Before we critique this film, let’s start with its title. It’s an ironic twist that Ramaa – The Saviour should run helter-skelter throughout the film, being saved by a bunch of kids during this misadventure. Barring the climax, he is unable to save himself, never mind saving children or anyone else, for that matter. Yes, the title is quite a contrast to the title character!

Moving on to the film itself, well, it’s a case of poor writing and bad picturising regrettably turning a potential an edge-of-the-seat jungle adventure into an unbearable experience. There are six kids, a vast jungle, a hero dressed as Tarzan and Khali (though in only one scene and one song in the credits) – what more you need to woo eager children? A lot more work on the screenplay and treatment and this film could have scored with the little ones. Sigh!

Also, we’re not quite sure where this jungle is. After all, everyone is nicely dressed and Tanushree Datta even uses a laptop in the dense foliage. Nevertheless, the hero, Ramaa, is dressed in
jhaad-patta, like Tarzan while his guru, played by Khali, is neatly kitted out.

The film is about six children – Rohan, Riddhi, Kunal, Komal, Sameer and Saanjh – who faceoff in a dance competition that results in a tie. Their prize is being the first to play a newly launched video game – The Last Battle. No sooner does the game begin than they find themselves on an island. What follows next forms the crux of the film.

It seems the writer and director had no clue to handling scenes like those in the movie. More specifically, how to link one scene to the other. As a result, the film is awfully jerky, not only in the
story and screenplay but also in the way it has been shot. Nothing short of confusing. Considering that there are so many kids, this film could have been so much fun. Even the squabbling between the kids is not properly depicted and is terribly sketchy.

It’s evident that the producer has spared no expense to make this film a visual treat. Guess he relied on the wrong technicians and creative team. Even the action sequences (by Peter Hein) are below par, except the one featuring Tanushree Datta and the main villains. As for the climax, it’s farfetched. The way the fight has been shot makes it look like child’s play.

Director Haadi Abrar needs to brush up his skills. Ditto for the writer and editor. Even the music is pathetic.

Performance-wise, Saahil Khan fails to impress. Tanushree Datta fights well and tries to act. Khali is barely in the film. Rest are just about okay.

Verdict: Though it’s vacation time and this is a children movie, lack of content and publicity will dampen this film’s prospects at the ticket counter. A losing proposition.