Not to be confused as a ‘remake’ of the 1998 film by the same name, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan follows the story of two men who team up to retrieve a stolen weapon from a masked madman who wants to destroy India. The story here from a template point of view may not be very novel but it actually works decently well at the concept level which ensures that the action surrounding it isn’t entirely pointless. The ability of the writers to continuously raise the stakes in the drama with respect to the challenges in store for the protagonists does ensure that the drama turns out to be a fun popcorn entertainer that really indulges you with its action and some campy humour. The screenplay standing at 164 minutes might seem daunting and the makers did run the risk of the drama getting nauseating after a point too. But credit where due, the action sequences and the scale at which they are shot will most likely keep you invested even as the writing does take a few silly manoeuvres along the way. And I didn’t mind it at all as I knew what I was signing up for, and in that space the film definitely does score. 

The drama comprises of multiple action setpieces spread over the course of its massive runtime. And it does open with one too! The entire sequence of a secret weapon being transported only to be intercepted by a few masked men leading up to the introduction of the masked antagonist, does set the ball rolling for the rest of the drama to follow. And while the threat is real, the template gives the writers a perfect opportunity to introduce the two protagonists, both ex-soldiers who are the only hope for the nation. Their introduction is essentially a 30 odd minute action extravaganza wherein you see both of them feeding off each other(at times to the tune of the OG Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, nice homage I must say), first with banter and later with some kickass action that absolutely blends well with the vibe of the drama. Yes, it is silly and campy but still manages to keep you invested. 

The proceedings are engaging and definitely will keep you invested for most parts of the runtime. You have got to also remember that beneath the concept of the film, this is still a no brainer action flick and should you choose to look at it that way, you won’t be disappointed. The writing does take liberties in the scene transitions. For instance, the characters interacting at a certain location quickly time travel to another location on the very next scene. Also, the writing does get a little too silly in the middle especially when Bade and Chote are separated and poor Chote has to shoulder the film for a good 20 minute period. But the re-entry of Bade kick starts the momentum of the film once again leading to another thrilling action setpiece leading up to the halfway mark. The interval block by the way, does have its share of twists and turns which are interesting and add a fresh new dynamic to the drama at a concept level. On a side note, I also liked how there was no time wasted in romantic side-tracks which was oddly the part of the promotional strategy. 

The stage is set for the second hour and this is where the character of the antagonist is developed with a backstory. Yes, it may not be something very revolutionary but atleast there is some purpose to it in the scheme of things. But the writers feed the viewers with a climax that is quite elongated and filled with top drawer action setpieces wherein the stakes are raised in the form of newer challenges thrown at the protagonists. What also shines in this period is the humour and banter between the two protagonists, something that cut through the action setpieces are a relief too leading up to a satisfactory final act. Here I must add that the final face-off could have been fleshed out a little more with an additional scene to ensure that the film does not end abruptly. But overall, I knew what I was signing up for and in that regard, the screenplay definitely does work well.