xXx: Return of Xander Cage movie review: Deepika Padukone’s Hollywood debut is a treat for her fans 

 

Deepika Padukone and Vin Diesel's xXx: Return of Xander Cage receives a grand welcome in India

The moment of truth is here. Deepika Padukone’s Hollywood venture xXx: Return of Xander Cage has released in India. Deepika’s co-star Vin Diesel and director DJ Caruso flew down to India to promote the movie, and received a grand welcome. xXx: Return of Xander Cage is the third movie in the franchise, and Vin returns as the titular character after skipping one film. Director DJ had called Deepika “female Xander Cage” during a media interaction here. Deepika and Vin’s fans here had been eagerly waiting for the action flick to hit the theaters.

Xander Cage aka Vin Diesel makes a comeback in xXx: Return of Xander Cage

Xander Cage (Vin Diesel), presumed dead in the second movie, is staying incognito in some country where they have a television but no cable. He is brought back into the xXx program when a device called the Pandora’s Box gets stolen from the CIA by a group of martial arts experts, led by Xiang (Donnie Yen). Recruited by the new chief of NSA Jane Marke (Toni Collette), Xander Cage hires his own team (Kris Wu, Rory McCann, Ruby Rose) to take down the villains. In the interim, he also comes face to face with Serena Unger (Deepika Padukone), a girl from his past, who may or may not be the villain.

Deepika Padukone has a meaty, sizeable role in the movie

If you are a sucker for movies filled with silly but well-directed action sequences, then xXx: Return of Xander Cage can be a fun movie. With a plethora of popular stars, some of them known for their martial arts prowess, there are some expertly choreographed scenes tailored to showcase the talent of each star. Okay, let me answer the question that’s on your mind right now. Yes, Deepika Padukone has a meaty, sizeable role and she is terrific with whatever she is given to do. She doesn’t look out of place in the action sequences and she manages to hold off quite well against her international co-stars. It’s also great that she doesn’t fake an accent in the movie

Deepika Padukone and Vin Diesel's xXx is all about the action

There is a line in the end said by a character about kicking some ass, getting the girl and looking dope while doing it. That’s exactly what the movie is all about, basically Vin Diesel and the cast doing cool stunts and looking good while doing so. Don’t bother to even expect a plot or character development here. If you really wanna know, the premise is basically Fast and Furious meets The Expendables meets Captain America: Winter Soldier. There is a scene between Vin Diesel and Deepika Padukone showing off their tattoos that will remind you of a similar scene in Jaws.

Though silly in parts, Deepika Padukone’s Hollywood debut is a treat for her fans

The insertion of a cameo (that links the second movie to this) and a foreseeable twist near the end are ludicrous to say the least. Fans of Thai star Tony Jaa will be disappointed to see the little the actor gets to do here. If you are a junkie for action films with silly stunts and plots with zero innovation, this is the movie for you. Also recommended for fans of Deepika Padukone and Vin Diesel. The rest can give it a miss.