Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Ajay Devgn‘s Singham Again clashed in theaters on Diwali earlier this month. Who would have thought that we will have another movie about three weeks later, where the director and the actor in question come together? (Also read: Singham Again Review: The stunning second half of this Ajay Devgn actioner alone is worth the ticket price)

Naam- The Missing Identity, which had been stuck for around 10 years according to the film’s team, is finally releasing today. But this is by no means a 2014 film, as the story and production values ​​remind you of the early 2000s, when the Maruti Suzuki Esteem used in the film was still being produced. It ended in 2007. Gotcha. Which places the film’s production around 2004.

Goodbye, logic

The story? The manufacturers leaving Switzerland like Shimla are much more interesting.

Okay, a professional killer loses his memory and forgets his name. His past comes back to haunt him. Will he be able to remember who he is?

Logic? Nobody here. The only saving grace is Rajpal Yadav and his on screen antics… when they used to look good. Contrast this with what Bazmee made him do in their last film together, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. I’m not saying that comedy in Hindi films in the 2000s was much better than what’s being thrown out today – but I won’t dispute it if you say to.

The worst of the 21st century

Naam is a reminder of the mediocrity that was and still is served to us sometimes in the name of entertainment. To transfer one person’s face to another’s face via surgery by physically pasting it – the film depends on this revelation alone. It’s not even in “so bad it’s good” territory, it’s just plain bad.

Why the makers chose a theatrical release for this will be beyond anyone.

Bhumika Chawla as Ajay’s wife, Sameera Reddy as someone who helps him in his mission – both are completely forgettable, and so is the music. Although I was really transported to the era, listening to Alka Yagnik’s voice in one of the songs.

Overall, Naam affirms the belief that some things just aren’t meant to be. The universe is trying to warn you, but it’s your fault if you don’t listen. Like the film got stuck and hasn’t seen the light of day for decades.