IB 71 REVIEW: Vidyut Jamwal shines as an agent, the riveting story keeps you hooked

Film: IB 71

Director: Sankalp

Star cast: Anupam Kher, Vidyut Jammwal, Vishal Jethwa, Ashwath Bhatt

Bollywood Bubble ratings: 3/5 stars

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IB 71 REVIEW:

Some true events need to be told and heard and IB 71 is definitely one of them. Vidyut Jammwal and Anupam Kher starring IB 71 is a story of a true event that is worth knowing and here’s my honest review on this. When it comes to narrating a true story, you need to have the facts right and the evidence well-placed. Fortunately, I got to see all the right elements in this story with minor flaws. IB is Intelligence Bureau and 71 is the year when this mega incident took place.

Sankalp Reddy, the director of the movie, gives us the backstory of how Pakistani planned an attack on India. He then takes us through the incident with proper details. IB 71 is based on an operation by the spies who managed to lock the Indian air space while outsmarting the Pakistani establishments. They restricted their aeroplanes from flying over India, leading to the Nation’s victory in the 1971 war. Sankalp narrates a story that leaves an impact.

The first half of the film is slow as it takes you through the start of the story. However, it’s the second half of the film that picks up the pace and the story. You feel the rush and the anticipation to know what will happen next. When it’s a movie about RAW agents or IB agents, you just want that India should win it regardless of any circumstances. You feel the rush in you when there’s an intense scene or when you know they are going to blow their cover. A similar thing happened to me when I watched the movie.

Story:

Set in 1970, a two-front war between Indian intelligence agencies and the Pakistani establishment. After learning that Pakistan was preparing a war against India in 10 days, the agents in IB quickly made a plan even though they were not ready to strike. However, the agents of IB ensured to defeat them with smartness and not with might. Putting their lives at risk, the agents complete the task and blocked the air space with their intelligence.

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Highlights of IB 71:

Cinematography: Sankalp shows us beautiful locations of Kashmir and Lahore. The drone shots or the long shots of the place look majestic onscreen. There was one boat scene in the movie that was very well shot and executed.

Costumes: Sometimes half the movie looks pleasing when the makers keep apt costumes to period drama or historic movies. Since the movie is set in the 1970s, Sankalp showcases a good range on vintage collections. It looks perfect with the theme of the movie.

Background score: The background music of the movie adds more value and that’s what has happened with IB 71 as well. Given the fact the movie is intense, the thrilling music enhances the intensity of the scene. It gives you an adrenaline rush.

Drawbacks of IB 71:

The storyline: Given the fact IB 71 is a true story, in some places, it felt like it was made up. Don’t want to give spoilers but there are scenes that don’t seem real. However, it also raises a few questions regarding airport security, entering and leaving Pakistan like it’s no big deal when in real life it was.

Timelines: In the first half of the movie, the timeline seems a little confusing to me.

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Star performance:

Vidyut Jammwal, the star of the film looks quite promising. The actor plays the role of Dev, an agent from the Intelligence Bureau. He is intelligent and always alert. Vidyut as an agent looks classy and dapper. However, speaking about his performance, he looks convincing as an agent but needs a little flow in dialogue delivery.

Anupam Kher needs no introduction as he plays his part perfectly well. He essays the role of the Chief of the Intelligence Bureau. He knows his part way too well and does it with ease.

Talking about Vishal Jethwa, he plays the role of an activist or a revolutionist who has only one aim. He can go to any extent just to get it. Vishal’s performance as Qasim Qureshi looks just as same as what I saw in Mardaani 2. Yes, he is young and I know he has potential but didn’t impress me this time.

On the other hand, Ashwath Bhatt often plays grey characters and he aces in his department. Dalip Tahil also makes a cameo. He plays Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who was the Former President of Pakistan and his talent seems to be a total waste in the movie.

Conclusion:

Overall, IB 71 is a decent film to watch. The film keeps you hooked. However, the second half of the film keeps you on the edge of your seat. Vidyut Jamwal delivers a promising role and a watchable movie.

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Watch the IB 71 after the review

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