Vikram Vedha stars Saif Ali Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Radhika Apte, Rohit Saraf, Sharib Hashmi, Satyadeep Mishra, and Yogita Bihani. Written and directed by Pushkar-Gayatri, the action thriller is a remake of their 2017 Tamil movie of the same name that starred R Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi. The cinematography is by PS Vinod and the editing is done by Richard Kevin A.
Sam CS has composed the background music and the songs are composed by Vishal-Shekhar. The movie is produced by YNOT Studios, Friday Filmworks, Reliance Entertainment, T Series Films, and Jio Studios. The runtime is of 156 minutes approx.
Vikram Vedha Movie Review Contains No Spoilers
In Vikram Vedha, Vikram is an encounter specialist in Lucknow who boasts about the 18 criminal encounters he’d done in his career so far. He’s on a mission to get hold of Vedha, a wicked man with an extensive criminal record.
Every time Vikram comes across Vedha, the latter narrates a story. The stories are quite tricky, which leads to Vikram questioning his actions and behavior.
Directors Pushkar-Gayatri spend 30 minutes giving us a good idea of how the police force functions. We not only see them carrying out an encounter but also their wrongful side. While some may find it dragged as they wait for Vedha’s entry, the first 30 minutes help in establishing the morally corrupt side of the police force.
Then with great style, slow-motion shots, and a threatening aura, we meet Vedha (Betaal). When Vikram and Vedha come face to face, the plot thickens and you are intrigued by everything that happens next.
Through the movie, the makers want to put forward the point that not everything is black and white in life. There cannot be just two sides – right and wrong. Often, there’s a grey side that many are not aware of. When a person like Vikram, who thinks of himself as a righteous cop is put on the spot to think of the grey area, he’s at a crossroads, questioning his morals.
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Pushkar-Gayatri’s latest flick ticks off all the boxes of being an entertaining and thoroughly massy movie. It simultaneously leaves us looking for answers and clues, awakening our morals about whose side to take. Whether it’s the first half or the second half, the solid narrative and non-linear storytelling succeed in keeping us engrossed, despite being predictable during the climax.
The BGM by Sam CS takes the compelling narrative and action-packed sequences on the big screen to the next level. Hrithik’s dance performance in Alcoholia is a visual treat.
Coming to performances, Saif Ali Khan gives another noteworthy performance as Vikram, a cop who is committed to his work and style, and is put in a morally complicated spot. Radhika Apte doesn’t have much screen time and her character doesn’t justify her acting skills.
Hrithik Roshan has surrendered to the character of Vedha, whether it’s the way he walks, talks, fights, or attacks. He’s a man who’s aware of his cleverness and wicked side. The actor delivers one of the most memorable performances of his career. The only drawback was his inconsistent Awadhi accent in the first half.
Vikram Vedha has a lot of classy and well-choreographed action sequences that have been missing on the big screen. The last 20 minutes will generate a lot of claps and whistles for sure. Cinematographer P S Vinod has done a good job but his camera works the best when he has to capture the directors’ vision of Vedha being this charming but menacing person. You can’t take your eyes off the Betaal in this story.
From the way he walks to the way his hair flips in the air, everything is captured perfectly. Vinod’s camera again exceptionally captures the powerful and lengthy action sequence in the end. The movie reminds us of many two-hero classic action thrillers we’ve grown up watching.
Vikram Vedha Review: Final Thoughts
Overall, Vikram Vedha is worth every minute of your time. It’s a big screen experience that packs in a gripping and thought-provoking story with great action, suspense, and thrill. Pushkar-Gayatri’s attempt to present one of India’s most popular mythological folklores in a modern format is tremendous. Both Saif and Hrithik have done a fantastic job.
The movie is now out in theatres. Book your tickets here.
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