Akaal: The Unconquered Movie Review : Epic action and visual grandeur power this stirring historical drama

Story: A brave army of Punjabi warriors defends its village against vengeful and brutal marauders.

Review: Tales of Sikh warriors have always inspired awe for the honour and valour they embody. Writer-director and lead star Gippy Grewal elevates that spirit to remarkable heights in Akaal, a film based on true events.

The film begins with a brief historical prelude recounting how Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and the commander-in-chief Hari Singh Nalwa safeguarded the empire with their unmatched bravery. The tide changes after the Emperor’s death in 1839 and brutal marauders are shown pillaging villages. But when they come face to face with a Khalsa warrior named Akaal Singh (Gippy Grewal), even the most feared among them—Kattro (Mita Vashisht) feels fear for the first time.

Defeated by a brave Khalsa army that includes Akaal’s wife, Sahej Kaur (Nimrat Khaira), the marauders vow never to cross the river again. But when that code is broken, the village is once again under siege by Kattro’s monstrous brother, Jangi Jahana (Nikitin Dheer). The story follows how the peaceful yet fearless village rises to the challenge, led by the unwavering bravura of Akaal Singh.

The film is mounted on a grand cinematic scale, and its technical finesse makes it a gripping watch from start to finish. Expansive landscapes and awe-inspiring set designs transport you to the bygone era. The battle sequences are especially well-crafted—rich in dramatic flair and atmospheric lighting, particularly in the marauders’ nightmarish world.

While the story doesn’t tread new narrative ground, the immersive world-building ensures the audience remains engaged. Editor Rohit Dhiman employs speed ramping to great effect during war scenes, amplifying tension and impact. Baljeet Singh Deo’s cinematography and Siraj Sayed’s action direction further elevate the visual storytelling. The soundtrack by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, featuring a rousing title track sung by Sukhwinder Singh and Bohemia, and the soulful Ik Vaada by Arijit Singh, adds both scale and emotional depth.

Gippy Grewal delivers a pitch-perfect performance, capturing the spirit of a brave and honourable warrior with conviction. Nimrat Khaira matches him in intensity, and the ensemble cast excels, particularly Ekom Grewal (as their son) and Shinda Grewal (as their teenage neighbour). Nikitin Dheer is formidable as the villainous Jangi Jahana and Mita Vashisht is equally menacing as his sister. Notably, the women command equal screen presence and action sequences as their male counterparts.

Akaal Singh taking on an entire army single-handedly in the climax may feel slightly exaggerated. But the preceding build-up, paired with masterfully choreographed combat, makes it gripping. Beneath all the grandeur, Akaal also succeeds in portraying the core principles of Sikhism—courage, humility, justice, and selfless service—making it more than just an action film.

Akaal is a must-watch for its epic action, evocative visual storytelling, and compelling performances.