Akaal is a grand, heartfelt attempt to spotlight the heroism of Sikh warriors during the politically volatile post-Ranjit Singh era. Gippy Grewal leads with grit and gravitas, supported by a solid turn from Nikitin Dheer as a menacing antagonist and Nimrat Khaira as the brave matriarch. However, the film stumbles with a predictable, underdeveloped plot and uneven pacing.
What Works:
✅ Strong performances, especially from Gippy Grewal
✅ Stunning cinematography and period-accurate aesthetics
✅ A rousing finale and earnest message about faith, courage, and community
✅ Notable tracks: Akaal (Title), Ik Singh
What Doesn’t:
❌ Thin storyline with predictable arcs
❌ Weak character development, especially for supporting roles
❌ Inconsistent action choreography and Bollywood-style songs that jar with the film’s tone
❌ Preachy, repetitive monologues by Gurpreet Ghuggi’s character
Highlight:
The film’s visual grandeur and commitment to historical detail mark a milestone for Punjabi cinema’s ambition, with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions also backing the project.
