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Action thriller

Bell Bottom (2021): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch

Bell Bottom (2021) movie poster

Bell Bottom is a 2021 action thriller directed by Ranjit Tiwari, starring Akshay Kumar as Anshul Malhotra / Bell Bottom, Lara Dutta and Dolly Ahluwalia. It runs 2 hours 3 minutes and was made on a reported $9.5 million budget. Its Echo Score is 66/100. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video.

Echo Score
66
budget
$9.5M
Bell Bottom (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 3m (123 min)
Director
Ranjit Tiwari
Genres
Action , Thriller
Original language
Hindi
Budget
$9.5M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Bell Bottom About?

The premise of Bell Bottom without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In the early 1980s, India faced a series of airplane hijackings. In 1984, a new threat emerged, prompting the country to launch its first covert overseas operation. BellBottom, a dedicated RAW agent, uncovers a dangerous plot and leads the mission. This forgotten hero’s actions would become a defining moment in India’s history, highlighting the nation's resilience and determination.

Bell Bottom Themes & Keywords

· 31 tags
  • spy
  • terrorism
  • hijack
  • airplane hijack
  • 1980s
  • pakistan
  • 3d
  • 3 dimensional
  • agent
  • one word title
  • airplane
  • terrorist
+19 more
  • hijacking
  • india
  • ib indian domestic intelligence service
  • reference to mossad
  • reference to the bbc
  • president muhammad zia ul haq character
  • dubai
  • london england
  • sandstorm
  • british prime minister
  • intelligence analyst
  • indira gandh character
  • president of pakistan
  • raw indian foreign intelligence service
  • isi pakistani foreign intelligence service
  • indian prime minister
  • reference to plo the palestine liberation organization
  • year 1984
  • margaret thatcher character
Where to watch

Where to Watch Bell Bottom

Stream it on Amazon Prime Video. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Bell Bottom Cast & Characters

Akshay Kumar leads the cast as Anshul Malhotra / Bell Bottom, with Lara Dutta as Indira Gandhi and Dolly Ahluwalia as Raavie Malhotra. Directed by Ranjit Tiwari; 12 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Bell Bottom

· 8 more
Ratings

Bell Bottom Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 66/100, strongest in character & emotion (72) and weakest in sensory experience (60).

66 /100

Bell Bottom Echo Score Breakdown

Bell Bottom delivers a competent, commercially oriented thriller that entertains without breaking new ground. Critics and viewers acknowledge its strong performances and brisk pacing, yet many note uneven storytelling and visual inconsistencies. The film's stylistic flair and patriotic tone resonate with some audiences, while others find the narrative and production elements lacking depth. Consequently, the movie offers a solid, if imperfect, viewing experience that appeals mainly to fans of mainstream Bollywood action.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 65

    In terms of direction and visual design, Bell Bottom showcases a polished, big‑scale aesthetic that captures the 1980s setting. Critics praised the film’s stylish production values, though some highlighted flat makeup and occasional CGI shortcomings. Viewers similarly noted crisp editing that maintains momentum. The mixed feedback results in an overall competent but uneven artistic execution.

  • Character & Emotion 72

    When it comes to acting and character depth, the lead performance by Akshay Kumar is widely regarded as a highlight, delivering charisma and intensity. Supporting actors receive mixed remarks, with some delivering impactful moments while others appear under‑developed. Critics note occasional stiffness in portrayals, yet audience responses acknowledge overall solid performances that sustain engagement.

  • Story & Flow 68

    Regarding plot and pacing, Bell Bottom offers a fast‑moving spy thriller that keeps the audience engaged through brisk action sequences. Reviewers appreciate the premise’s historical anchor, but criticize the latter half for losing momentum and featuring a flat climax. The overall narrative is seen as entertaining yet uneven, limiting its lasting impact.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    In terms of soundtrack, sound design, and visual cohesion, the film presents an upbeat score that matches its energetic tone. The period‑appropriate costumes and set pieces contribute positively, though critics point out inconsistent CGI quality and occasional visual flatness. Consequently, the sensory experience is lively but marred by technical lapses.

  • Rewatch Factor 66

    The rewatch factor of Bell Bottom is moderate; its entertaining action and charismatic lead provide reasons for a second viewing among genre fans. However, narrative inconsistencies and visual flaws reduce its long‑term appeal. Overall, the film remains enjoyable for a casual repeat but unlikely to become a staple recommendation.

Plot

Bell Bottom Plot Summary

What happens in Bell Bottom from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1984, Indian Airlines Flight 691 is hijacked—the seventh such assault in five years—repeating a pattern where the hijackers’ demands for money and the release of other terrorists are met. During a high-stakes briefing, Indira Gandhi expresses frustration with the slow response and authorizes a RAW officer, Anshul Malhotra, code-named “Bell Bottom,” to take charge. Seen by many officials as a mere clerk, this man’s keen powers of deduction soon set him apart as he argues that the so-called masterminds, a Khalistan group named “Azaadi Dal,” may actually be a front for Pakistan’s ISI—a claim that is initially dismissed in the tense political climate.

Full summary

The whole story of Bell Bottom, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Bell Bottom Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.

BellBottom | Official Trailer | Akshay Kumar | Vaani | Vashu, Jackky Bhagnani | Huma | Aug 19, 2021
  • Teaser BellBottom | Official Teaser | Akshay Kumar | Vaani | Vashu Bhagnani | Huma | Lara | 02 April 2021
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Bell Bottom?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Which actress portrays Indira Gandhi in the film?

Details

Bell Bottom Also Known As

6 alternative titles, including “Bellbottom” and “การผจญภัยของนักสืบดิวาการ์”.

Also known as
  • Bellbottom
  • การผจญภัยของนักสืบดิวาการ์
  • 幻影行动
  • מבצע פעמון
  • 神风特工
  • 鐘底

Seen Bell Bottom?

FAQ

Bell Bottom FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, budget, post-credit scenes and language of Bell Bottom, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Bell Bottom?

Bell Bottom runs 2 hours 3 minutes (123 minutes).

When was Bell Bottom released?

Bell Bottom was released on August 19, 2021.

Who directed Bell Bottom?

Bell Bottom was directed by Ranjit Tiwari.

More films by Ranjit Tiwari

Who is in the cast of Bell Bottom?

Bell Bottom stars Akshay Kumar as Anshul Malhotra / Bell Bottom, Lara Dutta as Indira Gandhi and Dolly Ahluwalia as Raavie Malhotra, among 12 credited actors.

Where can I watch Bell Bottom?

In the US, Bell Bottom is streaming on Amazon Prime Video (availability from JustWatch).

What was the budget of Bell Bottom?

Bell Bottom had a reported budget of $9.5 million.

Does Bell Bottom have a post-credit scene?

No. Bell Bottom has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Bell Bottom in?

The original language of Bell Bottom is Hindi.

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