As expected, Avatar: Fire And Ash is a visual spectacle. This time, the tension levels go up at the very beginning, after which director James Cameron uses his traditional method of doing the build-up. This is when the film gets a bit slow, but by now, we know that this is the blockbuster filmmaker's style and that he'll take the film to another level in the second half. And that's what happens. The action scenes post-interval are whistle-worthy while the film also scores during the emotional moments. However, this time, the set-pieces and landscapes feel too close to Avatar: The Way Of Water. So, the novelty value is limited. This was not the case during Avatar: The Way Of Water, as it came after a 13-year gap and the topography and conflict were different from Avatar. Here, the similarities are hard to ignore and some sort of fatigue factor has also set in. Performance-wise, Sam Worthington is effective, but it's Zoe Saldaña who delivers the best performance in the film. She is also the most mass-appealing character and her scenes will be lapped up the most. Stephen Lang (Miles) delivers a worthy performance. Oona Chaplin (Varang) is a great addition and too good as the villain. Jake Champion (Spider) has a very crucial character and he's too good. Kate Winslet (Ronal) leaves a mark in a small role. Jemaine Clement (Dr Ian Garvin) is a surprise this time. All in all, Avatar: Fire And Ash has its share of shortcomings and yet, it's a film to see it on the big screen, preferably in the IMAX version. If you are an Avatar fan or have excitedly followed the series, waiting for its OTT premiere will be criminal and also laughable.

My rating - *** ½ out of 5!