Bollywood’s love for high-voltage action continues, but the formula is beginning to show cracks. Baaghi 4, the latest installment in Sajid Nadiadwala’s action franchise, brings Tiger Shroff back as Ronny, a fighter who has been the face of the series since its beginning. The film, directed by Harsha, tries hard to match the scale of South Indian blockbusters with larger-than-life sets, stylized action, and loud background scores. Yet, the story at its core feels weak, and Tiger Shroff’s performance leaves much to be desired.
A hero in search of love
The central plot revolves around Ronny, played by Tiger, who is madly in love with Alisha, portrayed by debutante Harnaaz Sandhu. The twist is that the world believes Alisha does not exist. To explain Ronny’s obsession, the writers introduce the idea that he suffers from hallucinations. On paper, this may sound like an interesting layer to his character, but on screen it becomes a tool for Tiger to flex his body, leap into fights, and look confused from one corner to another. His expressions rarely move beyond a frown or a smirk.
The romantic track also fails to click. Harnaaz Sandhu, a former beauty pageant winner, is given little scope beyond looking glamorous in carefully designed costumes. Instead of building an emotional connection, the film shifts focus to her styling, often treating her character as decoration rather than a person.
Action without substance
Baaghi 4 opens with the kind of bloody action sequences that have become common in recent years. Heroes are no longer satisfied with guns; they prefer axes, hammers, and cleavers to crush enemies. This may excite die-hard fans of violent cinema, but for many it quickly becomes repetitive. Scenes are designed like music videos, heavy on style but light on meaning.
The first half drags as Ronny continues his hunt for Alisha. Comedy from Sudesh Lahiri and emotional moments with Ronny’s brother, played by Shreyas Talpade, feel forced. Even the entry of Upendra Limaye as a quirky cop does not lift the screenplay. What could have been sharp twists are replaced by clichés that make the film predictable.
It is only in the second half that the film attempts to pick up pace. The mystery behind Alisha begins to unfold, and the background score grows intense. Unfortunately, the big reveal is far too simple to justify the long buildup. Viewers who sat through the slow first half expecting a shocking turn may feel cheated.
Performances: A mixed bag
Tiger Shroff has always been admired for his martial arts skills and dancing ability. In Baaghi 4, his action scenes are slick and well-choreographed, but the lack of emotional depth makes them hollow. Without a strong performance to anchor them, even the most expensive stunts lose impact.
Harnaaz Sandhu, in her first film, struggles to go beyond surface-level acting. She pouts, smiles, and looks lost in dramatic scenes. Her presence may draw initial attention, but her role does little to prove acting talent.
On the brighter side, Sanjay Dutt steals the spotlight as the villain Chacko. Playing a larger-than-life antagonist who even dares to challenge Jesus Christ, he brings a weight that the film desperately needs. His screen presence makes the audience sit up, and his dialogue delivery adds menace to an otherwise flat script. Sonam Bajwa, in a smaller role as a distraction in Ronny’s life, gives dignity to her character despite limited screen time. Saurabh Sachdeva also leaves an impression with his menacing look and restrained performance.
Weak writing, strong sets
One thing that cannot be denied is the scale. Coming from the Nadiadwala production house, Baaghi 4 has rich set designs, glossy visuals, and large action setups. But no amount of money spent on design can hide the weak writing. The dialogues at times border on ridiculous, with one line even trying to link “hormone and harmonium” in the same breath. The screenplay often feels like a patchwork of borrowed tropes from South remakes, rather than a fresh story.
The film is loosely adapted from the Tamil movie Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu, but instead of building on the original, it reduces itself to a series of stylized fights stitched together with thin emotional threads.
Audience reaction and outlook
Early audience response has been mixed to negative. While some fans of Tiger Shroff appreciate the high-octane stunts, many viewers are complaining about the lack of a gripping story. Social media reactions point out that action alone cannot carry a film anymore, especially when the genre has been stretched thin in recent years.
A young viewer outside a Mumbai multiplex summed it up: “I came for Tiger’s action, but after a point it felt the same. Sanjay Dutt was the only saving grace.”
Going forward, Baaghi 4’s box office performance will depend largely on Tiger’s loyal fanbase and the curiosity factor around Harnaaz Sandhu’s debut. But in the long run, the franchise may need to reinvent itself with stronger writing and more nuanced storytelling. Action can thrill, but without an emotional core, it risks becoming noise.
Final word
Baaghi 4 is a reminder that spectacle without soul does not always work. Tiger Shroff gives his all in terms of stunts, but fails to rise above limited acting choices. Sanjay Dutt’s villain and Sonam Bajwa’s charm provide relief, but they are not enough to save the film from sinking under its weak script. For a franchise that once promised fresh energy, this latest entry feels like a tired retread.
Verdict: Watch only if you are a hardcore Tiger Shroff fan or crave non-stop action. Others may find it exhausting.