Bollywood’s action genre has long been defined by larger-than-life heroes, over-the-top stunts, and a steadfast belief in the star system. But every once in a while, a film comes along that gleefully upends these conventions, poking fun at the very machinery that sustains it. An Action Hero is that film—a razor-sharp, darkly comic, and breathlessly paced thriller that not only delivers on its promise of adrenaline but also offers a biting commentary on celebrity culture, media spectacle, and the blurred lines between reel and real life.

Directed by Anirudh Iyer and written by Neeraj Yadav, the film stars Ayushmann Khurrana as Maanav, a superstar action hero whose life spirals out of control after a fatal accident. Jaideep Ahlawat’s Bhoora, a vengeful politician, is hot on his heels, turning Maanav’s world into a real-life action movie. With a script that never lets up on twists, witty dialogue, and a satirical edge, An Action Hero is a standout entry in contemporary Hindi cinema.

This review will take you through a detailed plot breakdown, character analysis, exploration of themes, box office performance, similar films, reasons to watch, a thoughtful conclusion, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Detailed Plot Summary

The Rise of Maanav

Maanav Khurrana is the quintessential Bollywood action superstar—muscular, charismatic, and supremely confident. He’s known for doing his own stunts and has a fan following that worships his every move. The film opens with Maanav arriving in Mandothi, Haryana, for a shoot. Here, local politician Vicky Solanki, who is contesting elections, is desperate for a photo-op with the star to boost his own public image.

Maanav, however, is more interested in his newly delivered Ford Mustang than in political glad-handing. He unintentionally snubs Vicky, setting off a chain of events that will upend his life.

The Accident

Vicky, feeling slighted, confronts Maanav. The altercation quickly escalates, and in a moment of panic and self-defense, Maanav pushes Vicky, who falls and fatally injures himself on a rock. Shocked and terrified, Maanav flees the scene, inadvertently setting off a media storm and a relentless manhunt.

The Chase Begins

News of Vicky’s death spreads like wildfire. The Haryana police, aided by evidence from Maanav’s car, implicate him in the murder. Maanav’s reputation is instantly tarnished—his films are boycotted, and the media paints him as a villain. Vicky’s brother, Bhoora Singh Solanki, a powerful municipal councilor, vows revenge and begins tracking Maanav.

Maanav escapes to Portsmouth, UK, but his troubles only multiply. Bhoora follows him overseas, and the UK police begin their own investigation. In a tense sequence, Bhoora kills two British officers at Maanav’s home, further complicating Maanav’s predicament. Maanav tries to seek help from his lawyer and manager, but finds himself increasingly isolated and desperate.

Cat and Mouse in London

Maanav’s attempts to clear his name lead him to Sai, a fixer who promises to obtain dashcam footage that could prove Bhoora’s guilt in the murder of the British officers. But Bhoora is relentless—he tracks down and kills Sai, and nearly gets to Maanav before being temporarily thwarted.

The film’s middle act is a whirlwind of chases, double-crosses, and narrow escapes through the streets of London. Maanav is forced to use all his action-hero skills—fighting, driving, thinking on his feet—not for a film, but to survive real danger.

The Underworld Twist

Just as Maanav thinks he might find a way out, he is abducted by the henchmen of Masood Abraham Katkar, a feared gangster from the D-Company. Katkar, whom Maanav had previously mocked as irrelevant, now seeks to use Maanav for his own ends. He forces Maanav to perform at his granddaughter’s wedding in exchange for his freedom and takes a photo with him, intending to leak it to the media and link Maanav to the underworld.

Bhoora crashes the wedding, leading to a chaotic showdown. Katkar is killed in the crossfire, and Maanav and Bhoora are forced to fight their way out together before turning on each other once more.

The Final Gambit

With the police closing in and his options dwindling, Maanav comes up with a daring plan. He strikes a deal with the Indian Embassy, spinning a story that he was on a secret government mission to eliminate Katkar. The plan works, and Maanav is cleared of all charges.

In the end, Bhoora, despite knowing Maanav’s innocence, refuses to let go of his vendetta. Maanav is forced to kill Bhoora in self-defense. He returns to India, where he is greeted by adoring fans, his reputation restored, and his real-life ordeal now just another story for the tabloids.

Characters

Maanav Khurrana (Ayushmann Khurrana)

Maanav is a layered protagonist—outwardly confident and self-absorbed, but inwardly vulnerable and increasingly desperate as events spiral out of his control. Ayushmann Khurrana brings a unique blend of arrogance, wit, and pathos to the role. Maanav’s journey from a pampered superstar to a fugitive fighting for his life is both satirical and sympathetic. He is a clever send-up of Bollywood’s action-hero archetype, yet also a real person forced to confront his own limitations and fears.

Bhoora Singh Solanki (Jaideep Ahlawat)

Bhoora is the film’s relentless antagonist, but he is far from a one-dimensional villain. Jaideep Ahlawat’s performance is a masterclass in controlled menace and dark humor. Bhoora is driven by a sense of familial duty, wounded pride, and a taste for violence. His pursuit of Maanav is both terrifying and, at times, oddly comical. The dynamic between Bhoora and Maanav—alternately adversarial and grudgingly cooperative—provides much of the film’s tension and humor.

Supporting Cast

• Sai (Neeraj Madhav): The fixer who tries to help Maanav but becomes collateral damage in the escalating violence.

