Priyadarshan directs Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan unconvincingly
Priyadarshan reunites Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan for a 165-minute thriller that struggles to maintain its narrative momentum. Bollywood frequently turns to successful South Indian thrillers to guarantee box-office returns, relying heavily on established star power to drive ticket sales. Remaking his own 2016 Malayalam blockbuster Oppam, the director delivers a Hindi adaptation that dilutes a solid premise with excessive runtime and unnecessary musical numbers.
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Saif Ali Khan portrays Shyam Rane, a visually impaired maintenance manager who relies entirely on his heightened senses of smell, sound, and touch to navigate life and protect his siblings. He inadvertently gets entangled with Parshuram Gokhale, played by Akshay Kumar, a revenge-driven antagonist targeting those who falsely accused his family. Boman Irani steps in as retired judge Pradhan to explain the tragic backstory involving poison and suicide. Khan brings genuine warmth to his role, though he falls short during the demanding physical wrestling sequences. Kumar, previously successful in dark roles, delivers an exaggerated performance that lacks the cold, quiet menace necessary for a convincing cinematic villain.
Pacing issues delays suspense
Three misplaced songs and an ill-timed wedding dance sequence severely pad the staggering two-hour and 45-minute runtime. Viewers wait far too long for the actual suspense to take hold. Sharib Hashmi provides reliable comic relief as inspector Sanjay Shinde, but these lighthearted moments often clash with the dark, urgent tone required for a psychological thriller.
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Late actor Asrani delivers a heartwarming cameo as security guard Hussain, showcasing his enduring on-screen talent. Shriya Pilgaonkar and Saiyami Kher receive limited screen time, a recurring flaw in many modern crime narratives. Mohanlal also makes a brief appearance, paying homage to his original performance. Ultimately, viewers seeking a tightly wound mystery might prefer the leaner 2016 original over this bloated Hindi remake.
