Bazooka: A Bold Experiment Blending Gaming with Real-World Crime

Mammootty’s Bazooka was one of the most anticipated films of the year. Ever since the release of Mohanlal’s Empuraan, Mammootty fans had been eagerly waiting for a fitting showdown in the form of Bazooka. Now that the reviews are out, the film is being hailed as yet another promising piece of cinematic art.

Mammootty’s foray into the world of gaming narratives, in collaboration with Deeno Dennis, marks a fresh and bold move. According to Timeline Daily, the film is one of the most conceptually daring experiments in Mammootty’s career. A psychological thriller at its core, Bazooka blends the aesthetics and logic of gaming with the gritty texture of real-world crime which primarily focusing on robbery.

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Though such similar experimenting has been seen in Bollywood as well in movies like Don 2, Shivaay, or Wednesday, Bazooka seems to have taken the road even further. More than using gaming as set dressing, they have tried to build a philosophical framework around it.

While India Today too had vouched for the gaming element incorporated in the film, the movie could have had a tighter narrative to avoid the sluggish middle stretch. As per the reviews, the movie seems to gain momentum only in the last 30-minute climax part. The audience who are patient enough to endure the slow pace are well-rewarded with climax scenes packed with twists, cameos, and revelations.

“As for the direction, Dennis—son of veteran screenwriter Kaloor Dennis—delivers a commendable debut. The cinematography and music seamlessly support the narrative, with nothing feeling overdone. Mammootty, as always, exudes the charisma that has cemented his legendary status,” India Today notes, commenting on the lead actor and Dennis’ directorial debut.

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Timeline Daily also praised Mammootty’s willingness to collaborate with debutant directors, with Deeno now joining that growing list. Moreover, his signature blending style in thriller films is once again evident in Bazooka, and deserves appreciation.

However, though the movie had a good cast ensemble, as usual, they have failed to give in much for the female characters and nothing had gone beyond the usual “flowerpot” roles.