Bazooka Movie Review(2025) – Cast, Plot, and Critical Analysis
Directed by: Deeno Dennis
Starring: Mammootty, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Sunny Wayne, Divya Pillai
Mammootty’s latest outing Bazooka, directed by newcomer Deeno Dennis, is an ambitious attempt to blend the worlds of gaming and crime thrillers into a single, stylish cinematic experience. With an exciting premise, solid performances, and a visually engaging presentation, the film sets up a lot—but doesn’t quite hit all the targets.
The Plot
Bazooka is set in the bustling cityscape of Kochi and follows a series of bizarre heists that seem eerily inspired by popular video games like PUBG and Temple Run. Gautham Vasudev Menon plays ACP Benjamin Joshua, the officer tasked with cracking the case. But what really piques interest is the entry of Mammootty as Antony John, a mysterious businessman and ethical hacker who steps in to help bring the criminals to justice.
The concept of merging video game mechanics with real-life crime investigations is refreshing and sets the film apart from your usual cop-versus-criminal formula. However, while the idea is exciting, the storytelling doesn’t always do justice to its potential.
Performances
Mammootty is, as always, in top form. His portrayal of Antony John is calm, calculated, and layered with subtle emotions, making him the undeniable highlight of the film. He brings a quiet intensity to the screen that keeps you hooked even when the plot starts to lose steam.
Gautham Vasudev Menon’s performance as the investigating officer feels a bit underwhelming. His character is written to be sharp and intelligent, but the delivery lacks the punch you’d expect from someone in such a high-stakes role. Supporting actors like Sunny Wayne and Divya Pillai do a fair job, but their roles are underwritten, leaving them with little to make a lasting impression.
Direction & Screenplay
For a debut director, Deeno Dennis shows plenty of promise. He clearly has an eye for style, and Bazooka looks slick and modern. But where the film falters is in its pacing and writing. The first half is particularly slow, with exposition-heavy scenes that could have been trimmed. The narrative tries to be clever with its layers and twists, but at times it ends up feeling convoluted and over-stylized.
There’s a definite sense that the film wanted to do something new—and in that, it deserves credit. But the screenplay could’ve used more polish to balance its ideas with tight storytelling.
Technical Aspects
The technical team does a commendable job. Cinematographer Nimish Ravi captures Kochi with a gritty, moody aesthetic that fits the tone of the film perfectly. The music by Saeed Abbas elevates several scenes, though there are moments where it feels a bit overpowering. Editing by Nishadh Yusuf keeps things mostly coherent, despite the film’s ambitious structure.
Final Thoughts
Bazooka is a bold experiment in genre-blending, and it’s great to see Malayalam cinema continuing to push creative boundaries. While the film doesn’t always land the way it wants to, there’s enough here—especially Mammootty’s performance and the visual flair—to keep you engaged.
If you’re someone who enjoys crime thrillers with a modern twist and doesn’t mind a few bumps along the way, Bazooka is worth a watch. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely different—and sometimes, that’s enough.