Ruslaan (2024) Review: Gun, Guitar And A Mixed Reception

This Ruslaan review looks at a 2024 Hindi action thriller that sells itself on attitude: a hero with a gun in one hand and a guitar in the other. Directed by Karan Lalit Butani and starring Aayush Sharma, the film arrived in April 2024 to mixed reviews. Here is what to expect before you press play.

Ruslaan Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Ruslaan plot is built around a single idea: a man who will not bend to conformity. Ruslaan, played by Aayush Sharma, is introduced as an unstoppable force who wants to break the chains around him. The official pitch promises a "symphony of rebellion," and the film leans on that image of music and violence sharing the same stage.

The script comes from Yunus Sajawal, and it keeps the setup simple. You meet the hero, you meet the people who orbit him, and you understand quickly that trouble is coming. I will stay out of the later twists, because the film's momentum depends on how its conflicts unfold.

The film runs about 140 minutes, which is long for a straightforward action thriller. Keep that in mind when you decide how to watch it.

What Works in Ruslaan

The strongest asset is the central image. A hero who plays guitar and fires a gun gives the film a clear identity, and it stands out among action thrillers that rely on a generic tough guy. When the film commits to that mix of music and menace, it has some flair.

• A clear hook: The rebel-with-a-guitar concept is easy to grasp and easy to remember.

• A star-driven showcase: The film is built to put its lead front and center in action scenes.

• Genre comfort: Fans of Hindi mass-style action will recognise the beats and may enjoy the swagger.

If you like a film that knows exactly what it wants to be, the confidence of the premise counts for something.

Ruslaan Cast and Performances

The Ruslaan cast is led by Aayush Sharma as the title character. He carries the film physically and plays the part with intensity, which suits a role defined by defiance. It is a showy part, and he is clearly the reason the film exists.

Sushrii Shreya Mishraa plays Vaani, and Jagapati Babu appears as Sameer. Vidya Malvade is Mantra, Jaswinder Gardner is Manju, and Raashul Tandon is Tabla. Jagapati Babu is a well-known screen presence, and his scenes add some weight to the supporting side.

The broader ensemble works within the limits of a hero-centered story. Most of the supporting characters exist to react to Ruslaan rather than to grow on their own. That keeps the focus tight, but it also keeps the emotional range narrow.

Where Ruslaan Stumbles

Critics gave the film mixed reviews, and the reasons are easy to see. A story built on one big idea can feel thin over 140 minutes. When the plot stops moving, the rebellion theme risks turning into repeated posturing.

The tone can also be a challenge. The film wants to be a stylish action thriller and a statement about independence at the same time. Balancing those goals is hard, and the thriller side tends to win out over the deeper message.

Audience data is limited, too. The TMDB audience score is 4.3 out of 10, but it rests on only three votes, so I would not read much into it. Treat it as a faint signal rather than a verdict.

Is Ruslaan Worth Watching?

Ruslaan is worth watching if you are a fan of Hindi action and want a hero-driven spectacle, but it is not a must-see for everyone. The concept is fun, the lead is committed, and the genre ingredients are familiar. The length and the thin story keep it from rising above a mixed experience.

If you want a sharp, tightly written thriller, you may be disappointed. If you want style, attitude and a bit of music mixed into the gunfire, it can be a decent evening. For more in the same lane, browse our Action movie reviews or our Thriller movie reviews.

For background on the production and its reception, see the Ruslaan page on Wikipedia. The Ruslaan release date was 26 April 2024 in India.

Who Will Enjoy Ruslaan

• Fans of Aayush Sharma who want to see him headline a full-throttle action vehicle.

• Viewers who like Hindi action thrillers with a rebellious, larger-than-life hero.

• Anyone looking for a grittier alternative after reading our take on Zebra (2024).