Biker (2026) Review: Tollywood's better answer to Kosinski
There was only one showing each of this and Rākāsā on opening day at my local theater... and they were Friday morning showings! I mean, how on earth was my local Indian community able to make it by skipping work? Anyway, I was sick and didn't want to spread my illness to my students at my elementary school, so I decided to use my illness as an excuse to review these two films! I'm not that into Motocross or sports in general, so I wasn't really sure if I'd like this film, but I've yet to find a Tollywood film boring, so... I was still rather excited! Thank you all so much for joining me and for supporting Indian cinema... and I hope you enjoy this article!
As always, I shall start with the negatives. There aren't many major things here, but the biggest problem I've got is that there's simply not quite enough story for the runtime. There are a couple of times the film drags a tad, and doesn't quite need a near-three-hour runtime. Cutting 15-25 minutes or so from the film would be fantastic! The only other thing is, if you're looking for a completely fresh experience or one that doesn't hit typical sports-film beats, this won't be the narrative for you. If you prefer your sports movies to mostly be sports matches after sports matches without the drama, this is also not a film for you, since it's more of a drama for most of its runtime.
Outside of its troubled pacing, this film is full of positives! First of all, this film oozes style. The music might be more generic than some Tollywood films, according to some, but I thought it was a fantastic soundtrack by Ghibran! The camerawork during the racing sequences is phenomenal. Each sports shot here is exhilarating and gritty, and, given how well-executed it all is, it's my current front-runner for both editing and sound design. If you thought that F1 or Top Gun: Maverick were epic, you'll absolutely dig this movie.
Outside of the racing sequences, there are still many great moments in the editing and cinematography. There's a fantastic flashback sequence here that can't be missed if you're into cool transitions. Also, as is often the case in Tollywood films, we've got a metaphorical dance sequence that's pretty good, even if it's not quite an all-timer. And, of course, there's also the typical slow-mo character shots, particularly of the men with their aura-farming sunglasses. It might be cringy for some, but hardcore Indian men just being macho in some scenes is just awesome. Yet, unlike the majority of Hollywood films, we've got well-balanced men that still love each other, cry, act silly around their kids, et cetera... Indian cinema has truly got the secret sauce for relatability for masculine men that aren't just caricatures.
Speaking of masculinity, this film's father-son and master-padawan relationships are equally as interesting as the sport itself, even if parts did drag a tad. This film fantastically explores tough love while showing that it's only tough to draw out greatness. By the end of the film, the main character's dad, Sunil, became my favorite character, which I didn't expect at all! I'm not usually able to relate to or care about scruffy dads, but as you see him interact with his grandchild, you see his more light, loving side shine through. I really love how the three generations of men here have constantly shifting relationships, and they really are the catalysts for one another to grow. The story between the main character, Vickas/Vicky, and his wife is also heartwarming... this truly is a family-first film, even with how epic it is.
Another excellent element—as small as it may be—is the in-tune, mundane-yet-potent approach the film has to patriotism, fandom, and nationalism. There are a few ways this film does this very effectively. One instance is that the camera keeps lingering on certain people for a little too long, and you later find out it's the same kid over the years who's been Vicky's #1 fan. This fan's passion is backed by the film's underdog story, in which India has to build its reputation and sponsorship from the ground up. While this is spearheaded by Vicky's dad, there's no better element than the rivalry between Vicky and Anwar. While I don't want to spoil the plot, there's a turn in Anwar's character in one of the film's races that transforms his physicality and perspective, and his character arc may be the best aspect of the film. He goes from a furious, relentless runner-up to a figure of nationalism that becomes a boon to the main character in his hardest moment. Through these factions, the emotions swell masterfully alongside all the film's elements, culminating in a phenomenal finale.
The Reel Ranker Verdict
Reel or Unreel? - Unreel
The Reel Ranker Score: 38%
Letter Score: D
Star Ranking: 2 out of 5
Biker is one of my new favorite sports films due to its gritty, visceral camerawork and beautiful messaging about family, tough love, and patriotism. While its troubled pacing holds it back from being a 10/10 sports film for me, it's still a film I'll strongly recommend for years to come.
Interested in my reviews for other Indian films? Check them out below! I'll be updating this a lot as I get to reviewing older films I've watched!
Brighton Nelson
Or if you just want Tollywood films, check those out below!
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