Mammootty Leads a Stylish Thriller That Rewards Patience
Short Verdict:
“Bazooka is a stylish, high-concept thriller that takes its time but explodes with payoff in the final act—Mammootty’s presence keeps the ride worthwhile.”
Introduction: A Quiet Opening That Promises More
Bazooka, directed by debutant Deeno Dennis, opens not with bombast but with a quiet, calculated atmosphere. We first see Mammootty in an unassuming avatar—modest attire, calm demeanour—setting the tone for a film that doesn’t rely on mass gimmicks from the get-go. The camera lingers on white pigeons, and the silence feels deliberate. Within minutes, though, we’re swept into a narrative with heists, disguises, and deception.
Plot: A Puzzle of Layers and Subplots
The film unfolds in nonlinear fashion. At an airport, Shine Tom Chacko converses with a nun—soon revealed to be involved in smuggling a canvas case. This object, later discovered to hold a painting, becomes the story’s central MacGuffin. Its significance grows as the story progresses, only culminating in clarity during the climax.
The main arc follows Benjamin Joshua (Gautham Vasudev Menon), a cop chasing a string of heists, and Sunny Varghese (Hakkim Shah), a self-centered gamer who stumbles into a real-world version of his virtual obsessions. Mammootty, portraying a mysterious and charismatic figure, blends these worlds as both narrator and participant.
Mammootty: Charisma and Commanding Presence
Mammootty delivers another magnetic performance. Whether taking down a gang of bikers in a thrilling highway chase, evading gunfire, or calmly solving forensic clues, he dominates the screen. His role as a forensic expert engaged in a “secret mission” adds intrigue, and he makes the film’s slower segments feel watchable with sheer presence.
Middle Stretch: Where Momentum Slows
Despite a riveting first half, Bazooka falters post-intermission. The narrative becomes tangled in its own ambitions—threads feel disconnected, and the pacing suffers. The promise of a “game-inspired thriller” seems vague during this phase, as the viewer waits for deeper connections to emerge.
Gaming & Digital Elements: Smart but Subtle
The gaming motifs—references to retro titles, modern communication tactics, and digital deception—are there but require close attention. This isn’t a film where the tech is overt or flashy. Instead, it’s layered into the storytelling: messages through inland letters, clues in game mechanics, and thematic nods to player-versus-player mind games.
Climax: The Payoff Arrives
The final 30 minutes deliver the goods. With revelations, unexpected cameos, and twists that recontextualize earlier scenes, the climax rewards patient viewers. It’s here that Deeno Dennis’s screenplay flexes its strength. The previously scattered puzzle pieces fall into place, and the story tightens into an engaging payoff.
Supporting Cast & Direction: Solid, If Underused
Gautham Menon handles his role as the investigative officer with restraint, while Hakkim Shah’s gamer-turned-witness adds comic relief and millennial energy. Unfortunately, the female characters serve little narrative purpose—falling into decorative roles without depth or agency.
Director Deeno Dennis, son of screenwriting veteran Kaloor Dennis, shows a flair for modern storytelling. The cinematography and score keep the experience engaging, though the screenplay could have benefited from tighter editing, especially in Act Two.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Ride for Mammootty Fans
Bazooka isn’t flawless—it drags in the middle, and its themes may confuse casual viewers. But it dares to be different in the action-thriller space, offering intelligence and style over formula. For Mammootty fans, it’s a treat. For others, it’s a slow burn with a satisfying spark at the end.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
Recommended For: Fans of stylish thrillers, digital-era narratives, and Mammootty’s screen mastery.