• Katkar (Gautam Joglekar): The underworld don who manipulates Maanav for his own ends, adding another layer of danger and satire.

• Roshan (Harsh Chhaya): Maanav’s manager, who is more concerned with damage control than with Maanav’s safety.

• Vicky Solanki (Sumit Singh): The politician whose accidental death sets the plot in motion.

Each supporting character, even in brief appearances, adds to the film’s chaotic, unpredictable world.

Themes

Satire of Celebrity Culture

At its core, An Action Hero is a biting satire of Bollywood’s celebrity-obsessed culture. The film lampoons the fickleness of fame, the media’s rush to judgment, and the public’s tendency to idolize and demonize stars in equal measure. Maanav’s fall from grace is as much about perception as reality—one moment he is a hero, the next a villain, all at the mercy of headlines and hashtags.

Reel vs. Real Heroism

The film plays with the idea that the skills and bravado that make someone a star on screen are of little use in real life. Maanav is forced to become the action hero he pretends to be, but the stakes are higher, the consequences real, and the lines between good and bad far blurrier. The film asks: What does it really mean to be a hero?

Justice, Revenge, and Media Trials

The narrative explores the nature of justice, both legal and personal. Bhoora’s quest for revenge is contrasted with Maanav’s attempts to clear his name. The film also critiques the role of media in shaping public opinion, often turning a complex situation into a simple story of good versus evil.

The Absurdity of Modern Life

Through its wild plot twists and eccentric characters, the film highlights the absurdity of modern fame, where a single misstep can ruin a career and a viral photo can change a life. The film’s humor is sharp and self-aware, poking fun at everything from item numbers to underworld clichés.

Box Office Collection

An Action Hero was released in December 2022 to positive critical reviews, with particular praise for its originality, performances, and satirical edge. However, the film underperformed at the box office, facing tough competition and a challenging post-pandemic market.

• Estimated Production Budget: ₹35–40 crore

• Worldwide Gross: Approximately ₹16–18 crore

Despite its modest commercial performance, the film found a strong following on streaming platforms and was celebrated for breaking away from formulaic Bollywood action and remakes.

Similar Movies

If you enjoyed An Action Hero, you may also like:

• Andhadhun (2018): A dark comedy thriller about a pianist caught in a web of crime and deception.

• Johnny Gaddaar (2007): A neo-noir crime thriller with twists, suspense, and dark humor.

• Delhi Belly (2011): An action-comedy about three friends caught in a whirlwind of crime and chaos.

• Stree (2018): A satirical horror-comedy that blends genre conventions with social commentary.

• Last Action Hero (1993): A Hollywood film where a movie star finds himself in real danger, blurring the line between fiction and reality.

• Monica, O My Darling (2022): A black comedy crime thriller with a protagonist over his head.

• Game Night (2018): A comedy about ordinary people caught in extraordinary, dangerous situations.

• Hot Fuzz (2007): An action-comedy that parodies and celebrates genre tropes.

Why You Should Watch An Action Hero

• Originality: The film offers a fresh, satirical take on Bollywood action, steering clear of remakes and clichés.

• Performances: Ayushmann Khurrana and Jaideep Ahlawat deliver standout performances, elevating every scene.

• Satirical Edge: The script is packed with clever humor and sharp commentary on fame, media, and the industry itself.

• Action and Humor: The film balances thrilling action with laugh-out-loud moments, making for an entertaining ride.

• Fast-Paced Direction: Anirudh Iyer’s direction keeps the narrative tight and engaging, with never a dull moment.

• Meta-Narrative: Fans of self-aware, genre-bending cinema will appreciate the film’s playful nods to Bollywood and Hollywood tropes.

• Cultural Relevance: The film’s commentary on celebrity culture and media trials is timely and thought-provoking.

Conclusion

An Action Hero is a refreshing and bold entry in the Bollywood action genre. It delivers on its promise of thrills and laughs, while also offering a sharp critique of the very culture that celebrates and destroys its heroes. With memorable performances, inventive action, and a script that keeps you guessing, the film is both a love letter to and a send-up of the action hero myth.

Though its box office numbers were modest, its impact has been significant, earning it a cult following among fans of smart, original cinema. If you’re tired of formulaic blockbusters and want a film that’s as clever as it is entertaining, An Action Hero is a must-watch.

FAQs

Q: Is An Action Hero a typical Bollywood action film?

A: No, it’s a satirical, genre-bending film that mixes action, comedy, and commentary on stardom and media.

Q: Who are the main actors in the film?

A: Ayushmann Khurrana stars as Maanav, with Jaideep Ahlawat as Bhoora Solanki.

Q: Is the film suitable for family viewing?

A: The film contains violence and strong language, making it best suited for mature audiences.

Q: Does the film have songs or item numbers?

A: Yes, but even the musical numbers are cleverly integrated into the story and serve the narrative.

Q: What makes the film unique?

A: Its blend of satire, action, humor, and strong performances, along with its meta-commentary on Bollywood.

Q: Where can I watch An Action Hero?

A: The film is available on major streaming platforms.

Q: How was the film received by critics?

A: Critics praised the film’s originality, performances, and satirical edge, though its box office returns were modest.

Q: Is there a sequel planned?

A: As of now, there is no official announcement of a sequel.