Vikram Vedha Movie Review: Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan's fiery combo makes way for a menacing Jugalbandi

Bollywood's tryst with remakes might be an overwhelming serve for many but what makes Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan 's Vikram Vedha different is that the philosophical and whodunnit essence of the original has been perfectly retained by director duo Pushkar-Gayatri. The characters and the meandering plot takes you in a unique cat and mouse chase between an honest police officer and a terrifying criminal. But what unfolds ahead is the maze of morality and immorality which questions the conscience of the characters. 

The plot revolves around an encounter specialist Vikram (Saif Ali Khan) who despite shooting down several criminals goes to bed peacefully knowing that he hasn't killed anyone innocent. However, he is engaged on a desperate chase behind a cold-blooded gangster Vedha (Hrithik Roshan) which grows more intense after the cop suffers a personal tragedy. Things grow murkier after his own wife Priya ( Radhika Apte ) turns out to be the lawyer for Vedha. However, just like the legendary folklore of King Vikramaditya and the ghost Betaal, Vedha soon engages Vikram in a chain of questions which makes the latter question his sense of morality and judgement. 

Taking a heavy inspiration behind the premise of the folklore, director duo Pushkar-Gayatri takes us on a twisted and lopsided journey of good versus evil. The writing delves deep into the conscience and values of the protagonist and antagonist paving the way for a ride so thrilling that it will not fail to grip you in every frame. The film runs in two timelines, one in the present and one in the past as we get sunk in deeo into the worlds of Vikram and Vedha. 

The highlight of Vikram Vedha lies in the fact that it wastes no time in insinuating all the showdowns between Vikram and Vedha that eventually leads us to the events of the past that has accelerated the chain of situations in the present. The dialogues have references from the Ramayana and folk stories of morality which lays down the motives of the characters from two opposite sides of the value system. Be it the 'white' world of Vikram which has his loving relationship with his colleagues and wife along with a clean sense of morale or the 'black' world of Vedha adorned with criminalary activities, betrayals, murder, bloodshed and gore, we find ourselves hooked on to each frame of the actioner.

Where Vikram Vedha falters is the unfolding of the climax. While the inculcation of the suspense is indeed exhilarating, we are fed with too much of information and sub plots at the same time. It becomes a little difficult to connect with the revelations and the tedious pace of the unfolding adds to the length of the film. 

Talking about the performances, Saif Ali Khan as Vikram is a delight to behold. The actor especially shines in the high octane showdown scenes between him and Hrithik Roshan. A stellar act especially when his character has to rake his conscience of white and black with each new revelation. What can I say about Hrithik Roshan's rugged and ruthless act as Vedha. The actor has gone full throttle with the rawness, tenacity and ferociousness of his character. Be it him eliminating his rivals in a menacing manner, narrating a new aspect of his story to Saif or his emotional scenes with his brother's character Shatak (Rohit Saraf), the actor is a blockbuster cinema in motion. 

Radhika Apte is rather underutilized in this one and is just reduced as a courier service between Vikram and Vedha (her words, not mine). Rohit Saraf, Satyadeep Mishra and Yogita Bihani shine in their respective parts. Sharib Hashmi has to be the supporting star cast who steals the show besides the main lead. 

The action sequences choreographed by Anis Mirza, Parvez Shaikh, SteadySijy and AsifStuntindia are simply top notch especially in the climax sequence. The cinematography by PS Vinod captures the shady and downtrodden lanes laden with crime and bloodshed perfectly. The songs 'Bande' and 'Alchoholia' especially stays with you and has a riveting impact. Watch Vikram Vedha for witnessing the cinematic brilliance of Pushkar Gayatri and the power packed performances by Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan. We give the movie 3.5 out of 5 stars.