‘Tis the season of south remakes in Bollywood! Directed by Pushkar-Gayathri, Vikram Vedha is a remake of the 2017 Tamil movie of the same name. The remake stars Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan in the lead roles, portraying a choohe-billi ka khel between a police officer and a gangster in the evocative backdrop of Lucknow. With its captivating storyline and impressive performances, Vikram Vedha stands as a noteworthy addition to the crime thriller genre, but isn’t as riveting as the original.
The film revolves around the gripping pursuit of Vikram, an upright police officer portrayed by Saif Ali Khan, as he hunts down Vedha, a cunning and charismatic gangster played by Hrithik Roshan. As the name suggests, the storytelling is inspired by hum sabke bachpan ki fav story Vikram Betaal. And much like the folkore, the narrative presents a compelling blend of mystery and intrigue. By skillfully incorporating subplots, Vikram Vedha keeps the audience engrossed, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn.
Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan bring their A-game to the screen, delivering performances that are nothing short of spectacular. Saif embodies the conflicted cop Vikram with such conviction that you’ll be torn between rooting for him and joining the dark side. And Hrithik? Oh boy, he’s a revelation as Vedha, oozing charm and menace like nobody’s business. Their chemistry is electric, and you can’t help but get sucked into their magnetic performances.
Difference between Good and Evil
The movie subtly addresses societal issues without being preachy. It skillfully explores the complexities of the justice system and delves into moral ambiguities of good vs bad. Loved how they made Saif wear white for most part of the movie and Hrithik black. This thematic depth adds layers to the narrative and encourages viewers to contemplate the shades of gray within the characters’ actions.
While the plot is strong, film suffers in the technicalities
Pushkar-Gayathri’s direction impresses, maintaining a tight grip on the narrative and skillfully building tension and suspense. The cinematography by P.S. Vinod deserves praise for capturing the raw and gritty ambience of Lucknow’s streets. The visuals enhance the film’s atmosphere, allowing viewers to feel immersed in the underworld being portrayed. While it generally maintains an engaging pace, there are instances of slightly prolonged narrative. Some trimming could have resulted in a more consistent and tightly paced experience. The editing by Richard Kevin also ruins the big action sequences due to numerous cuts within seconds. That dented the overall impact of the action aspect for me.
One thing the original was so praised for, was the music of the movie. The makers play it smart by keeping the same score for the remake as it adds depth and emotion to the storytelling. Apart from a couple of them, the songs seamlessly blend into the narrative, complementing the mood and character development. The background score is simply fireee and effectively intensifies key moments, electrifying the overall impact of the film.
“Vikram Vedha” is a thrilling crime drama that captivates viewers with its engaging storyline and stellar performances. Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan deliver standout portrayals, supported by an impressive ensemble cast. While the film could have benefited from tighter pacing and editing, it manages to balances intense action sequences with thought-provoking social commentary. Overall it stands as an entertaining and experience and is a decent remake of the original blockbuster.
