Ruslaan Review: Aayush Sharma's Effort In Familiar Territory
Aayush Sharma, who made his acting debut with the 2018 film Loveyatri, received mixed reviews for his performance. However, he managed to surprise audiences with his role in Antim, which also featured Salman Khan in a leading role. Despite Antim being a well-received film, it did not perform exceptionally at the box office, largely due to its release during the pandemic. Aayush Sharma's latest venture, Ruslaan, has now been released in cinemas. This review delves into whether Ruslaan is worth both your time and money.
Ruslaan tells the story of a young man (played by Aayush Sharma) whose life takes a dramatic turn when his father, a terrorist, is killed in an encounter. Adopted by ATS Chief Samir Singh (Jagapathi Babu), Ruslaan dreams of serving his country to prove that he will not follow in his father's footsteps. However, after an unfortunate incident, he is wrongly branded as a terrorist. The film unfolds as Ruslaan strives to clear his name.

The narrative of Ruslaan is familiar, echoing themes and plots seen in previous films. The success of such a movie heavily relies on the director's ability to present the story compellingly. Unfortunately, Karan Lalit Butani's attempt to package this film as a masala action entertainer falls short of making it engaging for the audience.
The first half of Ruslaan struggles to capture the viewer's interest, save for an action sequence in an elevator. The film picks up pace in the second half with an impressive action scene set against a picturesque mountain backdrop. However, the predictability of the climax diminishes the overall impact of the movie.
Aayush Sharma's performance in Antim had set high expectations for his role in Ruslaan. While he performs well and handles the action scenes with ease, Antim remains his standout performance to date. Sushrii Mishraa brings a commendable screen presence, and Jagapathi Babu delivers a memorable performance. Vidya Malvade also impresses with her acting skills. Cameo appearances by Zaheer Iqbal and Suniel Shetty add charm to the film.
In conclusion, Ruslaan fails to offer anything novel beyond a handful of well-executed action sequences. For viewers who seek out films primarily for their action content, Ruslaan might be worth watching. However, those expecting innovative plot twists or a fresh storyline might find it lacking.