Bloody Daddy

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*Bloody Daddy* (2023) follows Sumer (Shahid Kapoor), a corrupt cop who finds himself in a life-or-death situation after a drug deal goes awry. Set during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the story unfolds over one night, taking place within a lavish seven-star hotel owned by a drug lord. After a botched heist where Sumer and his partner kill a courier, the remaining courier escapes, and Sumer's son, Atharva, is kidnapped by the drug kingpin in retaliation. With no one to trust, not even his corrupt colleagues, Sumer embarks on a one-man mission to rescue his son, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

The film thrives on its high-stakes action and thrills. The slickly shot action sequences are gritty, showcasing realistic brawls rather than stylized fights. There are moments that feel reminiscent of the *John Wick* films, with Sumer using smart tactics and outwitting his enemies, making for a fun and satisfying experience for action junkies. The film's pace remains taut, with Sumer constantly moving from one intense situation to another, even while injured and outnumbered. Shahid Kapoor, usually known for his nuanced performances, steps into the role of a hardened action star with ease, giving a compelling performance as a morally grey cop willing to do anything to save his son. His transformation into an anti-hero is one of the highlights of the film, as he brings a strong emotional core to the role.

Director Ali Abbas Zafar adapts the 2011 French thriller *Sleepless Night* to an Indian context, successfully maintaining the tension and suspense while adding local flavor. The film’s cast, including Ronit Roy as the mild-mannered villain and Rajeev Khandelwal as a morally ambiguous cop, all deliver solid performances. Diana Penty plays the only honest cop in the building, providing a counterpoint to the corruption surrounding Sumer. The film’s action-centric narrative is complemented by sharp performances, especially Shahid Kapoor, who brings depth to his character and delivers one of the strongest performances of his career.

While the film is primarily focused on action and suspense, its emotional core — Sumer’s love for his son and his willingness to sacrifice everything for him — adds a human touch, making it more than just a mindless thriller. The film’s strong performances, slick action, and emotional undercurrent make *Bloody Daddy* a standout in its genre.