I watched shivaay today and hence I think I am qualified for the answer. Also, I am typing this answer from my Phone so please excuse any kind of grammatical mistakes.
I was really doubtful about the movie since all the major movie critics bashed it and praised ADHM. With that doubt in mind I sat on my seat and soon realised that the theater was Housefull. As the movie garnered pace, I realised howpaid critics can do harm the image of an honest effort.
Ajay Devgn’s dream and most ambitious project is really a development in Hindi cinema. From wonderful CGI, to impressive action sequences, this film is a milestone. Definetly, the CGI is not Hollywood standards, but considering the massive budget Hollywood provides to its Big bidget action flicks, Shivaay does wonders with what it got. The chase sequence is the best part of the film, specially the camerawork is mind blowing. Special mention to that one take shot in which the camera moves from outside to inside of the car towards the other side. Inspite of being an action film, the blood and gore was kept to its minimum.
However, as a cinema lover, the only thing that bothers me is that when the action movies( unless its a superhero movie) display sequences which are not only stupid, but also against the laws of physics. I get it, its a liberty taken by the film for the plot but its high time that it should be changed. For me, our hero( after surviving a bullet wound and few stabs) and villain( not killing our hero when he had the chance) falling off a cliff hundreds of feet down during the climax, and landing with bones intact enough to fight each other was the biggest * uggh* moment. There are only few liberties you can take without irritating the audience.
Not devoid of the logical flaws, the story of shivaay has one huge plus point. It does not bore you. Indeed a bit stretched, it does not gets distracted and remains loyal to the screen. The story actually needed 3 hours to narrate itself as its not simply an action movie, it also has an angle of child trafficking, prostitution, and most importantly the relationship of a father with his daughter. For me, the biggest logical flaw was our hero going in the police station, while being an active, wanted criminal, recognising our main antagonist followed by police bashing, while no one uses his guns to put him down. I mean. really?
Acting wise, the lead star Ajay Devgn carries the whole movie single handedly. He is in nearly every frame of the film and provides solid, genuine acting. The child actress Abigail Eames and Polish Actress Erika Kaar, positively help him. Specially the wonderful portrayal of a mute girl by Abigail Eames will win heart of Indian audiences. The film really is about Ajay Devgn and Abigail Eames and rest of the cast are just there… for the convinience of the screenwriter.
The background score is really loyal to the mood of the film and whenever the title track is played in the background of the particular scene, you actually root of Shivaay. The title track is really well made and used well.
Overall, its really a watchable movie. If nothing else, watch it to appreciate the two years of effort put by Mr Devgn