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Parents' Guide to

Sooryavanshi

By Stefan Pape, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Violent Bollywood action thriller based on real events.

Movie NR 2021 145 minutes
Sooryavanshi movie poster

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • Sooryavanshi: Akshay Kumar plays the title role
  • Sooryavanshi: Sooryavanshi puts everything on the line to catch terrorists
  • Sooryavanshi: The impressive cast

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What's the Story?

Based loosely on a true story, SOORYAVANASHI is set in the wake of the devastating terrorist attacks in Mumbai in 1993. With two terrorists escaping, the threat of more bombings are always on the mind of the law enforcement, and they get wind that there are many sleeper terrorists still active in India, just waiting for the go-ahead. Though they will come up against a formidable force in the form of DCP Veer Sooryavanshi (Akshay Kumar), the chief of the anti-terrorism squad.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

This is an entertaining action thriller that's only real shortcoming is the clumsy way it covers a real-life event, that has real-life repercussions. Sooryavanshi is vibrant, colorful, and has slick dialogue. There are memorable musical numbers too. In fact, Kumar's titular character even gets his very own jingle, with his name sung in the background when he does something courageous. Though none of this is a bad thing as such, and is true to its big-screen, big-budget Bollywood roots, it can't help but feel out of place. After all, it's dealing with a sensitive subject; that of terrorism that has plagued and caused great destruction to India across the past three decades.

The film appears to want to be bold and vivacious, but also profound and emotionally charged. This mixing of styles undermines the film's commitment to reality, especially when it tries to delve into the poignant and urgent elements of the narrative. That said, it is enjoyable, and when you remove the real-life happenings, and separate them from the film at hand, what you're left with is an electric, compelling thriller with some really impressive, well-choreographed set-pieces.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence. in Sooryavanashi. How did it make you feel? Did it add to the story? Do some types of media violence have different impact than others?

  • How did the movie handle the role of religion with terrorism? Was it sensitively done? Why is it important not to hold an entire community accountable for the actions of individuals?

  • The movie has very little female representation. Did you find this problematic? Why, or why not?

  • What did you learn about Indian history from the movie? Has it encouraged you to go and learn more?

  • Discuss Bollywood movies in general. What characteristics do most Bollywood movies share? How are they different from other movies made in the U.S., for example?

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