Some actors age, and some simply grow more powerful on the screen. Anil Kapoor has always been determined to do the latter. In his latest release, Subedaar, Kapoor steps into a gritty role that blends authority, emotion, and the weight of a man who has seen too much of life. Directed by Suresh Triveni, the film promises an intense premise with Anil Kapoor at the centre of it all. Subedaar also stars Mona Singh, Radhika Madan, Saurabh Shukla, Aditya Rawal, and Faisal Malik in strong roles. But does the movie live up to the power of its storyline and cast? Read our review of Subedaar to find out.

Subedaar movie review: A soldier’s battle beyond borders

Subedaar follows Arjun Maurya (Anil Kapoor), a retired army officer, trying to settle into civilian life after years of service. After losing his wife, Sudha Devi, in a tragic accident, Arjun struggles to repair his strained relationship with his daughter, Shyama.

Though Arjun returns to his home to fix his dynamic with Shyama, he gets pulled into a brutal fight against the powerful sand mafia led by Babli Didi (Mona Singh) and his notorious stepbrother, Shashikant aka Prince. Their illegal sand business has engulfed several townspeople and children, many dying after getting trapped in the massive pits created by mining. It angers Prince when Arjun dares to interrupt their business. What begins as a personal battle soon turns into a larger stand against corruption and the system that enables it.

At its core, Subedaar explores what happens when a soldier, trained for the battlefield, faces quieter but equally brutal battles at home. The film also highlights how soldiers are often treated by the very society they risk their lives to protect.

Strong themes, weak execution

Subedaar intends to lean into themes of duty, fractured masculinity, continued oppression of the vulnerable, corrupt governance, and the emotional distance that grows between soldiers and their families. But the movie reduces itself to a plot driven by high testosterone men projecting their anger on people around them. It is simply back-and-forth action, featuring a bully, Prince, and the people resisting him, which include Arjun, Shyama, and the townspeople.

Prince enters the film as a man drunk on inherited power, with a hot-blooded temperament that mistakes anger for authority. He treats every minor inconvenience and insult with guns, threats, and needless violence. Arjun, on the other hand, tries hard to not lose his temper at first. But sooner or later, he pushes back, and this cycle of retaliation continues until the very end.

Unfortunately, the central issue of oppressed townspeople, which initially drives the story, slowly fades into the background. It only comes up much later, but by then, the resolution feels rushed and unconvincing.

When the movie finally steps away from the constant male rage

Subedaar does get a few things right. The action is slick and tightly staged, with every act of intimidation by Prince Bhaiya met with an equally forceful pushback. The constant confrontations, though somewhat tiring, give the plot an engaging rhythm at times. Subedaar delivers the most interesting part with a surprising cameo and an unexpected ending that will catch you off guard.

There is also a refreshing streak in Shyama’s arc, played by Radhika Madan. When she confronts her college batchmate, who sends her vulgar videos every day, it hurts his fragile ego. He threatens her, but she, being a fauji kid, strikes back. Shyama refuses to shrink or wait for a man to step in to protect her. Instead, she confronts the harassment head-on, taking control of the situation herself. In a film dominated by male rage and power struggles, her storyline stands out as a rare moment where a woman becomes the heroine of her own life.

The performances that kept Subedaar going

Anil Kapoor’s effortless action sequences, with a charming look and expression, are great. But he could have got you more invested in his character had the script done him justice. The film also finds an electric presence in Mona Singh as Babli Didi. Her role is brief, but she fills it with her bold presence. Mona’s scenes with Kapoor build a curious tension. She flirts, teases, and challenges him in the same breath, all while keeping her edge as an antagonist.

Then there is Radhika Madan’s fierceness that elevates Subedaar‘s emotional core. At some points, you may even find yourself more drawn to her scenes than to Kapoor’s. The supporting cast holds its ground as well. Faisal Malik brings a quiet, simmering menace, while Aditya Rawal’s Prince keeps the tension alive with his brutal unpredictability. Saurabh Shukla adds his usual gravitas, lending the film more authenticity.

Subedaar is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Can you watch Subedaar with your family?: No, the movie portrays explicit violence and obscene language.

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