Vikram Vedha REVIEW: Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan deliver smashing performances in this better executed Hindi remake

Film: Vikram Vedha

Director: Pushkar and Gayathri

Star Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Radhika Apte and Rohit Saraf

Bollywood Bubble Ratings: 3.5/5 stars

Vikram Vedha Movie Review:

There’s always a thin line between wrong and right. You’re either right or you’re wrong. There’s nothing in between and that’s when Pushkar and Gayathri come to narrate the story of Vikram Vedha. When I watched the original Tamil film, I liked the fact that they narrated a story whose core of the story is picked from the Amar Chitra Katha. Personally, I have grown up listening to it, I have grown up watching the cartoon series of Vikram and Betaal that makes you question wrong and right. Hence, when they used that plot for Vikram Vedha, I was completely fascinated by the reference (there’s a child in me who is just smiling at this).

But let’s talk about the Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan starrer which is an official remake of the Tamil film is an interesting watch. It divides you into, black and white. It makes you see a different side of the story. Vikram Vedha is a film that you might not want to re-watch it but the essence will stay with you. To be honest, the Hindi version of the film is much better filmed and executed that the original film (no, offence to the fans of the original movie). After a long time, I watched an action entertainment and trust me, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

What didn’t work for me as an audience is when the makers made the Hindi remake a little dramatised and dragged. The first half of the film introduces you to the mythological story of Vikram and Betaal, giving us an idea of what to expect from this movie and what’s the core of it. However, it seems a little stretched either they want to increase runtime or to take their own sweet time to reach the point. The second half was pretty interesting when all the puzzle pieces were falling into the right place but some parts were a little dramatic. But again what’s a Bollywood movie without a little drama? So, this was bearable for me. The other thing was absolutely a no no for me was the Alcoholia song. First, why is the most wanted gangster dancing like he is auditioning for Dance India Dance. Yes, add the commerical touch if you want but it seems a little off.

What I liked about the movie was its cinematography, the slo-mo shots and raw combats instead of showcasing anti-gravity moves and VFX. Can I also add the ultimate swag of Saif and Hrithik? Because they were really fab in the movie. When I say it is better executed, here I am comparing it with the original Tamil movie. If you have seen the original one, you will understand what I’m talking about.

 

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Story:

A tale about is a tough cop Vikram (Saif Ali Khan) and a dreaded gangster Vedha (Hrithik Roshan). The film underlines between Good & Evil, what you choose, defines you. However, as the cop encounters some gangsters, he comes across Vedha but the man puts him in a tough spot when he asks him some twisted questions that leave him baffled and restless. But will Vikram punish Vedha for his crimes? Will Vikram understand Vedha’s point of view?

Star Performances:

Saif Ali Khan plays the role of Vikram, a no-nonsense and righteous cop. He is very loyal to his work and does it very efficiently. He is so faithful to his job that he will do anything to stay true to it even if that means killing someone who he is close. However, it’s Vedha who puts him under the spotlight and makes him understand the two sides of the coin, that every situation has two stories. He says he sleeps well at night because he knows he didn’t kill any innocent people but Vedha takes away his sleep when he is been thrown into a dark pit for answers. Saif as a cop is terrific. After Sacred Games, I’m seeing him now in a much more serious and mature role. From his body language to his stance as a cop, Saif is a natural. I absolutely enjoyed him in action sequences, especially the hand combats. He kept it raw and brutal, a plus point for the makers and action directors to incorporate that. PS. Saif looks hot AF!

Hrithik Roshan essays the role of antihero Vedha. He is a maniac but a filmy keeda from inside. He looks brutal AF but is a softie at heart. He kills people for money but will do the same for his loved ones as well. He has all the bad qualities and yet an antihero that you feel like rooting for? Why? Well, it’s usool (values) good another side of the heart which is not diluted. Speaking about the actor, Hrithik as Vedha killed it. With a character which is so complex and complicated, he does it convincingly. Not going to compare with Vijay sethupathi because both of them are stellar actors and have beautifully played the roles in their own fashion. Hrithik as a gangster looks terrific; however, he was loosing his touch in between. In quite a few, I saw Hrithik from his previous War and Bang Bang. In fact, he sucked me out from the character when I saw him Alcoholia song. In just three mins, I didn’t buy Hrithik as the gangster Vedha. At that point, he was just Hrithik to me to is an ace dancer and flaunting his flawless moves. Please show me a gangster who doesn’t dance a maniac but like a professional dancer. Wish they had kept it authentic. If you remember, in Agneepath, when Priyanka Chopra pulls him on the dance floor, you see Hrithik barely dancing. You know that’s not what the character demands but it was otherwise here. His brooding looks, his swag, his brawny chest, Hrithik was definitely a treat to my sore eyes. Also, where can we find such a hot and dashing gangster? I don’t mind joining his clan at all. (:p)

Radhika Apte plays the role of Vikram’s wife and Vedha’s lawyer Priya. She is seen for a limited screen time but shines in all parts.  From being a fierce lawyer to being a helpless wife, Radhika emotes her emotions quite naturally and convincingly. Since she has already worked with Saif in Sacred Games, her chemistry with him was soothing.

Rohit Saraf plays Shatark, a younger brother of Vedha. He is also in a cameo and doesn’t make any difference. He tries to play his part with utmost intensity but didn’t leave any impact. Though his cuteness and boyish charm will entice you, Rohit seems mediocre. Moreover, his Bhojpuri accent seems quite forced and memorised which is off putting.

 

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Direction/ screenplay:

Pushkar and Gayathri who also directed the original Tamil film have outdone themselves in some parts of the film. Since R Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi starrer was released in 2017 and now that the Hindi version is made after 4 years, you can see drastic changes right from direction to even screenplay. It seems like the duo corrected or bettered themselves for the Hindi remake and well, it did work in their favour. 

There’s an action sequence in rain between Vikram and Vedha, I would say it so nicely shot. The perfectly timed slow motions and camera angles make it a good watch. If you’re a sucker for action, you will love it.

Conclusions:

Overall, Vikram Vedha is a smart thriller that will leave you intrigued. The Hindi version is better executed and well-projected than the original film. The story itself is the hero while Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan only enhance it by delivering a terrific performance in this smart thriller. I’m going with 3.5 stars in this Vikram Vedha review because of the gripping and interesting plot that has a touch of mythological story in modern times. Moreover, the actors and of course the execution impressed me.

Watch Vikram Vedha trailer after the review:

 

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