Naam Movie Review: Anees Bazmee, Ajay Devgn’s thriller from 2000s is mediocrity served as entertainment.

Naam is the story of a professional killer, Shekhar (Ajay Devgn), who survives a brutal attack and loses his memory. As he tries to uncover his identity, a deadly past begins to haunt him. But can he escape it?

Rating: 2 Stars
Director: Anees Bazmee
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Bhoomika Chawla, Sameera Reddy, Rajpal Yadav, Rahul Dev
Genre: Action, Thriller
Language: Hindi
Availability: In Cinemas Now

Good Aspects of Naam

Rajpal Yadav’s Comic Relief
Amidst the film’s lacklustre performances, Rajpal Yadav provides only genuine moments of humour. His antics offer brief moments of fun in an otherwise dull narrative.
Ajay Devgn’s Presence
Though the performance is underwhelming, Ajay Devgn’s star power still adds some weight to the film. His screen presence is undeniable, even if his portrayal of the protagonist, Shekhar, fails to capture the emotional depth the role demands.
Nostalgic Appeal
Naam brings a sense of nostalgia to fans of 2000s Bollywood. Though outdated, the film’s production values may transport viewers back to the early 2000s, evoking memories of movies from that era.
Action Sequences
While not groundbreaking, the action sequences offer a bit of excitement. The protagonist’s natural ability to fight and defend himself adds to the thriller element, though it is still executed in a clichéd manner.

Bad Aspects of Naam

Weak and Predictable Plot
The storyline, revolving around a professional killer who loses his memory and attempts to uncover his past, is painfully formulaic. The concept has been explored countless times, offering no new twists or surprises.
Subpar Performances
Ajay Devgn delivers a subdued performance, failing to bring depth to his character. Bhoomika Chawla and Sameera Reddy’s characters are forgettable, and the rest of the supporting cast, including Rahul Dev and Sharat Saxena, is underused or irrelevant to the plot.
Poor Execution
Anees Bazmee’s direction lacks the sharpness needed to elevate this story. The execution of key plot points feels lazy, with sequences often coming off as unintentional comedy rather than thrilling drama. The editing is weak, and the pacing feels off.
Outdated Production
The film feels like a relic from the early 2000s, with outdated technology, set designs, and even the city’s look. Ignoring the visual cues that scream “dated” makes engaging with the film in a modern context difficult.
Uninspired Villains:
The film fails to create memorable or menacing antagonists. Rahul Dev’s character, introduced as the villain, quickly fades into the background, and the CBI officials’ roles are more about shouting and firing bullets than adding any substance to the story.

Conclusion:
Naam is a forgettable thriller that fails to live up to its potential. Despite a few moments of comic relief and Ajay Devgn’s star presence, the film suffers from a weak plot, poor performances, and outdated production values. The lack of fresh ideas and the poor execution make it hard to recommend, especially to anyone looking for an engaging action-thriller. It’s a film that feels out of place in today’s Bollywood landscape and is best avoided by those seeking a meaningful cinematic experience.