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'Malang' movie review: A romantic thriller that is high on thrills

Aditya Roy Kapur and Disha Patani live it up in this visually rivetting thriller

'Malang' is a term used to refer to a vagrant; someone who lives life on his own terms, who is not tied down by conventional ideas of love and law.
Director Mohit Suri ensures his latest romantic action thriller is filled to the brim with Malangs. Advait Thakur (a broody Aditya Roy Kapoor) is an angst-ridden backpacker who in a quest to escape his complicated family bonds, lands up in Goa. And promptly falls for a free spirited, nirvana seeking girl Sara (a gorgeous Disha Patani) who believes in living life from one high to the other.

Their idyllic romance, aided by some questionable party drugs, is interrupted when their paths cross with some Goan cops one fateful Christmas eve. Kunal Khemu plays the upright officer Michael Rodriguez who heads the Special Cell, with a dark past. He is at loggerheads with Agashe, a not so law-abiding, drug-snorting Crime Branch officer played with absolute swagger by a dapper Anil Kapoor.
'Malang' never loses its tempo through its run time which is its greatest strength. All the four protagonists come with a solid backstory and Khemu in particular has an extremely author backed role. Whether he lives up to the role is another matter. Aditya and Disha collectively are gorgeous enough to provide ample eye candy to keep one glued to the screen. He is in absolute top form while she for the most part gets away with just looking pretty.
Like all Mohit Suri films the music in 'Malang' is extremely melodious be it the central theme song of Hui Malang or the soulful Ghar Chale by Arijit Singh or the heartfelt Phir Na Mile Kabhi by Ankit Tiwari.
In Suri's adept hands Goa takes on a character all of its own. While it may seem to be a stereotypical portrayal of a state which is often vilified for its hedonistic lifestyle aided by free flowing drugs and booze, Suri never stoops to preach. The seedy underbelly of the drug industry in the state is showcased through the character of Swedish tourist Jesse (Elli Avram in a standout performance) who came to Goa in quest of nirvana and ends up funding her highs by selling her body.
'Malang' is a movie high on style backed with a solid screenplay. The story might seem a bit predictable but there are enough twists and turns to keep you hooked. If you enjoy feasting your eyes on gorgeous people and have a penchant for thrillers then 'Malang' is for you.
'Malang'
Director: Mohit Suri
Cast: Aditya Roy Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Disha Patani, Kunal Khemu 
Rating: 3 out of 5
ambica@khaleejtimes.com