with action and stunning visuals. It plays like a Marvel movie, which is not a bad thing.
Brahmastra Part One: Shiva was this critic’s introduction to Bollywood movies so in all fairness, there is a not a whole lot to compare it to. That said, it plays very much like a Marvel movie packed with epic action sequences and stunning visuals — not to mention a whole lot of emotions. On top of the Avengers like qualities, there are some great song and dance numbers.
The film starts off with an animated setup that explains the background of the Astras and the Brahm. The myth says that there is a collective of protectors, that the world forgot about but who still train and do their job to protect the Astras. This is reminiscent of the recent MCU movie, Eternals, but the story is much different.
Brahmastra Part One: Shiva kicks right off with some great action, but then develops into more of a love story. It is sweet and emotional, and so very easy to root for Shiva and Isha to connect and find love together. They have a great start to their relationship, which evolves and blossoms into something special by the end of the movie.
The concept and theme of true love is an underlying message throughout the film, which is sweet and lovely. This isn’t just a romantic film though, it knows how to bring the action!
Even though this is part one of a trilogy, the two hour and forty minute runtime causes it to have an intermission, which works because it feels very much like two different chapters. It is the first half of the film that showcases their relationship, with just snippets of intense action. The second half culminates into a massive battle with several great fight scenes, training montages, and incredible visuals.
There are not as many musical numbers as expected, but when we do get them, they deliver.
The fact that this is a setup for two more films to come after it is exciting and enticing. There are some plot points that are predictable, but also some that will come as a complete shock. There are twists and turns which keeps viewers on their toes, allowing them to fall deeper and deeper into the story while keeping them guessing as to what is to come at the same time.
It’s an interesting concept, with strong resemblances to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Knowing there is more to come makes it seem even more like the Avengers films. Brahmastra Part One: Shiva does have a cohesive plot. It tells a story that has a beginning, middle, and end, while still doing a great job of setting up for what is to come. By the time the movie fades to black, audiences will be wishing Part Two (and what a title!!) was ready to release.
With such a long runtime, it would be easy for this movie to drag on and get slow or boring. While there are some scenes that could have easily been cut or shortened, the movie as a whole flies by. The story is constantly interrupted by action and fight sequences, which is what helps to keep it all propelling forward. The full length isn’t felt, although it does seem on the longer side. When the credits started to roll, it was clear this movie was around two hours — but didn’t seem like nearly three.
The use of the weapons, and the subsequent effects that help to visualize their use, is one of the standouts of Brahmastra Part One: Shiva. The first time it is used, viewers will be gasping with delight. And it only gets better from there. The Astras give the users powers of animals, and when they come to life on the screen it is a complete joy to watch. They elevate the fight sequences to a while new level.
Overall, Brahmastra Part One: Shiva is a great introduction to the world of Bollywood films. As a massive Marvel fan this reviewer was almost instantly hooked as it delivers the same feel as the original Avengers films. Knowing this is a trilogy and there is more coming is very exciting, and we cannot wait to see how it all plays out.
Luckily this movie wraps up the story line well, while setting up for the future at the same time.
Rating: 4 out of 5
NEXT: Barbarian Review (2022 Movie)
About Brahmastra Part One: Shiva
BRAHMĀSTRA – the Trilogy, is a 3-part film franchise and the beginning of India’s first original universe — the Astraverse.
It is a new original cinematic universe inspired by deeply rooted concepts and tales in Indian mythology but set in the modern world, with epic storytelling of fantasy, adventure, good vs evil, love and hope; all told using cutting edge technology and never-seen-before visual spectacles.
BRAHMĀSTRA: PART ONE, is the story of SHIVA — a young man and our protagonist, who is on the brink of an epic love, with a girl named… Isha. But their world is turned upside down, because Shiva learns that he has a mysterious connection to the Brahmāstra… and a great power within him that he doesn’t understand just yet — the power of Fire.
Experience Shiva’s adventures as he journeys into the world of Astras and in turn, discovers his destiny as the DIVINE HERO of the universe.
