By Krishna Dua 
Baaghi 4 Review: Tiger Shroff’s Beast Mode, Thin Plot
The Baaghi franchise has long established itself as a cinematic vehicle for showcasing the unparalleled action prowess of Tiger Shroff. From the raw, street-fighting intensity of the first film to the military-grade chaos of the third, each installment has pushed the boundaries of what is physically possible on the big screen. The highly anticipated fourth chapter, directed by A. Harsha and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, arrives with the promise of being the most brutal, bloodiest, and emotionally charged entry yet. It features a high-octane confrontation between Tiger Shroff and a formidable Sanjay Dutt, with Sonam Bajwa and Harnaaz Sandhu adding to the cast. “Baaghi 4” certainly delivers on the action front, with Shroff in “beast mode” as his character, Ronnie, descends into a dark, violent world. However, while the film is a feast for adrenaline junkies, it is ultimately let down by a flimsy and convoluted plot that fails to support its sheer spectacle.
The Story: A Descent into Madness
The plot of “Baaghi 4” takes a dark and psychological turn, a departure from the more straightforward revenge narratives of its predecessors. Tiger Shroff returns as Ronnie, a man who has just survived a harrowing train crash he intended to be his final act. Plagued by grief and guilt, he spirals into a chaotic existence where reality blurs with his memories. The film’s synopsis describes a grief-stricken man haunted by the memory of a love he may have lost, and a hidden truth that pulls him into a web of obsession. The core mystery revolves around his lost love, Alisha, portrayed by Harnaaz Sandhu, and the sense that someone is actively trying to erase her from his life. This psychological element is an interesting premise, hinting at a depth not typically seen in a Baaghi film.
However, the execution of this intriguing premise falls flat. The narrative, as it unfolds, becomes a tedious and illogical mess. The film throws multiple “mind-bending” twists at the audience, but a majority of them are nonsensical, unnecessary, or simply laughable. What starts as a promising psychological thriller quickly devolves into a series of disjointed scenes, making it feel less like a cohesive film and more like three or four half-baked ideas clumsily stitched together. The screenplay, penned by Sajid Nadiadwala and Rajat Arora, lacks a sense of direction and a clear emotional core. It’s as if the writers were so preoccupied with creating “shocking” moments that they forgot to create a story that would logically and emotionally resonate with the audience. This results in a film that is an exhausting test of patience, as the audience is forced to sit through an incoherent and often-confusing plot.
Tiger Shroff: The Ultimate Action Hero
The undisputed highlight of “Baaghi 4” is Tiger Shroff’s performance. The film is a one-man show, with Shroff putting in his all to deliver what many are calling his career-best work. He’s not just a stuntman; he’s an embodiment of raw, brutal force. The action sequences, choreographed to perfection, are a masterclass in controlled chaos. From bone-crunching hand-to-hand combat to high-flying acrobatic kicks, Shroff executes every stunt with a level of precision and intensity that few can match. This film takes his on-screen persona to a new level, with a “beast mode” that is relentless and unforgiving. The action is raw, bloody, and unapologetically made for the action crowd.
Beyond the physical, Shroff also shows a new, more intense side to his acting. While his dialogue delivery is still a point of contention for some, his facial expressions and body language in this film convey a sense of genuine pain and emotional turmoil. The scenes where Ronnie is grappling with his grief and mental instability are a significant departure from his previous roles, showcasing a potential for him to explore more layered characters. The emotion in the song Marjaana, for example, has been praised by fans for adding a new layer to his performance, making the audience feel a deeper connection to his character. While the screenplay fails to provide a solid emotional foundation, Shroff’s commitment to the role and his willingness to go to dark places are palpable. He is the sole saving grace of the film, and his dedication is the only reason to sit through the two and a half hour runtime.
Supporting Cast and their Underutilized Potential
A good action thriller is only as strong as its antagonist, and “Baaghi 4” features a heavy-hitter in Sanjay Dutt. Dutt plays a menacing and brutal villain, and his on-screen presence is certainly formidable. The face-offs between him and Shroff are the most exhilarating parts of the film. However, like the rest of the screenplay, his character is underdeveloped. The film fails to give him a meaningful backstory or a compelling motivation, reducing him to a one-dimensional antagonist whose sole purpose is to provide a physical challenge for the hero. Despite Dutt’s intense performance, his character feels more like an extended cameo, and his potential to single-handedly save the film is squandered.
The leading ladies, Harnaaz Sandhu and Sonam Bajwa, also fall victim to the weak writing. Harnaaz Sandhu, in her Hindi film debut, has been praised for her performance, but her character, Alisha, feels more like a plot device than a fully realized person. Her role, which is central to the film’s psychological plot, is given limited screen time and is reduced to a series of flashbacks and memories. Sonam Bajwa, who also has a pivotal role, is given even less to do. Her character feels underwritten, and her talents are not fully utilized. Talented actors like Shreyas Talpade and Upendra Limaye are also wasted in underwritten roles, further highlighting the film’s reliance on a single lead actor at the expense of its supporting cast.
Technical Aspects: A Mixed Bag
Technically, “Baaghi 4” is a mixed bag. The cinematography by Swamy J. Gowda is decent, but the film’s poor color grading and patchy editing are glaring flaws. While the action sequences are visually stunning, they often feel repetitive and excessive. The high level of violence and gore earned the film an “A” certificate, a first for a Tiger Shroff film. However, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) demanded 23 cuts, including multiple scenes of throat-slitting, hand-chopping, and extreme brutality. This censorship, while understandable, has resulted in a film that feels tampered with, with some viewers noting that the “actual gore shown in the teaser and trailer has been chopped off.”
The background score, which should ideally heighten the tension and emotional weight of a film, is largely uninspired and forgettable. The music, which is a key component of the Baaghi franchise, also feels weak, with only the song Marjaana leaving a significant impact. Director A. Harsha, in his Hindi film debut, seems helpless in his attempt to salvage such a weak script. The direction lacks the creative flair needed to make the film stand out. Instead of injecting energy and originality, he delivers a product that is loud, over-the-top, and unapologetically made for a very specific audience—the action crowd.
Final Verdict: A Flawed Spectacle for the Fans
“Baaghi 4” is a film for the fans of the franchise and the genre. It’s a high-octane, action-heavy spectacle that delivers exactly what the trailers promised: a showcase of Tiger Shroff’s “beast mode.” His commitment to the action and his foray into a more intense, emotionally charged performance are the only things that make this film watchable. However, beyond the impressive stunts, “Baaghi 4” is an incoherent mess. The plot is thin and convoluted, the pacing is unbearable, and the talented supporting cast is severely underutilized. The film’s attempts at a darker, more psychological tone are half-hearted and fail to create a compelling narrative.
In the end, “Baaghi 4” is not just a weak sequel; it’s arguably the worst film in the franchise. It’s a loud, violent, and illogical production that neither entertains nor engages on a deeper level. While some may find the non-stop action and high-flying stunts enough to justify a watch, others will be left wondering why such a star-studded and high-budget production was made with such a poor script. The film is a testament to the fact that while style and star power can carry a project, they can never truly compensate for the lack of a strong, coherent story.