The recent release “Martin,” directed by AP Arjun, strides onto the cinematic stage as an audacious action-thriller that aims to captivate audiences with its flamboyant style and thrilling sequences. However, while it seeks to carve a niche for itself among fans of over-the-top cinematic experiences, the film ultimately stumbles due to a series of narrative and executional missteps that may not sit well with every viewer.
The film introduces audiences to what appears to be a typical action template but quickly reveals deeper, tangled layers as it progresses. Strikingly, the simplest aspects of the film are where it finds its strongest footing, generating a sense of familiarity that keeps the narrative afloat. However, this foundation is soon undermined by a slew of poorly constructed twists that send the plot into disarray.
“Martin” begins with an Indian protagonist, played by Dhruva Sarja, who finds himself in a precarious situation—incarcerated in a Pakistani jail. As he belligerently navigates this hostile environment, confronting a horde of adversaries, he earns the intimidating moniker of an “intoxicated mammoth” from local army officials. This sets the stage for a tumultuous tale of discovery and survival.
Enter Arjun, the character portrayed by Sarja, who, following a bout of drug-induced amnesia, embarks on a daring escapade to uncover his identity. The plot thickens as Arjun learns of a mysterious figure named Martin, who has orchestrated a series of attacks against him and his close associates. The central question looms: Who is Martin, and what fuels his targeted demolition?
Despite its promising premise, “Martin” struggles to maintain momentum. The inherent potential for a gripping, pulp-like thriller is sabotaged by lackluster execution and a failure to give its myriad ideas the coherence they require to resonate with the audience. Key action sequences—such as a high-speed chase involving cars and motorcycles and a climatic showdown set against a harsh, desert backdrop—aim to elevate the tension but often fall short of cinematic flair.
Where some moments exhibit a spark of creativity and intensity, much of the action is rendered ordinary due to a predictable portrayal of Sarja’s character as virtually invincible.
. Such scenes, where he easily dispatches vehicles and adversaries, erode the suspense and beg for a more nuanced approach.
Adding to the film’s challenges is an unfocused screenplay that bombards viewers with a relentless barrage of conflicts, leaving little room for reflection or emotional investment. While there’s an initial willingness to get swept along by the film’s brisk pace, significant plot holes and narrative inconsistencies become impossible to ignore.
The thematic underpinning of “Martin” intends to champion a patriotic spirit centered around Indian identity. Yet, it misfires by hinging this nationalism on creating a pejorative image of Pakistan, detracting from a richer, more inclusive exploration of regional dynamics. Furthermore, geographical and cultural inaccuracies—such as the depiction of Kannada-speaking individuals in Pakistan—underscore a neglect of detail that permeates the film.
Perhaps one of the most polarizing elements of “Martin” is Dhruva Sarja’s performance. Playing a character tinged with anti-hero characteristics, Sarja veers between commanding presence and overly exaggerated theatrics. While it’s evident that Sarja possesses the talent to deliver a potent performance, his portrayal here feels overblown to an extent that it alienates rather than engages the viewer.
As the narrative accelerates toward its conclusion, there’s an undeniable impression that this is not the film Sarja merits. His propensity for selecting projects heavy on spectacle and light on substance partly contributes to a narrative lacking in refinement. Despite being furnished with a substantial production budget, the filmmakers appear to have bypassed the opportunity to fuse style with substance and complexity with clarity.
Currently showing in theaters, “Martin” emerges as an emblem of a bold cinematic experiment that ambitiously strives to deliver high-octane excitement but unravels under the weight of its execution flaws. While it holds appeal for Dhruva Sarja aficionados and devotees of extravagant action entertainments, it leaves much to be desired for those seeking a balanced and insightful film experience.
