Robinhood Movie Review: A Boring Action-Comedy That Fails to Impress.Filmygod

Robinhood Movie Review: A Boring Action-Comedy That Fails to Live Up to Its Potential

The opening sequence of Robinhood immediately catches your attention with its inventive use of movie title fonts. As Ram (Nithiin), the film’s noble protagonist, leaps against a backdrop of towering skyscrapers, the letters of the film’s title slowly form behind him, giving an almost comic-book-like feel to the moment. This early creativity leads you to believe that the movie might be an action-packed, fun ride with a playful approach to its premise. Sadly, this excitement is short-lived, as director Venky Kudumula’s Robinhood quickly devolves into an uninspired, forgettable experience.

An Enthralling Start That Fizzles Out

The movie opens with promise. Ram (Nithiin), a skilled vigilante, is on the run from the police after taking down some corrupt figures. A thrilling chase sequence ensues, culminating on a rooftop with the glitzy skyscrapers of the city in the backdrop. The early moments of Robinhood give you hope that it might be an action entertainer with a unique touch, but unfortunately, that’s the highlight of the film. From there, things quickly go downhill.

The police officer hunting Ram (played by Shine Tom Chacko) initially appears to be a worthy rival, bringing a sense of tension and excitement to the narrative. However, as the film progresses, the character becomes more of a caricature than a genuine threat, losing any potential for intrigue. Similarly, the antagonists played by Devadatta and Mime Gopi, who should be a looming menace, fail to register as significant figures in the story. Their violent actions are never given enough weight to make them feel like real threats, diminishing any potential conflict.

A Disjointed Narrative

The film’s biggest flaw is its disjointed narrative. The first half does manage to keep you entertained with the premise of Ram as a skilled vigilante, robbing the rich to help the underprivileged. However, once the movie shifts to the second half, everything starts to fall apart. The setting changes abruptly from the swanky locales of Australia and Hyderabad to a rural hilly village, and the tone of the movie shifts drastically. The consistent motivation behind Ram’s actions becomes muddled, and the second half loses all sense of direction.

To make matters worse, Robinhood is loaded with filler material. There are two long, uninspired song-and-dance sequences and an unnecessary item song that do nothing to advance the plot or add to the film’s entertainment value. These sequences only serve to stretch out the film’s already excessive runtime. The director attempts to bring back some excitement with bullet-time effects during a few action scenes and a cameo by cricketer David Warner, but by the time these moments arrive, the audience is already too disengaged to care.

Vennela Kishore and Rajendra Prasad: The Only Bright Spots

Despite the film’s many shortcomings, there are a few moments of genuine enjoyment. Vennela Kishore’s portrayal of Jyothi, a slow-witted but earnest assistant, brings some much-needed humor to the film. His chemistry with Rajendra Prasad (playing Jon Snow) is delightful, and their scenes are undoubtedly the best part of the movie. Their comic relief provides a brief respite from the otherwise lackluster plot and makes their characters stand out in an otherwise forgettable film.

However, this is where the film’s weaknesses become more apparent. While Kishore and Prasad’s performances shine through, the lead, Nithiin, struggles to bring any energy or charisma to the role. As a film that relies heavily on the protagonist’s performance, it’s disappointing to see Nithiin fail to inject any distinctive spark into the character of Ram. Instead of being the film’s driving force, Ram feels like an afterthought, with little to no emotional depth or engagement.

Wasted Potential of the Female Lead

Another significant issue with Robinhood is the underwhelming portrayal of the female lead, Neera, played by Sreeleela. Neera’s character is closely linked to Ram’s mission, but her role is handled poorly. Rather than serving as a dynamic and integral part of the story, Neera is reduced to a series of contrived moments, making her seem more like a plot device than a well-rounded character. Despite being on-screen for most of the film, her presence feels forced, and the screenplay doesn’t give her enough depth to make her relatable or interesting.

Moreover, Sreeleela is known for her energetic dance moves, yet the film misses a golden opportunity to capitalize on her talents. Despite having two songs filmed on the lead pair, the movie fails to give Sreeleela a memorable hookstep or any choreography that could have helped elevate her character. For a film that seeks to be a mass entertainer, this is a huge missed opportunity. Instead of embracing the actress’s strengths, the film squanders her potential, making it feel like a waste of resources.

Conclusion: A Heroic Effort That Falls Flat

Robinhood had all the ingredients to be an entertaining action-comedy. It had a promising concept, a noble-hearted protagonist, a rivalry between a vigilante and a police officer, and a comedic sidekick duo that could have added depth to the narrative. However, the film fails to capitalize on any of these aspects, ultimately delivering a forgettable experience.

The film’s attempt at creating a hyperlink narrative also falls short, as the story is too disjointed and lacks cohesion. Characters who could have been pivotal to the plot, like Neera, fail to make any impact, and the movie’s pacing becomes increasingly erratic. The lack of a strong, charismatic lead and the failure to make the most of its supporting cast and resources results in a film that struggles to stay afloat.

At the end of the day, Robinhood is a missed opportunity. While the opening sequence promises a playful, comic-book-inspired action movie, the rest of the film fails to deliver on that promise. The listless narrative, weak character arcs, and wasted performances make this film one that will likely be forgotten as soon as the credits roll.