Golden Glass Entertainment’s Pagalpan Next Level is the biopic of fitness expert Guru Mann, starring himself. Guru Mann was a man on a mission to revolutionise the fitness landscape of India with his ‘Mission India Fit’ campaign. From being a spirited trouble-maker in Amritsar to becoming a global fitness icon, Guru Mann has had a hair-raising journey.
Guru Mann and Amit have penned a story which is not very exciting or inspirational. The screenplay, written by Guru Mann and Aryeman Keshu, lacks the thrill which a biopic of this kind ought to have had. Besides, fitness may be important for people but it neither has the significance of money nor the thrill of fame in a person’s life and, therefore, the drama fails to have the desired impact on the audience. Also, Guru Mann’s contribution to fitness among people in India is not too well-known for the public to want to see his biopic. Dialogues lack punch.
Guru Mann does an average job as himself. Shazahn Padamsee is fair. Rituraj Singh impresses as Guru Mann’s father. Aarya Babbar lends ordinary support. Rakesh Bedi makes his presence felt. Suparna Marwah does well. Avtar Gill is adequate. Others pass muster.
Aryeman Keshu’s direction leaves something to be desired. Music (Daler Mehndi, Rahul Lakhanpal, Amar Vivaan and Sagar R.) is so-so. Lyrics ought to have been better. The background score should have been far more effective. Rupam Chetiapatra’s camerawork is okay. Action and stunt scenes (Vishal Bhargav and Yasin Shaikh) afford limited thrill. Sunil Musle’s art direction hardly deserves special mention. Shekhar Koditkar’s editing is loose.
On the whole, Pagalpan Next Level is a non-starter.
Released on 27-10-’23 at Glamour (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Brandex Entertainment. Publicity & opening: poor. …….Also released all over.