Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan lead the star-studded cast of “Vikram Vedha,” directed by Pushkar and Gayathri. The film, a Hindi remake of the 2017 Tamil hit, presents a gripping narrative following the template of ‘Baital Pachisi,’ where Vikram (Saif) attempts to outsmart the cunning Vedha (Hrithik) through a series of intricate questions. The movie explores their dynamic and delves into their evolving relationship as Vikram gets entangled in Vedha’s complex web.
The film successfully resurrects a sense of Bollywood heroism, reuniting two exceptional actors and showcasing them in a way that evokes nostalgia and reminds audiences of the captivating magic of Indian cinema. While the movie is lengthy, it manages to keep viewers engaged with its constant dose of fresh and engaging entertainment.
Despite its strengths, “Vikram Vedha” does exhibit some flaws that are common in longer films. Yet, the entertainment factor remains high throughout, making it a compelling watch for those willing to invest their time.
The film stays true to its original source, emphasizing the chemistry between the lead actors and leveraging their swag through skillful cinematography by P. S. Vinod. The slow-motion sequences, coupled with a captivating background score by Sam C. S., add to the film’s cinematic appeal. The movie effortlessly juxtaposes Hrithik and Saif in visually arresting shots, creating a harmonious balance between their characters.
While the editing occasionally loses its grip due to the film’s runtime, the storytelling retains its potency. The portrayal of Vikram and his colleague Abbas, though somewhat lacking in emotional depth, remains a crucial element of the narrative. Vikram’s wife track, however, falls short of adding significant value to the overall story.
Hrithik Roshan’s performance as Vedha pays homage to the original character while adding his unique touch. He navigates the complexities of Vedha’s dual nature with remarkable finesse, making both the good and bad aspects of the character stand out. Saif Ali Khan impressively steps into Vikram’s shoes, showcasing his acting prowess by striking the right balance between subtlety and delightfulness.
Radhika Apte’s role offers limited scope for her acting skills, while Rohit Saraf delivers a heartfelt performance as HR’s younger brother. Yogita Bihani’s presence seems somewhat out of place within the film’s rustic setting, and Sharib Hashmi and Satyadeep Misra shine in their supporting roles.
Pushkar and Gayathri exhibit their directorial prowess, infusing technical excellence into the Hindi version while retaining the mass appeal of the original. The film’s aerial shots and innovative camera work enhance the visual experience, elevating the storytelling to a new level.
The background score by Sam C. S. injects life into every scene, contributing to the film’s overall impact. The inclusion of the iconic track “Karuppu Vellai” with a fresh twist by Vishal-Shekhar adds a unique flavor to the soundtrack. The fusion of heavy metal elements with commercial music in the track “Bande” and the remarkable choreography in “Alchohia” further enrich the musical aspect of the film.
In conclusion, “Vikram Vedha” effectively showcases the synergy of two talented actors and their captivating performances. Despite its minor flaws, the film successfully delivers an engaging cinematic experience, solidifying the notion that multi-starrer films can indeed set the screen on fire.
Rating: 8/10