‘Subedaar’ movie review: Anil Kapoor’s angsty intensity lifts this action drama above its formulaic flaws

After a gripping, vividly tense buildup, director Suresh Triveni resorts to familiar tropes of larger-than-life heroism, undermining the film’s grounded promise

The rank of Subedaar evokes humble authority in the Hindi heartland. As the army’s backbone, these quiet mainstays, often drawn from the subaltern classes, are more respected than idolised. Anil Kapoor’s status in Hindi cinema is similarly earned. The analogy finds shape in director Suresh Triveni’s emotionally charged action drama, with the repurposed folksy number “Balam Subedaar” underlining the title’s regional draw, where a culture of entitlement is pervasive.

Set amidst the illegal sand mafia that is fast changing the shape of our rivers and social ecosystem, Subedaar follows the reluctant rise of retired junior commissioned officer Arjun Maurya against a ruthless syndicate — a kind of modern-day zamindaar. This central conflict anchors the film’s exploration of power and resistance.

Haunted by the tragic death of his wife Sudha (Khushboo Sundar), Arjun wrestles with civilian disillusionment, suppressed anger, and a strained relationship with his daughter Shyama (Radhikka Madan).

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Looking for stability, Arjun takes a job through his loyal friend Prabhakar (Saurabh Shukla tries to fit into a role that perhaps better suited Satish Kaushik had he been around), which draws him into the circle of the illegal sand mining mafia led from prison by Babli Didi (Mona Singh), with her psychopathic stepbrother Prince (Aditya Rawal) and wily henchman Softy (Faisal Malik) enforcing control through intimidation and violence.

Anil Kapoor in the film | Photo Credit: Prime Video