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Sunny Deol tackles corruption and violence in the mean streets of Delhi in Guddu Dhanoa's Big Brother. Several years in the making, the film is a throwback to the action films of yore, in which burly heroes sent the baddies packing with a show of mindless brawn. True to form, Deol pummels the crooks and emerges a saviour for the people. Outmoded by formulaic screenplay, Big Brother makes for grim viewing.

Family man Deodhar Gandhi (Deol) turns from contented rickshaw driver to vigilante after a minister's son is spurned by Gandhi's sister and throws acid in her face. So begins Gandhi's quest to avenge crimes committed against women, taking up the cause for victims of dowry disputes, bride burnings and acid attacks. When the minister (Govind Namdeo) seeks to avenge his son's death, Gandhi must juggle his fight against injustice with protecting his own family.

"OLD HAT"

Big Brother may well have seemed like a worthy film several years ago, but in an age of much more fleshed-out heroic characters, it's a bit old hat. Grimacing his way through the proceedings, Sunny Deol wallows in the role of the modern day Robin Hood. But, the acts of retribution are exaggerated and the violence difficult to stomach. This was Priyanka Chopra's first ever screen performance, and it shows, as she simpers along in sidekick mode. To make matters worse, the film's attempts to balance the senseless violence with humour and love songs are just lame. Such flaws ultimately render Big Brother a big waste of time.

Big Brother is released in UK cinemas on Friday 13th April 2007.