Known for his daredevil stunts and actions, Ajay Devgan has a huge fan following in Bollywood. In his very first film ‘Phool aur Kaante’, he impressed the film lovers, by performing most of the action scenes himself. With his films ‘Singham’ and ‘Singham Returns’, this action hero of Bollywood reached popularity heights. Having already produced many films, he also tried his hands at direction with the film ‘U Mee aur Hum’. Ajay has now returned with multiple roles, as a writer , producer, director and actor with his latest released film ‘Shivaay’. But, the film seems to be inspired by 2008 French action film ‘Taken’ , sequels of which have also been released later.
In ‘Shivaay’ Ajay Devgan plays a Himalayan mountaineer named Shivaay , who is so good at rock climbing covered with ice and is also honoured by Indian Army, for helping them when required. Once he accompanies a young Bulgarian Olga(Erika Kaar) on a group trekking and the beautiful Bulgarian falls in love with Shivaay, when he saves her life. Olga insists on Shivaay to accompany her to her country, but Shivaay dosesn’t want to leave Himalayas. When Olga comes to know that she is pregnant in the company of Shivaay, she wants to abort the child, but Shivaay insists on gifting the baby to him. So, after her delivery, Olga returns to her Bulgaria, without seeing her daughter’s face. Shivaay names his little daughter Gaura, who grows up to become an expert rock climber(Abigail Eames) at the age of 8 . Once after an earthquake in their region, Gaura comes to know through an old letter that her mother is alive. She insists on visiting her mother and Shivaay in order to fulfill her wish, takes her to Bulgaria.
On their arrival, in Bulgaria, Shivaay notices a case of child abuse and informs the police. But, later lands into trouble with Gaura being kidnapped by the same gang. Shivaay seeks help from Indian Embassy in Bulgaria and another beautiful woman working in the embassy Anushka (Sayesha Saigal) helps Shivaay, who breaks all the rules, while desperately searching his daughter. In the second half the film is dragged till the end, with all those unreal action sequences, we usually notice in Hollywood action films. One never expected Ajay Devgan to get so much inspired by the Hollywood films. But, one thing is to be appreciated that he has managed to copy them in style.
Perhaps, for the first time in a Bollywood film, we find both important female characters from foreign countries. The only other female character is played by newcomer Sayesha Saigal. But, all three of them have given their best. Ajay Devgan has played the superman Shivaay convincingly and he very well suits in that role. Good support comes from Girish karnad, Vir Das and Saurabh Shukla. All the songs in this film are played in the background and the music is fine. But, it is the wonderful cinematography by Aseem Bajaj , which has skillfully captured beautiful locations of Mussoorie and Bulgaria.
All in all, ‘Shivaay’ may only appeal the lovers of action films and real fans of Ajay Devgan. For others, it is just an overstretched drama of action mixed with emotions, testing their patience.