Reddit Sparks Debate
The origin of this online discussion lies within a Reddit post that recently gained significant traction. This post, garnering over 2,500 upvotes, dared
to compare the 2015 film 'Phantom,' featuring Saif Ali Khan, with the commercially successful 'Dhurandhar'. The post’s core argument centered on the idea that 'Phantom' was a gritty and realistic spy thriller. This bold claim quickly ignited a flurry of comments, opinions, and counterarguments, which highlighted the film's potential and how it was received by audiences.
Phantom's Praises
The post's author, and many commenters, highlighted what they appreciated about 'Phantom.' They applauded Saif Ali Khan’s performance, specifically noting his portrayal of a conflicted character. Katrina Kaif's role was also commended for its believability. Many viewers felt that the film was ahead of its time, focusing on realism instead of spectacle. Some felt that 'Phantom' possessed a maturity often lacking in other films. The original poster even suggested that in terms of spirit and intent, 'Phantom' held its own against 'Dhurandhar,' setting the stage for the comparative discussion.
Criticisms Emerge
Not everyone agreed with the original assessment. Some users openly dismissed the comparison, branding 'Phantom' as uninteresting. Many critiques zeroed in on the film's direction, with several users pointing out perceived flaws in Kabir Khan’s handling of the movie. The screenplay and overall execution were criticised as being weak and unfocused. Critics also took issue with the film's political writing, perceiving it as weak. The debate wasn’t just about the films themselves; it also brought in the film's source material, with one user suggesting that the director had failed to execute the idea from the novel 'Mumbai Avengers' by S. Hussain Zaidi effectively.
Arguments For 'Baby'
Adding a new dimension to the debate, some users diverted the discussion towards another film, Akshay Kumar’s 'Baby,' as a better comparison to 'Dhurandhar.' One user specifically highlighted the similarities between the two films. This shift in focus revealed the complexity of the discussion. This viewpoint not only questioned the initial comparison but also subtly critiqued the perceived strengths of 'Phantom.' The introduction of 'Baby' underscores how different viewers had varying opinions about which film most closely resembled 'Dhurandhar' in terms of quality or impact.
Dhurandhar's Success
'Dhurandhar,' directed by Aditya Dhar, has achieved massive success, earning over Rs 800 crore across India. Inspired by real events, the film explores themes of crime, patriotism, and espionage, against the backdrop of Lyari, Pakistan. Its success is a significant factor in the debate, as the comparison aimed to assess how well 'Phantom' measures up against a movie with such wide appeal and financial success. The popularity of 'Dhurandhar' also frames the arguments made by those who support or criticize 'Phantom', setting a clear benchmark for comparisons in terms of impact and reach.
Differing Perspectives
With nearly 350 comments, the Reddit post has generated a broad spectrum of opinions. While some users echoed the original comparison, others fiercely disagreed. Some found 'Phantom' overrated, while others defended it. These differing perspectives highlight how subjective artistic appreciation can be. The wide range of opinions showcased the complexity of the subject matter and the varying standards used by viewers. This robust discussion shows the different ways audiences perceive the same movie, thus making such comparisons highly divisive.
