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Brahmastra Part One: Shiva
By Monique Jones,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Epic Bollywood film inspires, entertains; violence, tension.
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Brahmastra Part One: Shiva
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Based on 1 parent review
Brahmastra is a visually dazzling and entertaining film
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What's the Story?
BRAHMASTRA PART ONE: SHIVA focuses on the title character, Shiva (Ranbir Kapoor), an orphan who has vivid visions and an odd relationship with fire. As it turns out, his abilities are rooted in the Brahmastra, a source of power that provides its protectors with special gifts. But in the wrong hands, the Brahmastra could destroy the world. So it's up to Shiva; his love, Isha (Alia Bhatt); and his guru (Amitabh Bachchan) to save the world and stop villain Junoon (Mouni Roy) from putting the world in danger.
Is It Any Good?
This musical fantasy is a jam-packed extravaganza that offers viewers the best of Bollywood. Audiences who aren't already familiar with Bollywood movies will find Brahmastra Part One: Shiva a good intro thanks to its setup, which has similarities to TV series and films like Avatar: The Last Airbender and the MCU. But the film doesn't merely copy others that came before it -- it quickly shows why Bollywood is unmatched when it comes to spectacle.
Kapoor is fun and charming as Shiva, who has mystical ties to the group of people who control and take care of the Astras of the universe. As his fated love, Isha, Bhatt is very likable; she also manages to turn Isha into less of a female cliché and more of an integral part of the storyline. Roy is believably scary as Junoon, though it's unclear why she's given her life to serve evil. Regardless, she has a menacing presence and proves herself to be a potent force on-screen. Fans of Bollywood will also appreciate seeing legends like Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Dimple Kapadia in the film, effectively passing the torch to a new generation of Bollywood celebrities. Overall, Brahmastra Part One: Shiva is an entertaining epic that justifies its near three-hour run time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Shiva's mindset. How does he live his life? Why is it inspiring?
What do Bollywood films tend to have in common? How does Brahmastra Part One: Shiva compare?
Why is the power of love described as the most powerful form in the universe?
How do Shiva and Isha show perseverance? How do the characters demonstrate teamwork?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 9, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: November 4, 2022
- Cast: Ranbir Kapoor , Shah Rukh Khan , Alia Bhatt , Amitabh Bachchan , Mouni Roy
- Director: Ayan Mukerji
- Inclusion Information: Indian/South Asian actors, Female actors
- Studio: Disney
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage , Gratitude , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 167 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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