Balamani (Ramya Krishna) and his son Liger (Vijay Deverakonda) relocate to Mumbai to learn MMA. They quickly find a coach, and Liger begins training. Liger’s ambition is to become an MMA fighter. Liger’s mother urges him not to fall in love with girls. The plot revolves around what occurs after Liger falls in love with Tanya (Ananya Panday). The overall plot of the film is Liger’s rise from National champion to International champion, and what occurs after that.
Vijay Deverakonda steals the show in Liger. He has always been earnest in his actions, but there was a sense of repetition. Despite his distinct personality, Liger evokes such an impression. Vijay Deverakonda plays a character who stammers. It’s a minor change, but it adds a lot of newness to the job. It does have a flaw, but more on that later. The two colours in Liger for Vijay Deverakonda are character trait and action. If the stuttering dominated the first half, supporting the romance, then the action plus stammering dominates the second.
There is nothing new about the performance by Vijay Deverakonda. Puri Jagannadh, too, goes crazy in the second half. Every phrase is pronounced in that manner, which is excessive and becomes an irritant. One may have encountered the same issue much earlier as well. Despite her age, Ananya Panday is an excellent choice for the role. She plays the bubbly and charming rich girl role perfectly, but there’s nothing else to it. If she still manages to bother or her part feels irritating, it is because of the cringe sequences.
Liger is directed by Puri Jagannadh. His most recent film was released more than three years ago, which is an unusually long gap for him. However, considering the grandeur and setting of Liger, a change seems justified. The story, like most masala films, is shallow and predictable for Liger. We know where it’s going and what’s going to happen in the end.
But, first and foremost, the MMA sports backdrop in Mumbai is established. However, it quickly gives way to a completely predictable love story. Similar tracks have been seen often in the past. An external garnish is a novel pairing or a distinct personality. What’s left inside is as old as the hills. The main disappointment here is the ‘MMA’ sport itself. Puri fails to adequately investigate the background. Many details are omitted, and the training concludes with a montage song. The euphoria that comes from sporting is completely absent here. Everything feels hasty and bland. The regularity is maintained by the interval bang. However, there is still curiosity since one anticipates the sport in the coming.
All of the expectations are realized in the second half, but it all happens within the first half hour. It prompts one to consider the film’s main point in the first place. If it’s a sports drama with a love story, it’ll be over inside the first half hour. Puri then inserts a heroine kidnapping thread and a Mike Tyson episode to burn the remainder of the second half, which makes no sense. The real sport takes place here, however, the most of it is wrapped up in montages. The star performs his aggressive mannerisms with attitude, which are acceptable in isolation, but nothing comes together to make an impression.
The real sport takes place here, however, most of it is wrapped up in montages. The star performs his aggressive mannerisms with attitude, which are acceptable in isolation, but nothing comes together to make an impression. The adrenaline rush of action and sport is never felt. The story then changes to the United States, emphasizing the country’s ignorance. The last half-hour is one long rolling-of-the-eyes sequence. It’s the kind of thing that would be rejected on paper, but we’ve produced such a massive movie out of it. Without a doubt, Liger is a squandered chance. And the actor should bear sole responsibility for taking the role, as well as the director for the story. The first half is adequate at most, but the second half is outstanding.
Ramya Krishna plays a good character with a few heartbreaking sequences. Ronit Roy as a coach is adequate, but it is part of a flat track. As a result, it appears ordinary. Ali and Getup Seenu are seen performing stand-up comedy. The former’s humor falls flat, whilst the latter is effective in a few scenes. Vishu is perfectly capable of playing the stereotypical adversary. Makrand Deshpande appears in one scene and appears to be OK. Mike Tyson, however, plays a lackluster character. The rest of the actors have minor roles that are quickly forgotten.
Liger’s music is composed by a number of composers. They don’t have the sonic attraction of Puri Jagannadh’s blockbuster track in Telugu. However, current on-screen imagery and appearing in brief spurts provide comfort. Sunil Kashyap’s background is adequate in portions, even if it is expected. Vishnu Sarma’s cinematography is impressive. Liger has a huge appeal thanks to the visuals and production quality, which must be seen on the large screen. Junaid Siddique’s editing should have been better. Liger feels very lengthy and monotonous by the end.
Director: Puri Jagannadh
Cast: Ananya Panday, Vijay Deverakonda
Rating: 2 out of 5
