Indian Police Force: Rohit Shetty's commendable attempt at realism fails

In the realm of Rohit Shetty's cinematic universe, where cars explode with flamboyance and laughter echoes through over-the-top comedies, 'Indian Police Force' attempts to carve out a niche with a grittier, more realistic take on action and crime. 

Streaming on Prime Video and co-directed with Sushwanth Prakash, this latest instalment in Shetty's cop universe introduces viewers to a different side of the director's storytelling.

The film kicks off with a warehouse brawl featuring two formidable cops, portrayed by Sidharth Malhotra and Shilpa Shetty. 

The action, reminiscent of indie flicks, is competently executed but leans towards the overlong and unimaginative. As the storyline spills onto a boat leaving the shoreline, the absence of the usual bombastic Rohit Shetty features becomes apparent, leaving some viewers yearning for the director's signature style.

The plot centres around a series of bombings in India, all claimed by the Indian Mujahideen. Kabir (played by Malhotra), a top officer in the special cell unit, and his senior Vikram (Vivek Oberoi) are assigned the task of unravelling the mystery behind these attacks. 

The narrative introduces Tara (Shilpa Shetty), a tough officer from the Gujarat ATS, joining the duo in their pursuit of justice.

What sets this series apart is its attempt to infuse realism into the cop universe. Kabir, the protagonist, is notably the first Muslim lead character in Shetty's cop films. 

Unlike a token gesture, Kabir's identity is not extensively explored in the context of representation. Instead, it serves as a patriotic counterpoint to those who misuse their faith for violent purposes. 

Kabir's commitment to his job and his occasional references to his religion highlight the film's attempt to address extremism without delving too deeply into the complexities of religious identity.

While the series takes on the challenge of exploring how radicalism takes root in impressionable minds, it falls short of addressing the political fault lines that often fuel extremism in India. 

The vague and generic portrayal of this theme leaves much to be desired, missing an opportunity to provide a nuanced perspective on a complex issue.

In a departure from his recent patriotic roles, Siddharth Malhotra plays Kabir with a sense of decency that is refreshing for a Rohit Shetty protagonist. Despite occasionally straining in his attempt to portray a tough cop, Malhotra brings sincerity to the character. Both Vivek Oberoi and Shilpa Shetty leave their mark on screen, showcasing their acting prowess. It's also heartening to see Mukesh Rishi, a veteran actor from 'Sarfarosh,' still delivering impactful performances.

While Indian Police Force represents a departure from Rohit Shetty's typical style, it falls short of fully embracing the nuances of its attempt at realism. The series lacks the depth to explore the socio-political aspects of extremism, settling for a more straightforward narrative. 

Nonetheless, it's a commendable effort by Shetty to cater to audiences seeking a leaner and more realistic approach to the action genre within the cop universe he has meticulously built over the years.

Indian Police Force is currently streaming on Prime Video.

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