Murugadoss’ intent is commendable but his execution is flimsy, to say the least. Like a rash driver in the film who crashes his car into a pile of bricks, the film-maker seems unsure which way to steer, mashing together many half-baked sub-plots before the movie limps to its unconvincing climax.

Anyway, what is made clear by then is that we’re in for a 2 hour 20-odd minute ride that is not above resorting to contrivances, shaky logic or outrageous coincidences to further its story. A drama about corrupt policemen, blackmailers, and one incredibly plucky girl, Akira spends its first half being somewhat watchable — thanks mostly to an enjoyable performance by Anurag Kashyap (more on this later) — and its second becoming progressively more unbearable.

Does Murugadoss think this is female empowerment? Does he hope to inspire female viewers to indulge in such dangerous stupidity? Or does he just think he is being cool?

This film had the potential to catapult her into an all new league. But given the rather low-intensity drama that moves only in fits and starts, Akira seems unlikely to set the box office on fire and give Sonakshi’s leaner and meaner screen persona a longish lease of life. And that’s a pity.

If you are tired of seeing Chulbul Pandey, Singham, and other alpha-male characters on screen, go meet Akira at the cinemas. She’s feisty, strong-headed, yet lovable. This is easily Sonakshi Sinha’s best work after Lootera and the film is a must-watch, during this long weekend. 

The issue with Akira is that it strives too hard to become an action entertainer. There is that novelty factor of having an actress as the action lead, but somehow Sonakshi Sinha’s punches and kicks feel too rehearsed.

Director A.R. Murugadoss pays lip service to social causes such as acid attack victims, mental illness and the hearing impaired while triple-underlining the message of women’s empowerment. For every stereotype Murugadoss sets out to break, he leaves behind one…

‘Akira’ is yet another film in which being a strong woman essentially means having to suffer and sacrifice

Sonakshi Sinha does a decent job in the emotional scenes, but the movie needed somebody faster and stronger to kick higher.