By Meghana Pawar - Sep 2, 2016 08:43 PM

Rating: 3/5

One line Review: A heart wrenching tale of a bold girl Akira, who stood against all odds and fought back injustice.

Positive Points: Sonakshi Sinha’s combat scenes are the highlight of the film. Anurag Kashyap’s badass character and Konkona Sen Sharma’s exceptional performance win brownie points. The narration of the storyline is apt and the film manages to render an impactful message. The plot is super gripping and engrossing.

Negative Points: Some unnecessary and dragged sequences fill moments of this action drama.

Plot: Akira, a little girl witnesses an unfortunate and extremely cruel acid attack on her neighbour by a one-sided lover. Scared yet furious by the incident Akira’s father decides to train Akira in martial arts for self defence. On witnessing another incident of eve-teasing, young Akira interrupts the situation and combats with the eve-teasers, and accidently spills acid on one of the guys. Due to this young Akira lands in trouble and is sent to children’s remand home for 3 years.

Akira (Sonakshi Sinha) grows up into a strong, bold and fearless girl who cannot stand injustice. But, destiny had written lot more struggles and pain to her fate. Akira and her widow mother shift to Mumbai and live with their Brother. Akira’s brother enrols her to a college as she wishes to complete further education. She opts to live in the college hostel; it is when she gets dragged wrongly in a murder scandal. ACP Rane (Anurag Kashyap) along with his three corrupt Police Officers try to encounter her, as she gets acquainted with their illegal deeds.

The story further unfolds as Akira tries to save herself and fight backs the nasty Police Officers all on her own. Will Akira be able to prove herself innocent? Or will eventually give up fighting the powerful.

Direction and other Technical Aspects: Director A. R. Murugadoss has done an appreciable task with the direction and execution of the storyline. The film skilfully depicts many shades of grey and gives you some goose bump moments. The plot is strong and the cinematography is fantastically done. The dry moments are alarming though can be hidden under the shadow of remarkable implementation. The fight sequences are exceptionally choreographed and are implemented commendably by Sonakshi.

Performances: This slice of life tale is completely performance driven. The spectacular performance by Akira aka Sonakshi Sinha is the highlight of the film. Her fearless avatar won her several whistles in the theatre. Her role is powerful, strong and inspiring. Viewers can feel the pain that her character is going through, and that is an accomplishment for any actor.

Anurag Kashyap has many shades to his character. He does complete justice as an antagonist and is superb in every frame. The audience will surely be disgusted by his character.

Special mention has to be made for actress Konkona Sen Sharma. Although, the actress has an extended cameo, she makes her presence felt with her remarkable performance. She essays the role of a pregnant Police Officer who is loyal towards her duty.

Amit Sadh, Smita Jaykar, and other actors also play their part well and strengthen the plot with their supporting roles.

Music: All the songs and the loud background score strengthen the visuals and support the plot positively.

Final Verdict: The film Akira has been rightly dedicated to all the women who fought back. It is definitely a must watch movie that sends out a strong impactful message for all. Sonakshi Sinha is a strong protagonist of the film who solely fights the baddies which is not worth missing!