The ‘Baaghi franchise’ has always promised high-octane action flicks, but with its latest edition, Baaghi 4, the inspirations are so strong that it can give the surreal thrills of rewatching some known films. The film is directed by the Kannadian director A. Harsha, and is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under his banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, who has also got the credits for story and screenplay. Baaghi 4, starring Tiger Shroff, Sanjay Dutt, Harnaaz Sandhu, and Sonam Bajwa in the lead roles, has hit the screens today.
Echoes of Animal
Much of the visual grammar-the masked gang, the presentation of violence, the slow-motion brutality-feels borrowed from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal (2023). Even the antagonist Sanjay Dutt’s bearded look, brooding and menacing, draws an uncanny resemblance to Bobby Deol’s iconic presence. Apart from that, the casting of Upendra Limaye and Saurabh Sachdeva in almost the same roles as their portrayals in Animal is also quite noticeable. The problem isn’t influence; it’s how overtly these influences are visible on screen, as if the makers don’t even have a bit of their own voice at all.
Songs that Ring a Bell
The song ‘Marjaana’, sung by B Praak, has its share of praise, but they’re difficult to appreciate wholeheartedly when the melodies remind you of the chords of Animal’s ‘Duniya Jala Denge’. Another track, ‘Yeh Mera Husn’, heavily echoes ‘Besharam Rang’ from Pathaan (2023), though it lacks the originality that made the original a sensation. This time also the singer is the same for both songs, Shilp Rao.
An Amalgamated Plot
On paper, the film is an official remake of the Tamil romantic action thriller Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu (2013). But in reality, the film is also an uncredited mashup of numerous other films. Tamil roots mixed with heavy Animal vibes, a touch of Kill’s (2024) brutal action choreography, and flashes of Malayalam Pan-Indian hit Marco’s (2024) unapologetic violence. The result attempted by the makers was ambitious, but it has resulted unevenly.
That Dialogue
The trailer’s most talked-about line- “Shaitaan ki love story me god ka kya kaam? Bol mujhe, bol”-might have aimed for heinous depth, but its clumsy and cringe phrasing leaves audiences gaga over it in laughter rather than moved. It’s the sort of dialogue that lingers, not for its brilliance, but for its weirdness and the pun which is eventually unrealised by the writer.
The Silence of the Fans
Generally, commercial potboilers mounted this raw action and grand scale find their fair share of audience from the very beginning. But here, the excitement feels somewhat muted. Perhaps because the film’s look, feel, and sound all carry echoes of stories audiences have already experienced very recently and with much more conviction and flair. More than showing excitement for the film, the netizens have mostly taken Baaghi 4 as a meme material for social media.
Final Verdict
Although the opening would be of a handsome collection for Baaghi 4 due to the holiday this Friday, and many offers by the makers for the ticket buyers, like 50% off on the movie’s ticket, and Buy 1 Get 1 free ticket, etc. But according to the trade experts, the film will crash after this period because of lacklustre and negative word of mouth.
Buzztag Rating: 1.5/5
You can watch Baaghi 4 at your nearest theatre.
